Support - What is spyware

Spyware, which is also known as adware, malware, and trackware, is software designed to track a user around the internet. While you browse, mail, chat, shop, etc., a program may be hiding on your computer, taking notes on everything you're doing. Marketing companies use these programs to pop up ads on your computer, or more often to silently gather information on you so that they can sell that information to other marketing companies.

Is it that bad?

Even if you don't mind the idea of someone watching every move you make on the internet, spyware has other effects. These programs are much like any other programs, taking up some memory and a bit of your computer's attention. They like to attract and install other spyware as well, and eventually the machine could end up running dozens of spyware programs. All that attention taken away from other programs, makes the computer run slower.
Besides slowing down your PC performance, spyware can also cause problems with your other programs and with Windows itself.
The most common include:

• increased pop-up ads (even when offline)
• unexplained homepage change
• mysterious search results

I'm safe, aren't I?

For virtually all users of the Internet, spyware is a nuisance and, left undetected, can lead to serious consequences like identity theft. Because of the threats that spyware pose, a spyware remover, such as SpyBot Search and Destroy or AdAware should always be guarding your PC.

Even if you're careful, spyware can be installed on your PC through normal Internet activities.
Some of the common methods are:

• Visiting any media-supported website
  You are likely to receive tracking cookies
• Shareing music, files and photos with other's
• By installing software applications without fully reading the license agreement
  Note: Especially those which are "embeded" in web pages, and may be 'required' to view some portion of the web site.

How do I keep from getting spyware?

May we suggest the following tips: Know what you are downloading. Spyware has one characteristic which makes it different from viruses, trojan horses, and other malware: At some point during the installation of some program, usually in the license agreement, there is a notice that the spyware will be installed. Of course, they won't call it spyware; they'll mention how software in this package may contact to a company's network to download new ads or report usage habits or the like.

What do I do if I get spyware?

We at New Age Digital have developed a section on removing spyware from your system which contains download links and helpfull tips.
One of our techs has also written an article on stopping pop-ups.