Let's first examine exactly what spyware is and what it does.
Spyware is computer software that is installed secretly on your computer to capture or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer without the user's knowledge and without the user's consent.
While the term spyware suggests software that clandestinely monitors the users behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring.
Spyware programs can collect many types of personal information such as Internet surfing habits, recently visited sites, but can also hinder the user's control of their computer in other ways.
Some of the ways it can interfere are; installs additional software, redirects Web browser activity, accesses websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverts advertising income to a third party.
Spyware can even change your computer's settings which can result in slow connection speeds, change you home page, and loss of Internet or other programs.
A spyware program is usually not alone on a computer: an affected machine can rapidly be infected by many other components.
Users frequently notice unwanted behavior and decreased system performance.
A spyware infestation can create significant unwanted CPU activity, disk usage, and network traffic, all of which can slow the computer down.
Stability issues, such as applications not responding, system will not turn on, and system crashes, are also common.
Spyware, which interferes with networking software and commonly causes difficulty connecting to the Internet.
Spyware remains a costly problem.
When a large number of pieces of spyware have infected a Windows computer, the only cure may involve backing up user data, and fully reinstalling the operating system.
In response to the appearance of spyware, an ever growing industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software.
Running anti-spyware software has become a commonly recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows computers.
So what can we do about this problem? As the spyware threat has gotten worse, a number of techniques have emerged to counteract the problem.
These include programs designed to remove or to block spyware, as well as various user practices which reduce the chance of getting spyware on a system.
Watch for reduced system performance and run anti-spyware software.
A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.
You can check your local governmental agencies to check and see if your state or province has any anti-spyware laws in place.
Keep in mind that even if you state or province has laws against spyware, you still need to protect your computer and your personal information.
Any prosecution of a person or company would probably happen only after a person's computer has already been damaged or personal information stolen.
This is why it is imperative that you protect yourself.
There are many spyware removal programs out there.
The key to keeping your system humming and free of spyware is to run a reliable spyware removal program.