Spyware is a general term
used to describe software
that performs certain
behaviors such as
advertising, collecting
personal information, or
changing the configuration
of your computer, generally
without appropriately
obtaining your consent
first.
Spyware is often
associated with software
that displays advertisements
(called adware) or software
that tracks personal or
sensitive information.
That does not mean all
software that provides ads
or tracks your online
activities is bad. For
example, you might sign up
for a free music service,
but you "pay" for the
service by agreeing to
receive targeted ads. If you
understand the terms and
agree to them, you may have
decided that it is a fair
tradeoff. You might also
agree to let the company
track your online activities
to determine which ads to
show you.
Other kinds of spyware
make changes to your
computer that can be
annoying and can cause your
computer slow down or crash.
These programs can change
your Web browser's home page
or search page, or add
additional components to
your browser you don't need
or want. These programs also
make it very difficult for
you to change your settings
back to the way you
originally had them.
The key in all cases is
whether or not you (or
someone who uses your
computer) understand what
the software will do and
have agreed to install the
software on your computer.
There are a number of
ways spyware or other
unwanted software can get on
your computer. A common
trick is to covertly install
the software during the
installation of other
software you want such as a
music or video file sharing
program.
Whenever you install
something on your computer,
make sure you carefully read
all disclosures, including
the license agreement and
privacy statement. Sometimes
the inclusion of unwanted
software in a given software
installation is documented,
but it might appear at the
end of a license agreement
or privacy statement.
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