Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent. While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habits, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs. In an attempt to increase the understanding of spyware, a more formal classification of its included software types is captured under the term privacy-invasive software.

Basically, adware and spyware are tools that advertisers, marketers and spammers use to attain personal information about users which can then be reported on, or sold to advertisers and other interested parties. In the case of spyware, this information is exploited and harvested without the user's consent and can be used to invade your privacy and compromise your personal data. They can collect personal information from your machine and also monitor your internet website viewing habits. Adware is a form of direct marketing, it places ad banners, toolbars, pop-up windows or changes your browser homepage to something other than what you intended with the express purpose of generating sales.

If you don't protect yourself from Spyware, every piece of sensitive information (such as passwords and bank account numbers) is at risk of being viewed and stolen. Unauthorized websites may end up in your Favorites folder or on your desktop. Your Internet activity can be tracked and logged; unwanted toolbars can appear in your browser, and your Internet settings and default Homepage can be hijacked. In a worst case scenario, files and programs on your computer can become corrupted causing your entire system to crash, erasing your data and costing you a lot of money.

The sad truth is that if you ever connect to the Web, you've likely been exposed to Spyware at some point. There are some signs to look for though. Common symptoms of Spyware include decreased system performance, the presence of annoying popup ads, and browser redirects.

While most spyware and adware programs are intended to run undetected on users computers, there are some tell tale signs that you may have some spyware and/or adware lurking somewhere on your system:

• When you start your internet browser, your homepage has mysteriously been changed
• Items mysteriously appear in your Favorites list within your internet browser, without you putting them there
• Your system seems to slow down, even when you're not running a lot of programs. You may also notice a marked performance loss when starting up your machine and when shutting it down.
• An unwanted Search bar or Toolbar may appears in your internet browser, and even upon uninstall it persists.

The difference between these applications isn't always cut and dry. All three of these terms are very general, and there are a multitude of categories that fall under each. Malware, is the most inclusive. Its name comes from the Latin, malus mala, which translates as bad, evil or wrong. Therefore any program that damages a computer, facilitates a breach of privacy, or installs software without the user's consent is classified as Malware. Obviously this can refer to Spyware, Adware, Viruses, Trojans and other malicious applications, but it can also apply to programs with good intent that just don't work right.

Any program that compromises your privacy and system security can fall under the category of Spyware. Spyware is recognized by its stealthy nature. It wants to operate out of sight so that you'll continue doing what you always do, and it can snoop at your personal information.

Adware is more overt. It is recognized by its aim to steer you to advertising you don't want. The most well-documented symptom of Adware is the popup, the annoying advertisement window that flashes over other windows. But Adware can do other things too. If your Internet browser seems intent on steering you toward unrequested websites or your Homepage becomes hijacked and you can't change it, that's Adware as well. For the most part, Adware is obnoxious more than it is threatening, but due to the lack of ethics in its propagation, it usually comes with Spyware that you don't see.

It costs you nothing to download Secure-One Antivirus nor to run a scan and see what the program's database finds on your PC. If the results appear to be a viable threat, then you have the choice to register the application and be party to all of the resources and support offered by our company. A new computer costs an average of $1,000. Obviously the costs associated with someone stealing your bank account number or your identity can be much higher. When it comes down to it, it is much more feasible to buy Secure-One Antivirus.