What is spyware/adware?

Spyware/adware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program. Data collecting programs that are installed with the user's knowledge are not, properly speaking, spyware, if the user fully understands what data is being collected and with whom it is being shared. However, spyware is often installed without the user's consent, as a drive-by download, or as the result of clicking some option in a deceptive pop-up window.

The cookie is a well-known mechanism for storing information about an Internet user on their own computer. However, the existence of cookies and their use is generally not concealed from users, who can also disallow access to cookie information. Nevertheless, to the extent that a Web site stores information about you in a cookie that you don't know about, the cookie mechanism could be considered a form of spyware.

Spyware is part of an overall public concern about privacy on the Internet.

In short, spyware/adware has become one of the biggest causes of software issues with computers. These programs can go so far as to disable your Internet connection. However, most frequently they cause random popups, abnormal browsing behavior, system lockups, and can cause the computer to slow down dramatically.

How can I stop spyware?

There are a number of programs available that clean spyware off of your computer:

• Lavasoft Adaware
• Spybot - Search & Destroy
• PestPatrol

What about popup blockers?

A popup blocker is a good first line of defense against spyware, but be careful - many blockers today actually contain spyware! Instead, consider the Google Toolbar, which will block popups automatically. This toolbar integrates with Internet Explorer and does an excellent job of keeping those popups from appearing. Note that the use of a popup blocker will NOT remove the spyware/adware on your computer - it is only a preventive measure.

Another alternative is to use a different web browser. There are a number of other browsers, including Opera, Mozilla, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, etc. All of these browsers require periodic security updates which usually have to be performedmanually.

MIX, STAR and VISTA currently work with Firefox, Netscape, and other mozilla based browsers.

Note, however, that some websites will require Internet Explorer in order to operate properly. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Microsoft Windows Update