Although they may sometimes be confused with one another, spyware and adware are different. Spyware is a program or technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organisation, often without their knowledge, and includes programs like hijackers and keyloggers. Adware is typically a program that displays advertising through pop-up or pop-under windows while you are surfing the web.

Avoid spyware by using anti-spyware software in conjunction with your anti-virus software to give your computer maximum protection against spyware and other malicious computer programs. You can download the free Windows Defender software from Microsoft.

Verify the security settings on your browser do not allow programs to be installed without your permission. By default, most browsers will prompt you with a security warning to continue or stop the installation process.

Carefully read pop-up warnings. If you don't expect to install a program or if you aren't sure what the program does, cancel the installation process.