Adware, Spyware, do you know the difference?

With the current over dependence on internet technology by this generation, it is important that people know the various malicious software that cause nuisance on our pc's. These programs are different from spam but do invade our privacy and even at times do steal our identities with malicious intentions.

Adware is normally offered as a freeware to consumers who are not ready to buy the actual product. Some functions of this product are disabled until the user is ready to buy or pay for the product. This enables the customer to try or test the product before buying it. These programs usually contain a adverts which you will be viewing whilst using the product. So if you decide to stop using the product, then tha adds must stop.

Spyware:
At times, some freeware contain some intrusive adware which monitor your surfing activities, your security and even your privacy. These adware are therefore called spyware. Spyware behave like a trojan horse because you unknowingly install them whilst installing some different software.
Spyware, once installed, monitors your activities online and transmit the information to someone else. It gathers information on your credit card details, passwords and email addresses.

Spyware exists as independent executable programs and so have the capability to monitor your keystrokes and scan files on the hard drive. They also snoop word processors, install other spyware programs, change the default home page on the Web browser, while consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author.
There is no way for you to know ahead of time whether or not you are opening your computer to spyware unless part of the installation informs you- sometimes this information is contained in the license or user agreement in an obscure place where many users do not read.

What do the Authors do with my information?

These people sell your information. They can sell it as many as they want in a week. May be about a thousand times in a single week. That means your credit card information, banking information, name and address, email address book, and whatever else they can use is sent out to criminals all over the world.

Your information can then used to create fake credit cards to buy merchandise, apply for loans, commit crimes, create fake driver's licenses and ID cards, create fake passports, apply for jobs using your Social Security Number, and send Spyware-infected emails to everyone in your email address book - posing as you.

What an adware/Spyware removal program does for me?

Programs have been developed that search your entire hard drive for adware and Spyware fingerprints - bits and pieces of information-gathering code.

The first thing an adware removal program does is identify the owner of the adware and offers you the choice of which ones you want to delete and which ones you will allow. For instance, you may want to keep a certain piece of adware because you know that the information it's collecting means you will be offered products and choices that interest you. You know the vendor, and you know which download the adware is servicing.

Once you've made your mind to keep or delete choices, it puts up a guard and, depending on the developer and the options you choose, notifies you each time there is an installation attempt and asks whether or not you want to block the installation. This is particularly important if you have to make one of those tough game, music, or video download decisions.
For adware products, visit Adware and for antispyware, visit Antispyware