Importance of Spyware Essay -- Computer Software

The Importance of Spyware â€Å"Spyware consists of computer software that gathers and reports information about a computer without the users’ knowledge or consent† (â€Å"Spyware†). Spyware is a major problem for many users. It causes problems with the setup and general operation of a computer. It is one of the most typical internet intruders today and many users are unaware of what spyware is and they do not know how to recognize or prevent it. Spyware is different than a computer virus because a virus travels into the computer system without permission from the user. Spyware may be obtained by clicking the â€Å"I agree† option on the installation agreement before actually reading the entire contract. Some examples of typical spyware include: Direct Revenue, Cydoor, Xupiter, XXXDial, and SpyKiller (â€Å"What is Spyware?†). Most spyware is the result of downloading documents from the Internet. In this respect, spyware is similar to a Trojan horse. Spy ware can also come from clicking the advertisement pop-up screens, and through email. According to National Cyber-Security Alliance, 90% of home PC’s have been infected with some type of Spyware (â€Å"Spyware†). In order to determine if a user has been infected with spyware, there are some vital signs to look for and recognize. There will be some defective functionality, where the spyware will keep track of the steps the user takes without the user’s knowledge of it. There is also a loss of privacy when spyware has infected a computer. The spyware can send private user information back to the Internet vendor; therefore it reduces the user privacy. There may also be an increased amount of pop-up advertisements on the computer screen while connected to the Inte... ... Anti-Spyware programs. Although spyware is a major problem for computer owners today, the advance of anti-spyware programs from software companies, along with help from the users, will ultimately aid in the termination of spyware altogether. Works Cited â€Å"How to Find, Remove, and Prevent Spyware, Internet Intruders, and Pop-Ups.† Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center. 3 April 2005. http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/computer-article-spyware-pop-ups.html â€Å"Microsoft AntiSpyware.† Wikipedia Encyclopedia. 3 April 2005. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_AntiSpyware â€Å"Spyware.† Wikipedia Encyclopedia. 3 April 2005. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware â€Å"What is Spyware?† PC Pitstop. 3 April 2005. http://www.pcpitstop.com/spycheck/whatis.asp