Spyware sneaks onto your computer disguised as an ActiveX control or a mischievous program that a Web site tricks you into installing, or can even piggyback on legitimate software that you download and install. Spyware earned its name because it steals your private data without your knowledge. Over the past few years, spyware has proliferated to the point that a computer connected to the Internet behind a firewall with properly configured antivirus software can still be infected with spyware--some cases have contained as many as 100 instances of infection--because, until recently, most antivirus-detection software hasn't targeted spyware. However, the latest versions of most antivirus software can detect certain installations of spyware. Microsoft has joined this battle with its recently released beta version of Windows AntiSpyware. The program packs useful and innovative features in a slick and easy-to-use interface.
Just What Is Spyware?
Spyware is sometimes confused with Internet advertising. Such advertising helps keep popular Web sites free to users. In fact, famous brands such as Coca-Cola and Ford Motor Company hire advertising companies to manage not only their print and television advertising but also Internet campaigns. In general, Internet advertising uses cookies to personalize content or let advertisers know which ads are more effective than other ads in eliciting reader response. Cookies are an accepted and secure method of remembering information about a Web site. They are secure because only the site that sets a cookie can read or write data to that cookie. Because no applications download with a cookie, the Web site that sets a cookie can't use it to extract information from your computer. In contrast, spyware (including adware, which shouldn't be confused with legitimate Internet advertising) is usually an executable program (either an application or script) that runs on your computer outside the security of your browser and attempts to install new software or change your computer's configuration settings. Spyware is usually installed without your permission, either surreptitiously or by tricking you into installing it unknowingly. Whereas Internet advertising plays a role in keeping popular Internet sites free to users, spyware has no redeeming qualities and can be harmful and malicious. . . .
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