Web surfing can turn into a nightmare if the proper precautions against spyware are not taken. Once these uninvited programs start invading your computer, it may take some time before you can restore it to its original setting.
With the proliferation of spyware on the Internet, more and more computer users are falling victim to spyware. According to research conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 59 million American adults, or 43 percent of home Internet users at one point have had spyware infect their home computers.
Spyware are usually installed by clicking on e-mail links, banner ads on Web sites and downloading files. They can also be found in popular file-sharing programs like Kazaa.
Spyware use the computer's memory and processor while running and cause them to slow down. They invade privacy by sending personal information back to the spyware designers and other interested parties. These may take the form of cookies that keep track of browsing habits and contain detailed profiles of the user.
A spyware can barrage you with advertisements, change your computer settings and crash your computer.
Certain spyware known as key loggers record your keystrokes as you type and send the information back to the program designers. These can track your IDs, passwords and credit card information leading to possible identity theft.
It's difficult enough to get rid of spyware once detected, but some spyware can run "behind the scenes" and monitor your surfing habits. These programs remain undetected to the naked eye and start when the computer is powered on.
You'll know if you have spyware when your computer runs slower than normal, your browser home page has changed and new sites are added to your Favorites list. Unknown Web sites may also appear while you are browsing the Web.
If you don't have a spyware removal program installed on your computer, you should download one as soon as possible since some spyware programs prevent installation of removal software.
It should be noted that spyware prevention programs are different from spyware removal programs. Prevention programs like SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard are effective tools that decrease the possibility of spyware appearing on your computer.
In order to effectively protect yourself from various types of spyware, you should run an antivirus software along with an anti-spyware program.
