Spyware and Ad Ware

Spyware and ad ware are programs that read information on your computer and then send that information to someone else. They can cause your computer to run slower, they can use your computer to send their e-mail through and some can even steal your identity information, such as credit card numbers, log in names and passwords and anything else of a personal nature you may have on your computer.

We usually run two or three or even four spyware and ad ware programs on our computers. Why? Because no one program seems to be able to catch everything. And we run them daily. And we update them daily. (All of these tasks can usually be done automatically.) And the programs usually check out e-mail and anything we download off of the internet or from floppy discs or CD's so we don't become infected. But be sure that these programs are set up properly or they won't protect you. Please visit our resource page where you will discover some that are provided for free. (They usually ask for a donation so they can continue to provide it for free.) Others will cost you varying amounts. So check them out carefully.

There is also spyware that can detect your keystrokes. They will later on send that information to an outside source. If you work in an office your employer may also have this type of a system in hardware form. This usually attaches to the back of the computer. Either way their main purpose is to see what you have been typing. And if you have typed in a credit card number it will register that along with any log in names and passwords you may have typed in.

PC Security software reviews & Side-by-side comparisons (Aware Report)

The Spyware Warrior Guide to Anti-Spyware Programs

Spyware Information.com