What is "spyware"? (definition taken from zdnet.com):

"Also known as 'adware', this hidden software program transmits user information via the Internet to advertisers in exchange for free downloaded software."

For more general information about spyware:

• definition of "spyware" from Whatis.com, click here
• definition of "adware" from Whatis.com, click here
• article from ZDNet.com, click here
• "spyware" related articles from SmartComputing.com, click here

How do they get installed on the computer?

These programs are usually installed when visiting specific web sites, bundled with popular file sharing programs like Kazaa, LimeWire, iMesh, or come with ad-supported freeware programs that are downloaded and installed.

• article from SmartComputing.com, click here
• article from News.com, click here
• article from Wired.com, click here

For more comprehensive information on spyware programs:

• Spychecker.com, click here
• UnwantedLinks.com, click here
• Scumware.com, click here
• GRC.com, click here
• more relevant links from Google, click here

Detection and Prevention

You can download programs to check for and remove spyware from your computer and you can also set your internet browser to prevent programs from "auto-installing".

To set your browser to prevent programs from "auto-installing"

• In Internet Explorer
  1. on the file menu along the top, click on "Tools"
  2. click on "Internet Options"
  3. select the Security tab
  4. click on the "Custom Level" button.
  5. the "Download Signed Active X Controls" should be set to "Prompt", not "Enable"
     Note: Homestead recommends a "Medium" security level.

• In Netscape:
  1. on the file menu along the top, click on "Edit"
  2. click on "Preferences"
  3. click on "Advanced"
  4. click on "Smart Update"
  5. make sure "Require Manual Confirmation of Each Install" is checked

• article from ZDNet on preventing spyware, click here
• To read about specific spyware programs from SimplyTheBest.net, click here.
• check if a program on your computer is spyware using Spychecker.com, click here
• a free program called AdAware checks your computer for spyware, to go to the AdAware download page, please click here

Removal

There is a free program, AdAware, that will remove spyware programs from your computer, as well as, web sites with manual removal instructions:

• AdAware, click here to go to the download page.
• instructions from Unwantedlinks.com, click here
• instructions from Privacy Power!, click here
• (New) instructions from cexx.org for VX2 spyware removal, click here

Additional Notes:

• None of the above are official partners of Homestead, nor has Homestead done any extensive testing of what they have to offer. Use of their tools and services must be undertaken at your own risk.