by Ben Watson

Created on: March 16, 2006   Last Updated: January 17, 2010

Adware is a collection of programs that track your movements around the internet via "cookies" in your web browser. A list of sites and things you look at on the net and take interest in are saved into a notepad file usaully called a cookie, in your web browser. These files are then sent to various companies whom want to follow your browsing habbits. They then use these to give you those annoying popup promotions and the like that can bug you when surfing the net. You will find that if you don't clear your cookies file every now and then, the popup adverts and the like become more and more tailored to your interests, because they are based and sent to you on the stuff you like and frequently visit.

It was intended initially as a way of market research but it has got out of hand now and many people suffer from adware / spyware and spam.

The solution:
There are a few steps you need to take:

1. Clear your internet browser's history / cache / temporary internet files. (These options can usually be found under "Settings" on your browser)

2. I suggest using Mozilla Firefox - www.getfirefox.com because it is more secure in my opinion that internet explorer which is the majority browser that people use.

3. goto: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html and download Spyware Blaster - it is a free application that will STOP SPYWARE GETTING ONTO YOUR COMPUTER IN THE FIRST PLACE! It doesn't remove it, it stops it getting in to begin with. Fantastic program and I swear by it.

4. Get an Anti Virus software - I suggest F-Secure - www.f-secure.com

5. Get a firewall. I suggest F-Secure firewall again but if you want a free one, Zone Alarm is a good choice - get it from www.download.com.

The more spyware you have on your computer - the less responsive it becomes. It asks a lot of your internet connection, you can receive large bills for excess usage, it can lead to spam emails sent to your contacts in your email address books, anyone that plays online games will suffer, and download rates could be effected badly. It also leaves doors open at times for people to steal very personal data such as passwords and account/creditcard numbers.

So yes, it can damage both you and your computer! Put an end to it by following the above steps!

If you think your pc is out of hand already - i suggest you give it to a repair company to format it so it is completely cleaned - but make sure you backup your important data first because a format clears EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING!

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