Sorted -- Spyware & Adware

What do the experts say about it?

Wikipedia.org - "A general term for malicious software that is designed to take control of a computer without the consent of the user. Adware is one type of spyware - computer programs in which commercial advertisements are automatically shown to the user without their consent."

How does it get there in the first place?

We tend not to read the license agreements when we install a program, but sometimes they can point out that you’re installing a little more than you thought. Sometimes free software really is too good to be true, and bundled alongside them are programs that will bombard your PC with advertisements, or track your browsing habits online for research purposes.

But how does this affect me?

You didn't agree to be shown ads like these or ask for a list of sites you visit to be given to some company across the world for supposed market research. It's a clear invasion of your privacy.

Get it Sorted

Spyware's a pain, but there are a number of things you can do to sort it. Click below to check out the advice we have.

Find out more

For further reading on spyware and adware, take a look at the following sites: