Spyware is ANY SOFTWARE which employs a user's Internet connection in the background (the so-called "backchannel") without their knowledge or explicit permission. Silent background use of an Internet "backchannel" connection MUST BE PRECEDED by a complete and truthful disclosure of proposed backchannel usage, followed by the receipt of explicit, informed, consent for such use. ANY SOFTWARE communicating across the Internet absent these elements is guilty of information theft and is properly and rightfully termed: Spyware. Why should I worry about Spyware? Dangerous spyware viruses are secretly installed on your PC just by downloading a file or visiting a website ( Spyware ) . Once your PC is infected you've basically unlocked Pandora's box. The spyware developers can flood you with annoying pop up ads, send you spam email, record your passwords, even steal your credit card information ( Spyware ) ! In addition most spyware will give these hackers COMPLETE control over your home computer! How do I know if my PC is infected ( Spyware ) ? If you are an internet user, I can tell you with 98% certainty, you ARE already infected with spyware ( Spyware ) . There is only one way to check for sure and that is using our free spyware scanner. If you experience internet pop up ads, spam email ( Spyware ) , a slower computer, mis-directed links, these are all signs of your compromised computer. Protect your investment with our free scanner ( Spyware ) , it's the best move you can make before it's too late. Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware). It is a way for shareware( Spyware ) authors ( Spyware ) to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers ( Spyware ) are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee ( Spyware ) . Why is it called "Spyware" ?