Spyware question?

Question

what is spyware and what does it do to your computer also how do u get
I don't need a program for it i already have avg

please explain better

Answer 1

Spy ware is basically a small program that is installed on your system without your knowledge. That program may have the ability to do things like hijack your browser so that when you do a search you are directed to specific sites. They can also do more harmful things like record your keystrokes therefore providing someone access to all of your private info.

As to how: you can get it just from surfing the web or saving a photo from a site.

In regard to getting rid of it. There are alot of programs that are designed for this purpose that are free. I would recomend that you use more than one. I keep about five different antispyware tools on my system. Some may call that paranoid or excessive but I have never had a problem with spyware that I could notr get rid of with one or the other.

There are a couple that I would recommend over the rest which are ad aware se and system mechanic. While ad aware deals specifically with finding and removing spyware there is a spyware tool in system mechanic and it provides other tools as well

Answer 2

AVG will help to battle spyware. However I don't feel it can do it on it's own. I would add the following.

Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.


Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php


Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.

Answer 3

Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term, coined in 1995 but not widely used for another five years, is often used interchangeably with adware and malware
One of the things it does beside waste space on hard drive is run in the background using up computer resources making processing slower.

Answer 4

This site will explain it all to you and gives some very nice tips. They also have a good explanation of what you asked about in terms you should be able to understand.

http://www.pcpitstop.com/

pakratts