Spyware is becoming more of a problem each year. In the late 90's spyware was very rare and computer users only had to worry about virus's and trojans. Theses days spyware has grown and is more common on computer systems running windows xp. Virus's still do exsist and are much more harmful over spyware, Anti virus solutions are avaliable, but spyware is just as bad. In some cases, on a highly infected system, the computer is basically unusable due to all the spyware and adaware taking up all the system resources.
A simple definition of Spyware: a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first.
Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements (called adware) or software that tracks personal or sensitive information.
Spyware can be obnoxious because it performs "drive-by downloads". Drive-by downloads are accomplished by providing a misleading dialogue box or other methods of stealth installation. Many times users have no idea they have installed the application. Often Adware makers make their application difficult to uninstall and the user will need anti spyware software to remove it completely.
is potentially more dangerous beast than Adware because it can record your keystrokes, history, passwords, and other confidential and private information. Spyware is often sold as a spouse monitor, child monitor, a surveillance tool or simply as a tool to spy on users to gain unauthorized access. Spyware is also known as: snoopware, PC surveillance, key loggers, system recorders, Parental control software, PC recorder, Detective software and Internet monitoring software.
Here are some examples of spyware on Windows XP operating system. (Click to enlarge)
