As the internet progresses as a technology so do the threats that can infect your computer. Spyware and adware are two issues that have recently become as difficult as computer viruses. While these issues are not as dangerous as viruses they are a lot more widespread. About ninety percent of computers are infected with spyware or adware.

Despite their prevalence many still do not know the exact definition of spyware and adware. Spyware is a term that is applied to any application that is installed on a computer and causes some type of negative effects, take over resources or cause privacy and security issues. Spyware is typically used to tracks you computer activity and then send the information back to the person who created the software. Adware is a software the send advertising to your computer. Often times the information send by adware comes from information gained by spyware programs on your computer.

Applications that you download from the internet can have a very high, medium or low risk of containing spyware and adware. High risk programs are those such as free screensavers, desktop enhancements or other free download. Unless you can be one hundred percent sure there is no spyware or adware in these programs, you should avoid downloading them at all cost. The medium category is for those that you know what you're installing such as free utility programs and downloadable games. The lowest risk programs are those that come from major software vendors such as Adobe.

To get rid of spyware and adware the first step is to become educated. Once you know what you are dealing with you will be able to get rid of it. If you find yourself overrun with spyware and adware then a quick and easy way to get rid it provided you catch it early is to run a Windows System Restore. No matter how vigilant you are on the internet it is inevitable that you will eventually come across these systems and you must remove them as quickly as possible.

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