Is it illegal to have spyware on your computer? Where do you get it?

Question

I babysit my neice who is 12 years old and she gets on the computer all the time. It seems like she is hiding something because everytime I come in the room she closes out what she was doing on the computer. I have parental controls on but still I worry she is talking to strangers on Myspace and yahoo chat forums. Is it illegal to get Spyware? Where do you get it? Any suggestions? Do you think its morally wrong to get this. The mother likes the idea of it.

Answer 1

spyware is something that is downloaded within downloads or on 'untrusted' websites, its not something a 12 year old can download on purpose

i would suggest you get yourself a key logger, to see what she is up to - it will record all keystrokes, website visits and computer actions

try this one http://www.actualkeylogger.com/

Answer 2

First off, Spyware is not something that the owner purposely puts on their computer. Spyware is a hidden program that is bundled with certain software programs, usually without the knowledge of the owner. What Spyware does is track the internet sites that you visit, and reports it back to whichever company put out the Spyware. This is done for marketing purposes. It's annoying and can bog down your computer system if you don't remove it.

As for tracking where your 12 year old neice is going on the internet, you can always check the internet history from your browser. Where to find that depends on the browser you're using, but you can usually find it in one of the tabs at the top of your browser.

Answer 3

You can download it from the internet. Its not illegal and i dont think that it is morally wrong. I have a 12 year old and if she were being secretive i wouldn't hesitate to get it to see what she is up to. But we have an understanding that there is no privacy when she is on the computer and i am allowed to look over her shoulder and watch what she is doing. If she ever gets to the point that she is hiding something from me, i would definetely get a spyware program. You cant be too careful when it comes to our children and internet use.

Answer 4

I would not do that (get spyware). As a parent you should be concerned with your child's behavior online hell you are a parent. She will understand when she gets old. I can give you a program that will let you view another computer from somewhere else.

http://www.realvnc.com

VNC (it is free for personal edition and legal)

So you can install the VNC server on your daughters computer, and use the client from the other computer. Now from there you will have to know the computer's ip address to connect to it. then you are looking at what she is doing.

This is not easy to use (easy to install) but if you all are determined you can get it done. Read all of the documentation on how to do it.

The little vnc icon turns black after you are connected that is the only way she can find out. You will also have control of her computer if you move your mouse.

RJ

Answer 5

you wouldn't like spyware installed in your computer. a spyware is a malicious program that can bring harm in your computer. or sometimes just annoy you. spyware is not what you need. a suggestion would be to block those sites using the feature of your browser. or the best thing would be watch what your niece is doing. lol

Answer 6

It is up to the computer owner (ie you) if you want to install software that tells you what people are up to on your computer. As long as you tell them in advance!

It isn't spyware you want, that is generally stuff that spys on you without your knowledge.