Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet, and transmits that information in the background to someone else.  It can attempt to force pop-up advertising when you are looking at websites and seriously slow down the operating speed of your computer.

How do I know if I have got Spyware on my computer?
If you still use a dial-up connection to access the Internet one tell-tale sign is just after you start up your computer the dial-up connection pops up trying to connect you to the Internet (when you haven't asked to).  The other obvious sign is that when you are looking at websites you keep getting lots of pop-up advertising.

Doesn't a Pop-up Blocker sort it out?
Pop-up blocker's seem to be very popular with many folks at the moment. Often built into extra toolbars for Google or Yahoo they attempt to block pop-up advertising.  Even Internet Explorer has it built in.  You might be surprised to learn that I don't use any pop-up blockers!  Why? ... Because many websites rely on using pop-ups to function.  e.g. Secure Payment and Online Banking sites.  Besides, blocking pop-ups does not stop Spyware and Adware programmes from running and taking up your valuable processing memory - in fact the little internal battle between Adware trying to open a pop-up and your various pop-up blockers trying to stop it can just use up even more memory and slow down your PC still more.  Wouldn't it make sense to get rid of the Spyware and Adware running on your computer in the first place?

How can I avoid getting Adware or Spyware?
You might be familiar with the phrase 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'  Well this is certainly true of Free downloads.  The Internet is crammed with offers of free programmes that offer to change your mouse pointer, install you a fun screensaver or assist you with a special Search toolbar.  Some even offer to get rid of Spyware!!  Many of these free programmes come packed with Spyware and Adware programmes built in.  All I suggest is you avoid them and if you share your computer with others (particularly younger members of the family) tell them not to download or install anything without thoroughly checking it out.

How do I get rid of Adware or Spyware?
Norton Internet Security 2005 and 2006 now has a Spyware remover added in, so as long as you keep it up to date and scan regularly that should help.  Ironically there is a free Adware remover (you can trust) at www.lavasoftusa.com called Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition.  Install this, update it and you can then manually scan and remove these nasties from your computer.  (I suggest you run it religiously once a month)