Protecting Your PC
Spyware > Introduction
It's thought that more than 80% of PCs are infected by spyware. But do you know what it is, or how it can cost you thousands of pounds?
Spyware is software that can attach itself to files or other pieces of software that you are downloading. You may not even know you have it.
Once spyware gets inside your computer, it can steal your data, track your movements, surreptitiously monitor your actions and even steal some of your computer's processing power. Spyware can tell identity thieves and criminals where you are and what you're doing. It can map where you go on the web.
Some signs of spyware are:
- adverts popping up
- new icons appearing on your tool bar
- homepage settings changing
- a slower computer that is always crashing.
No matter how careful you are, you can get spyware. And sometimes there are no signs at all that your PC is infected. To protect yourself when downloading, always read the small print and only download from sources you trust.
Find out how spyware is getting into your PC and spying on you!
You can use this to get print outs of the Useful Tools content. 
Software: Systems software such as Windows operates the computer itself. Applications software such as word processing programmes allow you to work on the computer.
Download: Transferring or copying files from one computer to another.
Homepage: The first page on a web site which introduces the site and shows how to get around it.
Software: Systems software such as Windows operates the computer itself. Applications software such as word processing programmes allow you to work on the computer.
Virus: A program that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge.
File sharing: Accessing files on one computer from a different computer.
Internet Service Providers: A company that sells direct access to the internet e.g Microsoft; Yahoo; AOL.
Popups: Unsolicited adverts that suddenly appear.
Web browser: A programme that allows you to find, view, hear and interact with material on the web e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Privacy statement: Description of the personal information collected by the site, how this will be used, with whom it will be shared and whether or not you can control how it is being used.
Anti Virus: Software that spots and removes computer viruses.
Links, tips and more advice on internet security.