spyware/adware look at what you are doing and report it to whatever company and they may give you pop ups of what you like or however else they want to get their product across to you. Then there are some that even send personal information. These programs run and you dont even know it and make your computer slow. That's why getting a good spyware program is a good idea. The free ones are ok, but not good enough. If you use free ones i would use 2 or 3 of them. Spysweeper is the best out there hands down, but you have to pay for it per year. its not expensive either and comes with virus protection too and stops it before it evens gets to your computer, unlike the free ones...
2007-02-15 04:42:07
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Spyware" has come to be a generic term used for unwanted software that is installed on your computer while using the Internet. The earliest "spyware" (and where the name comes from) would keep track of your Internet usage, and sent that information back to the creator of the spyware. That info could be used to sent you spam or popup ads related to things your surfing showed you were interested in. (If you go to music sites, you would get music spam and popups).
Newer ones can cause popup ads to appear on your PC, steal other information about you (passwords, credit information, etc), give you non-stop false virus warns and try to sell you the "cure" for their own program and redirect your browser so that it continually goes to the spyware owner's web site.
They can slow your PC (the more programs running, the slower the PC), slow your Internet connection (because they are using it to send their information), cause non-stop popup ads, and even steal information (and money) from you.
2007-02-15 04:44:36
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
What is Spyware?
Understanding Spyware, Browser Hijackers, and Dialers.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial41.html
Yes it does affect the computers performance
Get a free PC safety scan
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm
Check for and remove viruses
Get rid of junk on your hard disk
Improve your PC's performance
Protection Center
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm
Keep hackers and unwanted software at bay and learn about some quick ways to keep your PC secure.
Tune Up Center
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/tuneup.htm
Like a car, your PC needs regular maintenance to help keep it in tip-top shape.
2007-02-15 07:37:48
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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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 (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer respectively).
2007-02-15 04:33:20
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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"Spyware" has come to be a generic term used for unwanted software that is installed on your computer while using the Internet. The earliest "spyware" (and where the name comes from) would keep track of your Internet usage, and sent that information back to the creator of the spyware. That info could be used to sent you spam or popup ads related to things your surfing showed you were interested in. (If you go to music sites, you would get music spam and popups).
Newer ones can cause popup ads to appear on your PC, steal other information about you (passwords, credit information, etc), give you non-stop false virus warns and try to sell you the "cure" for their own program and redirect your browser so that it continually goes to the spyware owner's web site.
They can slow your PC (the more programs running, the slower the PC), slow your Internet connection (because they are using it to send their information), cause non-stop popup ads, and even steal information (and money) from you.
2007-02-15 04:33:01
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answer #5
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answered by dewcoons 7
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ADB ... Check my link below. It's a comprehensive article on the various types of problems that can do your computer harm.
2007-02-15 04:49:38
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Here is a good guide and free tools to protect yourself http://www.basicspywaretips.com/
2007-02-15 04:34:03
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answer #7
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answered by Mark 4
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