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.
If you are like most users on the internet, chances are you are probably infected with at least one of these applications.
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, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party.
In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software.
Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers.
A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.
Why does Spyware and Adware affect almost every internet user?

All information you enter via the web can be intercepted

Unauthorized sites can add themselves to your desktop (icons)

Unauthorized sites can add themselves to your internet favorites

Your browsing activity can be tracked and monitored

Unwanted toolbars and searchbars can attach themselves to your browser without your knowledge or approval

Your personal information can be sold to other parties without your knowledge or consent

Your default homepage and settings can be hijacked so you can't change them

These malicious components not only invade your PC so they can not be removed, but take up your hard drive space and slow down your PC!

Your PC is probably infected with adware & spyware if:

You have downloaded music online

Your PC is running extremely slow

You are pestered by those horrible popup ads

Your homepage keeps changing

I think that I am infected Spyware or Adware.
What can I do now? If you think you may be infected or just want to protect yourself in future we have plenty of resources to help you clean an infected personal computer.
If you are looking to remove Spyware then I would recommend viewing our downloads page.
Getting stubborn adware and spyware off of your PC can be frustrating.
However, there are steps you can take to make the process easier and more effective.

Ensure that you have an up-to-date anti-spyware scanner.
Most spyware and adware scanners enable you to download the latest updates automatically to ensure you are always checking for the latest spyware and adware.

Do not rely solely on your antivirus program to do the job.

Before running a scan, shutdown all open browser windows and applications (including email) and then disconnect your PC from the Internet.
If accessible, the easiest thing to do is just remove the phone line or cable connecting the PC to the modem.

Scan the system with an anti-spyware scanner and allow it to remove any adware/spyware it finds.
Then reboot the PC, regardless of whether you were prompted to do so by the scanner.

After the reboot, and before reconnecting to the Internet, scan again.
If the scanner still reports signs of infestation, allow it to remove any traces and reboot again.
After the reboot, scan a third time.
If the scanner still reports signs of spyware and adware, or you still feel there are traces not being detected by the scanner, the following tips will help.