Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware). The term "Spyware" like many Internet terms is automatically deceiving . . . it infers "BAD" and is not necessarily true. It fits very well into the current state of "Internet Security" paranoia. This is not to say that there is no need for Internet Security. There is a need, a "reasonable" need as there is in protecting all assets.

There are not multitudes of greedy and unscrupulous websites lurking in every corner just waiting to take advantage of who ever comes along. No more than there are multitudes greedy and unscrupulous persons waiting across the street or in the alley waiting for you to leave your house so they can raid it.

So you don't surround your house, including the roof with steel bars. However you do take "normal" precautions such as locking all doors and windows when you are gone, you might even install a burglar alarm. You determine security by what you are protecting. If you own a bank you will include a safe, but still not the steel bars.

An excess of security in the form of extreme firewalls and detection systems for data delivery is no more than using the full steel bar system.

Many websites post information in their "Privacy" statement about their method of gathering and using consumer information. But whether posted or not, gathering consumer information is a part of our democratic system and modern technology applies it to the Internet. As in all phases of business there has always been "the few" who are not ethical, but they have always been just that, "the few".

Thus what is often called "Spyware" and should be called "Adware" is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer 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 are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee. So Adware can be a win/win situation.

While this may be a great concept, there are some advertising companies that also install additional tracking software on your system, which collects additional data. While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous. The fact still remains that you have a function that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location..... however this can be controlled by software such as AdAware, Spybot and others. As in all software acquisition, do some research prior to purchase or even shareware use. Some companies such as the maker of Spyware Nuker will scan your computer making a very strong case for a need for their software by finding hundreds of files and areas needing attention . . . then announce you must spend "real money" to go any further. AdAware on the other hand is totally free for personal use.

However if you are this cautious, in everyday life you should also consider making sure all carbon copies of your merchant store credit card purchases are destroyed and no computer records are maintained. The real problem here will be the store employees with photographic memories.

security hype..., in fact some "Adware" programs are among the most popular downloads on the Internet.

More about personal privacy vs security needs . . .
Regardless of the need for security, it is your democratc right to personal privacy, on your computer or at home. In this area you will find many more offenders than you will in the area of security.

You don't need a reason to expect privacy, it is your right. Thus it is reasonable to use new technology tools that will insure your computer privacy. On new computers running the latest version of windows and Internet Explorer there are many built in tools free for the use. To learn more about them use your Windows "Help" function and search for "privacy", then click on "Understanding security and privacy features in Internet Explorer".

You will learn in detail about Internet Explorer's tool bar item, "Internet Options" and the "Privacy tab. Combine these functions with those found under the "Advanced" and "Security" tabs and you pretty much have absolute control over both privacy and security.

If you care to go a little farther you can download and install AdAware . . . it will find and optionally remove all accumulated adware from your computer. If you want to upgrade to the paid version you will also have "AdWatch" which will help prevent most adware programs from accessing your computer with out your explicit permission. A second worthy "spyware" program is SpyBot Search and Destroy v1.2, totally free. Download Spybot here Many consider Spybot the number 1 selection (and some use both AdAware and Spybot).

A good reason to control adware on your computer other than security or privacy is the same reason for controlling any software that runs on your computer, especially when it runs unseen in the background. The reason . . . required computer power or "overhead". Too much can really slow down everyday operation.

Another approach, use the free AdAware software to occasionally scan your computer for adware and optionally remove it. Follow this up with a"free to try" program that will offer you many Internet privacy options, the "Tiny" Personal Firewall available from TinySoftware.com

If you are running Windows XP, you have a built in Firewall, Use Windows "Help" and search for "firewall". For more information click on "Enable or disable Internet Connection Firewall". Note . . . you will have more personal control options using the Tiny Personal Firewall.