Spyware can drastically slow down your computer or even completely crash your system.

Spyware tracks your computer usage and sends the information to their parent companies without you being aware of it. These companies or individuals can then sell your private information to third party vendors for use that is not only unwanted, but dangerous.

Some Spyware, called keystroke loggers, can record user names and passwords for the most closely guarded Web sites, including online banks. It can also collect system configuration and personal details of the user as well as SPAMing your email account and sending annoying PopUp ads to you.

Spyware can change a Web browser's home page, install unwanted search toolbars or add bookmarks to a browser.

Where does Spyware come from?

Spyware is secretly bundled into many popular - usually free - software downloads. They do this because the Spyware companies pay for every install of the Spyware onto a user's computer. Some tell you about it in the end-user licence agreement, but most don't.

It is difficult to keep up with spyware programs, which constantly change their way of working inside a computer to evade detection and contain many times more programming instructions than an average virus.

How can you avoid or remove Spyware?

If you are visiting a website and are asked to 'accept' or install a file that you are unsure of, don't accept it. Once you click accept, you've given them authorization to install their software - which may contain Spyware. Only install a program if you are certain of what it is. Be aware that installing one program, may actually cause the installation of another one as well.

If you notice something odd, such as an unexpected browser redirection, unwanted popups, or some other kind of annoyance, you probably have Spyware on your computer. You should immediately scan your PC with the Spybot - Search & Destroy program.

Spybot - Search & Destroy is free and has more than 10,000 definitions of spyware. There's a list of common infected applications and clean alternatives on the site. Even if you don't think you have hidden Spyware, you should scan your PC as 95% of computers that are connected to the Internet have Spyware without ever being aware of it.

A few of the well known Spyware containing programs that Spybot - Search & Destroy targets are Aureate, CLPRS, Comet Cursors, eZula HotText, Gator, GoHip, Radiate, WebHancer, and WildTangent.

Spybot - Search and Destroy also removes your usage tracks (last visited Web sites, opened files, started programs, and cookies), so even spybots that are unknown can't transmit this private information.

Spybot - Search & Destroy has been around a long time, has been used by many people, and has gained a reputation as being safe and reliable.

A word of caution...

In an attempt to trick and take further advantage of computer users who are trying to rid themselves of Spyware, some companies have created supposed Spyware killing programs that actually install the same kind of unwanted Spyware they promise to remove. Three of these programs are SpyBan, SpyKiller and SpyHunter. Do NOT install these programs on your computer.