Spyware refers to programs that use your internet connection to send information from your personal computer to another computer without your knowledge or permission. This information can include browsing habits, downloads, or personal data. Spyware is often installed secretly when a user downloads other software and can slow a computer's performance. Anti-spyware software can prevent spyware installation or detect and remove any spyware already installed. Major anti-virus companies now include anti-spyware features to protect against this type of unwanted program.

1. By:
BINITHA A
MANNAM FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR EDUCATION EDAKKADU P O,
PORUVAZHY
SOCIAL SCIENCE
REG NO -16915373005

2.  The word 'spyware' was used for the first time
publicly in October 1995.
 It popped up on Usenet (a distributed Internet
discussion system in which users post e-mail
like messages) in an article aimed at Microsoft's
business model.

3.  Spyware refers to programs that use your
Internet connection to send information from
your personal computer to some other
computer, normally without your knowledge
or permission.
 This information is a record of your ongoing
browsing habits, downloads, or it could be
more personal data like your name and
address.

4.  Most spyware is installed without users'
knowledge.
 Spyware gets on a system through deception of
the user or through exploitation of software
vulnerabilities.
 Most of the time it is bundled with some sort of
other software that the user has downloaded.

5.  A spyware infestation can create significant
unwanted CPU activity, disk usage, and
network traffic.
 Stability issues, such as applications freezing,
failure to boot, and system-wide crashes, are
also common.
 Spyware, which interferes with networking
software commonly causes difficulty
connecting to the Internet.

6.  Some types of spyware disable software
firewalls and anti-virus software, and/or
reduce browser security settings, thus opening
the system to further opportunistic infections,
much like an immune deficiency disease.
 Some other types of spyware use rootkit like
techniques to prevent detection, and thus
removal.

7.  Spyware is still changing, meaning remedies
can vary from different types of spyware.
 If programs do not work to rid the computer of
the infected then a full system reinstall would
be needed.
 Most big anti-virus firms have added anti-
spyware to their anti-virus packages. (Such as
Macafee and Symantec)

8. 1. They can provide real time protection against
the installation of spyware software on your
computer.
2. Anti-spyware software programs can be used
solely for detection and removal of spyware
software that has already been installed onto your
computer.

9.  CoolWebSearch
 Internet Optimizer
 HuntBar
 Movieland
 MyWebSearch
 Zango
 WeatherStudio

10.  Ad-Aware SE
 Spybot - Search & Destroy
 GIANT AntiSpyware
 AVG Anti-Spyware Professional Edition