Spyware is a computer program which can be installed on personal computers (usually without the permission from the owner) and has the purpose of collecting information and sending it back to another source - usually an Internet marketing or pornographic website.

Spyware programs often record information such as which websites you have been visiting or what you have been downloading.  Spyware programs can be installed through a virus or as part of an installation of a program.  Many programs that are free on the Internet contain spyware and people should always be careful of this when installing such programs on their computer.

Visit our Free Software page for some applications that can help you remove spyware.