Spyware is becoming the largest menace of computers in the last year. Hidden away within free
applications, these programs can spy on your computer activities and report home various
information about your computer habits. Adware is another menace that is closely related to
spyware. Just like Spyware, it can be secretly installed on your computer and will monitor what
you do. Then, when the time is right, some Adware apps will display relevant advertisements.
Did you ever visit eBay.com and then notice an advertisement for Ubid.com, one of eBay’s
competitors, pop up on your screen? If so, then you are infected with a bad case of adware.
How does your computer get infected? There can be a number of reasons why, but the most
common reason is that you visit a Web site and are prompted to click Yes on some pop-up
box to allow an application to install that you think is a game or some cool browser utility
such as a search toolbar. Often, these utilities are spyware themselves and are also bundled
with other spyware and adware. Unfortunately, users never seem to read the terms of service
agreements that are presented when they are installing these free apps on their computers
and pass right over the notices that this software will display ads and will monitor your
browsing habits.
These next few sections will show you how to detect and remove spyware and adware from
your computer, as well as what to look out for to protect your computer from getting infected
in the first place. Additionally, you will learn how to use some of the new features of Windows
XP Service Pack 2 to protect your computer from getting infected if you accidentally try to
install spyware or adware.
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