Spyware Information

Learn more about spyware

The term spyware is used to describe any software that is installed on your system without your consent or under false pretenses and used to collect personal information, track your web habits, or display advertising, to name just a few uses. For more information about spyware, please visit these pages at the Microsoft web site:

Install anti-spyware software!

Every computer system should have anti-spyware software installed, preferably more than one program. Using multiple tools makes it more likely that new threats will be detected by at least one program.

We recommend that you install the following programs. All of these programs are free for personal use.

Microsoft Windows Defender (Free)

It works like antivirus software in that it has both an on-demand feature as well as a real-time feature, protecting you from threats as they try to install themselves.
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (Free for personal use)

The free version of Ad-Aware is an on-demand scanner. It will not defend against new threats, only identify and remove those that are already on the system. Only their retail software provides a real-time component.
AVG Anti-Spyware

Update your antivirus software!

Make sure your anti-spyware software detects the latest threats. Update your software at least once a week, if not daily! Microsoft Windows Defender will download updates automatically. If you use Ad-Aware, you can check for updates manually.