Because of the risk of viruses and worms, people who use computers that can connect to the Internet are usually careful when downloading programmes from the Internet and email. These bad programme codes and programmes can make your system unstable, and even worse, once they've spread through your system, they can infect other systems that are connected to yours.
Because of this, any smart computer user will have anti-virus software on their computer to protect it from viruses and worms that are common on the Internet. The good thing about viruses and worms is that it is easier to tell when they are trying to get into your system. For example, a virus or worm can try to get into your system through a suspicious attachment, which usually comes from a source you don't know. Most people who use the Internet know better than to open attachments from unknown senders. Also, strong anti-virus programmes can check attachments before you open them, reducing your risk of viruses and worms.
But if you use the Internet, you have to worry about more than just viruses and worms. Unfortunately, anti-virus programmes aren't made to look for other types of threats. If you aren't careful, you could install adware and spyware on your computer without knowing it. Once this happens, it can be hard to get rid of these programmes. One thing is that most spyware can stay on your system without being found. You'll keep using your computer and the Internet the way you always have, not realising that your privacy is being greatly violated and your security is being severely hurt.
Since spyware can go unnoticed and you can still use your computer and the Internet as usual, there's no need to worry about removing it, right?
Wrong.
In mild cases, spyware invades your privacy because it can track and record how you use your computer. It then sends this information back to the company that made the spyware so they can use it to make marketing profiles. More than that, though, some spyware can record and keep track of your keystrokes, scan the documents on your computer's hard drive, and steal your passwords and other sensitive information that can make you the victim of identity theft and other situations where your personal information can be used to compromise your security.
On the other hand, companies use adware to put ads on your computer that you didn't ask for. The most annoying ones are the ones that pop up ads on your screen even when you're not on their site or using the programme that started the adware in the first place. In fact, sometimes adware keeps working in your system even after you've removed the programme it came with.
You should get rid of spyware and adware from your computer because they pose security risks, invade your right to privacy, and make your computer less useful. But it's not so easy to get rid of adware and spyware from your computer.
For one thing, companies that put spyware and adware all over the Internet go to great lengths to make it hard to get rid of them from your computer. For example, most of the time, you won't be able to use legal software if you try to get rid of the adware or spyware that comes with it. Most of the time, adware and spyware come with legitimate freeware or shareware and can't run on their own.
