Users can often get spyware on their computers unknowingly through downloading of many free programs. Many free programs secretly install spyware while you are installing their main program without explicitly receiving your approval. Once the spyware is on your computer it collects about you and your browsing habits and either sends that data back to the main database or shows you ads based on the data its received. Spyware can have different effects on your computer. Some will slow down your computer considerably while others will automatically redirect your browser to various websites. For example if you typed in Vista-Registry-Cleaners.com, and were looking to buy registry cleaning software the spyware might redirect you to a site offering illegal copies of the software.
Here is a list of many common programs that come with spyware secretly attached:
- Messenger Plus only comes with spyware if you agree to their sponsor program
- Dope Wars
- Bonzi Buddy
- Kazaa
- ErrorGuard
- Limewire
- Realplayer
If you have installed any of these programs then I would recommend using one of the recommended free anti-spyware programs to clean your PC.
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