Spyware roundup

Spyware glossary

		Spyware Introduction Spyware commentary Lavasoft Ad-aware McAfee AntiSpyware 2005 Microsoft Antispyware (beta) Spybot Search and Destroy Spyware Doctor Webroot Spy Sweeper Spyware glossary Spyware FAQ

Adware
Typically, adware components install alongside a shareware or freeware application. These advertisements create revenue for the software developer and are provided with initial consent from the user. Adware displays Web-based advertisements through pop-up windows or through an advertising banner that appears within a program's interface. Getting pop-up advertisements when you're working on your computer is very annoying.

Spyware
Spyware often installs as a third-party component bundled with a freeware or shareware application, just like adware, making the distinction between the two somewhat vague. Spyware includes code used to gather and transmit information about the user or his or her behavior to a third party. This statistical data often is collected without the knowledge or consent of the user.

Hijackers
Often installing as a helpful browser toolbar, hijackers may alter browser settings or change the default home page to point to some other site.

Trojan horses
Trojan horses slip into an individual's system and run without the user's knowledge. They can have many functions. For example, some use a computer's modem to dial long-distance, generating huge phone bills for the computer owner. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojan horses do not make copies of themselves.

Tracking cookies
Internet browsers write and read cookies, files with small amounts of data (such as site passwords and settings) based on instructions from Web sites. In many cases, cookies provide a benefit to users. However, in some instances cookies are used to consolidate and track user behaviour across different sites, which provides marketers with private information about an individual.

Lavasoft Ad-aware If you're a penny-pincher, the free version of Ad-aware 6.0 is a good choice for spyware protection.

McAfee AntiSpyware 2005 McAfee's AntiSpyware 2005 does a good job of spyware removal, if you can get past its IE-centric model and clunky update features.

Microsoft Antispyware (beta) Microsoft offers its first, free antispyware app, and so far it looks good.

Spybot Search and Destroy Spybot Search and Destroy is adaptable for both beginning and power users, and it's a great way to keep your home PC free of spyware. Best of all -- it's free.

Spyware Doctor With its quick scanning and multiple tools for stopping malware before it infects your computer, Spyware Doctor is a solid spyware remover.

Webroot Spy Sweeper If you're unsure about the applications installed on your PC -- or know for a fact you've got a few bits of shady software hanging around -- then Spysweeper is a good buy, once you get past the speed issues.