What is Spy Ware?

Spy Ware is any software that is used to acquire personal information about a user without his or her knowledge or consent. Spy Ware gathers data about the user's system, such as the type and configuration of the computer, installed programs, databases, web surfing preferences and habits, etc. and relays it to the software manufacturer. Software manufacturers using Spy Ware gain free marketing research on their users. To make any Spy Ware ineffective get a firewall program able to block unauthorized information from leaving your computer.