What is Adware and Spyware?

So you've heard of Adware, maybe even been a victim of spyware, but what is it exactly?
Adware and Spyware is software which delivers ads via pop-up windows or a bar that appears on the computer screen. This is achieved by monitoring the users browsing activities and invading your privacy with pop-ups.
Adware can include code that tracks a user’s personal information and pass it onto third parties without the authorization or knowledge.

How does ADWARE/SPYWARE effect internet users ?
These malicious components invade your PC and can be very difficult to remove, as well as causing your PC performance to drop significantly.

Various Symptoms
- Sites adding icons to your desktop
- Sites adding themselves to your internet favourites list
- Toolbars and search bars attaching themselves to your browser
- your default homepage and settings can be hijacked so you cant change them.
- Adds extra advertising on webpages, or even replaces existing advertising.
- Monitoring browsing habits for commercial purposes.
- Gain access to passwords and credit card numbers
- Slow PCs down by using up system resources.

Removing Adware/Spyware from your PC
There are many programs available that will scan your system and clean off many type of Adware/Spyware.
If you think you have Spyware or Adware then download one of these cleaning applications and scan your system, two of the most popular are Lavasofts Ad-Aware SE and Spybot which are both free to use.

About the Author

Founder of http://wwww.avmechanic.co.uk a Free Video Editing and Computer help community covering a wide range of topics.

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