Spyware is any software made by an outside source which, upon invading your computer, benefits this outside source at your expense. Unlike viruses, it doesn't destroy or corrupt files. Instead, it manipulates your computer in such a way that allows the spyware's creator to profit at your expense.

Spyware does this in several fashions. It can range from minor annoyances, like creating pop-up ads; sticking links in your favorites list; changing your homepage; and, displaying inappropriate content, to serious invasion of your privacy, such as monitoring your computer usage and stealing confidential information like user names and passwords, credit card numbers, and company files.

Meanwhile, your productivity dramatically decreases because many of your resources are being used by the spyware.

Unfortunately, spyware is very difficult to destroy once it has implemented itself into your computer. It can be either a bundle of files or linked inextricably to important program files. It's best to use an anti-spyware program, both to prevent spyware from reaching this point and to find and delete it once it has.

Because the majority of users use Microsoft Windows, the majority of spyware programs are aimed at this operating system. Users of other operating systems are much safer, but they should still be cautious.

You might be thinking these techniques can’t be legal, but mostly they are. You may have heard of famous cases of actors or businesses claiming copyright or trademark infringement and winning. These multi-million dollar businesses and powerful, famous people fought long and hard through the court system before being awarded their rightful domain names. Do you have those virtually inexhaustible resources available to you? Of course not.

• How is spyware bad?
• Prevention
• Discovery and Removal