Spyware is software installed without user consent that collects information about users and their computer habits. It can slow computers by using processing power in the background for tracking internet usage and displaying unwanted ads. Over 80% of computers are estimated to be infected with some form of spyware. Spyware often gets installed through clicking suspicious pop-ups or buttons, downloading files from untrusted sources, or installing browser toolbars without caution. Signs of infection include slow performance, unexpected ad pop-ups, and changed browser or system settings. Keeping anti-spyware software up to date, using a firewall, and practicing caution online can help prevent spyware infection.

1. SpywareSpyware is computer software that is installed on a user's computer without the user's express consent with the purpose of collecting information about the user, their computer or browsing habitsWhat Spyware can do to your system? They can suck the life out of your computer's processing power. They're designed to track your Internet habits, nag you with unwanted sales offers or generate traffic for their host Web site. Spyware hide in the background while they make unwanted changes to your user experience. According to some estimates, more than 80 percent of all personal computers are infected with some kind of spyware.Wed., May 25, 20111Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

2. How spyware gets installed on your computer?Spyware usually ends up on your machine because of something you do, like clicking a button on a pop-up window, installing a software package or agreeing to add functionality to your Web browser. These applications often use tricks to get you to install them, from fake system alert messages to buttons that say "cancel" when they really install spyware.Wed., May 25, 20112Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

3. Emails: If you receive any email from unknown or unexpected senders make sure that you scan it before opening it with your antivirus software and if you have any doubts do not open.Suspect Websites: Browsing some websites that are suspect can lead to infection because the spyware can be hidden as code in the web page itselfWed., May 25, 20113Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

4. Peer to Peer File Sharing Software: Peer to peer software used to download illegal music, video and software is a common source of infection.A lot of the files available on peer to peer networks (Kazaa) have spyware hidden within them or are not the files you were expecting at all.Wed., May 25, 20114Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

5. Popup Messages: Spyware can often infect your computer through popups or IP popups. IP popups are sent direct to your computers IP address and can not be stopped by popup blockers. Popups like this are often disguised as Windows error messages instructing you to 'click here' to rectify the error. When you click the button you are executing malware. Wed., May 25, 20115Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

6. Instant Messaging (IM) Software: This may be a surprise to many of you as instant messaging software is becoming very popular. Infection usually happens when sharing files with people so be careful who you share files with. Networks: All computers on a network are at risk of infection if one of those computers has spyware on it.. For that reason all network computers must be protected by Antivirus software and a firewall.Wed., May 25, 20116Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

7. Browser add-ons :These are pieces of software that add enhancements to your Web browser, like a toolbar, animated pal or additional search box. Sometimes, these really do what they say they'll do but also include elements of spyware as part of the deal.At present, most spyware targets only the Windows operating system. Some of the more notorious spyware threats includeTrymedia, PersonalAntiMalware, Gator, advanced defender, JustProtectPC, Hotbar and New.Net.Domain.Plugin.Wed., May 25, 20117Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

8. Some signs of spyware infection are:- Your computer slows to a crawl due to several spyware programs using up your memory resources. - Advertisements pop up even when you are offline.- You click on a link to go to one site, but your browser gets hijacked and you end up at another site.- Your computer is dialing up numbers on its own that show up on your phone bill.- When you enter a search item, a new and unexpected site handles the search.- Your bookmarks change on their own.- You click your Home button but it takes you to a new site, and when you switch the setting back, the new site appears again anyway.- You get pop-up ads that address you by name even when you have not visited site at which you have registered.Wed., May 25, 20118Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

9. How to prevent infection? Use Anti-Spyware Software: The most effective way to protect your computer is with good quality anti-spyware from a reputable company. It is not recommend to use free antivirus software, these tend not be very effective and can be spyware in disguise. Which ever one you use just make sure that you keep it regularly updated and remember to renew your yearly subscription. Remember, out of date anti-spyware software is completely useless.Wed., May 25, 20119Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

10. Use a firewall: Windows XP and Vista both have a firewall built in and you should have them switched on. Most internet securities applications will have an excellent firewall feature so use this in favor of windows firewall.Update windows regularly: Update regularly using Windows update facility to ensure you have all the latest critical security updates. Security holes in Windows are often found and Microsoft will have patches for these available..Curing your infected computer: With any good anti-spyware program, removing spyware is a simple task. If you set them up to do so they will remove it automatically and then inform you once the offender has been dealt with.Wed., May 25, 201110Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist

11. A final word of advice:You will be at a much higher risk of infection if you visit illegal or immoral websites as these sites tend to be set up and frequented by people who have no scruples and will think nothing of infecting your computer along with many others. Sites such as Peer to Peer file sharing websites that provide free music and movie downloads, porn sites that offer picture and movie downloads, file sharing sites and websites offering "amazing free downloads" of top brand software that you should be paying for. Free tool bars for your browser are also a popular way of spreading spyware, if in doubt only install tool bars from reputable companiesWed., May 25, 201111Nora Abuzokkar, Software Development / Network Engineering Specialist