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Understanding Spyware

Spyware comes in many forms. Typically, spyware gets installed on your computer without you realizing it. It may be part of a program that you installed or it may install itself as you access various web sites. The following information is not meant to be a complete discussion of all spyware issues. We hope that it will acquaint you with some of the spyware issues that Spy Sweeper can address for you.

Spyware is any application that collects information about your computer activities, then sends that information to another individual or company without your knowledge or permission.

Spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through email or instant messenger, as an ActiveX install, or by someone with access to your computer. Once on your drive, spyware secretly installs itself and goes to work. Unlike traditional personalization or session cookies, spyware is difficult to detect, and difficult (if not impossible) for the average user to remove.

You can set up Spy Sweeper to detect and remove unwanted spyware. However, in some cases, the program that installed the spyware may not work without the spyware installed. You should test your programs before deleting spyware permanently.


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