Spywaretechnology is a free online dictionary for words, phrases and abbreviations that are related to computer and Internet technology.

Spywaretechnology provides easy-to-understand definitions in plain language, avoiding the use of heavy jargon when possible so that the site is accessible to users with a wide range of computer knowledge.

Full-time experienced editors gather information from standards bodies, leading technology companies, universities, professional online technical publications, white papers and professionals working in the field. The sources used are often listed in the links section below the definition if the sources can provide more information than was included in the definition. Every definition is verified among multiple sources; definitions are never based on just one source.

The definitions on Webopedia evolve and change as technologies change, so the definitions are frequently updated to reflect trends in the field. New terms are added on a daily basis, and many of the new terms come from suggestions from the site's users.

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Spyware applications can be bundled as a hidden component of freeware, shareware or file-swapping programs, such as free music or games downloaded from the Internet. Sometimes, it can come in through an e-mail message that brings the user to a Web site.

Some spyware simply attaches to a computer whenever it can, like during a quick Web site visit. Other kinds of spyware, though, will ask for permission to be installed on your computer, but that doesn't mean it can't be tricky about it. Spyware makers can display a user license agreement letting you know that if you download or use their service that spyware is part of the deal.

Remember, every time you visit a Web site, you are actually downloading files. Consumers must become more cynical to be better protected against unwanted spyware. Not all spyware is indeed unwanted. Some users are quite willing to have their computing activities tracked in exchange for free games, media players or browsers, loyalty programs and points.

It is designed to obtain information about computer users and their surfing behavior usually without their knowledge or consent. Spyware is potentially more harmful than Adware because it can record your keystrokes, history, passwords, credit card number and other confidential and private information. Besides spyware and Adware, computers can also be infected with my other internet parasites such as Win fixer 2005, viruses, Trojans, dialers, etc.

Consumers don't want to futz with different technologies for anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-pop-up, etc. They just want their computers to work. Therefore, standalone anti-spyware products should be a short-term market opportunity. Over time, vendors necessarily will have to provide integrated services that give consumers what they want (a working computer).

Free software, such as file-sharing applications, that are downloaded from the Internet may come with additional third-party software, which can slow your system's performance.

The more frequently you download software, the more often you should scan your system to detect and remove hidden spyware.