Have you been hit by Spyware and endless PopUp messages? If so, read on! Spyware programs work behind the scenes, collecting and sending information about your browsing habits, delivering advertising you didn't ask for, and interfering with the normal operation of your machine.

They can add toolbars that you didn't install, run programs and even alter your system settings. Some spyware is clever enough to hide in the nooks and crannies of your hard drive if it senses you trying to remove it, making it devilishly hard to evict.

How Spyware Gets Into Your Machine:

Spyware files are often bundled together with other software downloads so many users don't even know they're getting these sneaky programs. Or users unwittingly invite them into their machines, believing they're getting something else. Unlike a virus, with spyware you may not even know you've been hit. How did it happen?

With that one innocent click, you can unwittingly download a program that can be launched not from your operating system but from a website that you've visited. It can install a new toolbar you didn't ask for and a hundred or so spyware files quickly go to work infecting your PC.

 

How To Fend Off Spyware:

Be extremely cautious when considering a download of any kind. In this game, it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Many legitimate free programs include spyware in their downloads... it's how they pay the bills. Read the license agreement carefully before proceeding.