What is Spyware?
Spyware is malicious software that is designed to steal personal data like credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords, etc. Spyware is generally designed in such a way that it gets installed without the user knowing about it. Some spyware can also hijack web browsers, deliver unwanted advertisements and download and install software, virus programs or more spyware.
At first the term "spyware" referred to hardware that was meant for espionage purposes. However, after being used in a press release in 2000 by Gregor Freud, the founder of Zone Labs, the term has taken on its present meaning. Today, almost all the people who are familiar with computers and the Internet might be aware of viruses, spyware and other malicious software.
Spyware usually get installed using vulnerabilities in the computer software or when the user unknowingly downloads infected or "tagged" files from the Internet. The main difference between virus programs and spyware is that unlike virus programs, spyware no do not replicate i.e. make copies of themselves and spread to other computers. Certain trojan horses also download and install spyware without the user knowing anything about it.
Windows computers are more vulnerable to spyware and other such malicious programs. Apple MacOS X and other operating systems like Linux and FreeBSD are more secure when compared to Windows. There is a lot of debating on why there are few spyware targeting Linux and FreeBSD. Some claim that these operating systems are inherently much more secure and it is difficult to write spyware to run on these. Others claim that since the market share of these operating systems is much lower when compared to Windows, spyware writers don't think that it is worth the effort to write spyware specifically for these operating systems.
If you are using a Windows system, it is recommended to regularly update your operating system to stay secure from spyware. Software updates contain bug fixes and patches to security vulnerabilities. It is also recommended to switch to a better browser like Mozilla Firefox or Opera instead of the default Internet Explorer. These browsers are much more secure and can help you in keeping your computer spyware free.
You should also install a good anti-virus software and update it regularly. Many commercial anti-virus software can detect spyware. However, you can also install an anti-spyware software along with anti-virus for maximum security. A firewall is also recommended. Most anti-virus packages or Internet security suites, as they are known, come with a firewall.
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