what is a spyware ?

Do you know what is running on your computer? What it is doing? Who put it there? Why did they put it there? and do they have the right to put it there?
First seen on October 16th 1995; spyware exploits your computer for commercial gain. Nine out of ten computers that have internet use are affected by spyware. So what exactly is this spyware?

Spyware is often downloaded onto your PC when you download other free software.
Most spyware does not collect information about you; it is not stealing your name, credit cards or other personal information, however spyware has the ability to do this. The term spyware suggests your behaviour is being monitored but spyware often goes beyond forwarding information about your browsing and spending habits. Spyware can collect various types of information and interfere with user’s control of the computer in other ways such as; installing addit software, redirecting your homepage and messing with your web browser activity. Spyware can cause harmful viruses and even change your computer settings creating a slow connection and loss of internet as well as other programmes.
Internet cookies can also be considered spyware. If a web site stores information about you in a cookie that you didn’t know about; this could be classed as spyware. Also some music CD’s allow you to get extra content if you put the CD in your computer and download extra features. This is great but what you don’t realise is that you could also be downloading spyware. Although the desirable software itself may do no harm, the bundled spyware does.
You should always read license agreements when downloading software to minimise your risk of downloading harmful spyware. It is also advised to get an anti-spyware programme on your computer as you probably already have spyware present.