What is spyware? Is this something that somebody can use to see what you are doing on the computer?

Question

Can this be used on your computer if the person has no access to your computer ( can they somehow install it from another location?)

Answer 1

Somewhat.
More often intended to capture personal or financial info & send it to fraud artists.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

Spyware is software that companies use to send data to them on how you use your computer. For example, they might install a client that watches the sites you visit, then report those addresses to them. Companies use this data to advertise on these more popular websites, or to track usage info between demographics of users. This is spyware, but not the kind you're implying about.

Programs that record all of your activity are known as screen capture, key loggers, or their better category class: trojan horses. These programs capture passwords, credit card numbers, SSN's and screenshots, and these programs send them to less than scrupulous people for their personal gain. Trojan Horses get on to your computer by clicking on ads, downloading illegal software on peer-to-peer networks, friends who use your computer and install them, or by using another online program as a ferry to transfer them silently without your permission.

Spyware is annoying but usually harmless without an internet connection. Trojan Horses are always bad: most of the time, they bring real viruses or other "mal-ware" with them.

Both programs are the reason why security experts are pushing the use of firewalls recently, since they block unauthorized traffic, rendering these programs mostly useless.

The best way to dodge spyware is to "surf low". Stick to sites you know and trust. Don't use search engines unless you're desperate, and never click on an Ad or a link in your email, even if it's from a friend.

Answer 3

Spyware is as the name infers. Someone is spying on what your computer is being used for.

Spyware comes in many forms. Much of it is cookies set on your PC to monitor what sites you visit. Many companies do this so they can send you junk mail for stuff they think you may be tempted to purchase.

Some spyware redirects your pc to Porn sites or other sites you wouldn't normally visit.

The only 100% way you cannot get spyware is if you are not connected to the Internet. As long as you are connected to the Net, you can get spyware. Even with spyware blockers. Someone is always creating new ways to get around the blockers. But, the blockers are updated to find ways to block the new spyware. A silly game to be sure. LOL.

There are spyware blockers, many are free. Just go to http://www.download.com to find one you are comfortable with.

Answer 4

If you ever worry about spyware, just go to www.spywareterminator.com. Get that and all your worries are out the door! Spyware is never cool. Tracks everything you do and shares with selected others. Get that program quick. As well as CCleaner at www.ccleaner.com. They are free and work better than anything you will have to pay for! guaranteed.

Answer 5

yes its possible spyware can track your information. You get spyware from just about any website

Use these to get rid of spyware(do a scan with virus scanner or after. Just scan the same day your Virus Scanner would)

Free Ad-Aware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Spybot Search and Destory (very easy to find download page): http://www.spybot.info/

SuperAntiSpyware(best usage, but slow scan): http://superantispyware.com/

Answer 6

Here are some free tools to protect you from spyware http://www.basicspywaretips.com/spywareremovaltool.html