Note: Gateway does not support viruses or Adware/Spyware, however we want to supply you with information and choices to address your needs.

Note: For more information on Spyware, see What you should know about Spyware on the Microsoft Web site.

Spyware is a software program, usually downloaded for free from the Internet, that sends personal information from your computer without your knowledge whenever your computer connects to the Internet. The information Spyware can collect ranges from keeping track of your keyboard strokes and knowing which Web sites you visit to more sensitive information such as accessing your usernames or passwords or allowing someone else to read your e-mail.

Spyware is installed on your computer automatically when you download seemingly innocent free software, such as file sharing programs or free games. Spyware then sends information about you to the software distributor.

Differences between Spyware, Adware and Cookies

Spyware is often associated with software that displays advertisements, called Adware, although Adware is not the same as Spyware. Adware is advertising-supported software that can be downloaded free from the Internet, but contains banner advertisements that create revenue for the company. Adware, like Spyware, usually installs a program on your computer that sends marketing information whenever you are online.

When Adware is altered to include code to track your personal information and pass it on to third parties without your authorization or knowledge, it becomes Spyware. Unlike Spyware, Adware contains a disclosure telling you that they will be using your information.

Note: It is important to carefully read the privacy policy when downloading Adware.

Internet cookies are small files that Web sites create and maintain on your computer. Cookies can store basic information such as your name, email address or the date you last visited the site. This information can be used to personalize your experience using the Web site. For more information on cookies, visit the legal section of the Gateway Web site.

Not All Spyware is Harmful

Some Spyware can be useful. For example, Spyware can be used by 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 do not have to pay for the software, yet the developers are still getting paid.

Spyware can also be used by parents or businesses as a PC surveillance tool. It can be used to monitor activity on a computer, ranging from keystroke capture, snapshots, e-mail logging, chat logging, and more. Some Spyware can limit the amount of time spent on the Internet, or limit the types of Web sites visited.

Symptoms of Spyware

Computers that have Spyware running may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

• Internet browser crashes
• Computer runs slower
• Computer takes longer to start up
• Computer stops responding randomly
• Illegal operation errors occur
• Pop-up advertisements appear when you are offline
• The default homepage of your browser changes without your knowledge

Removing Spyware

Note: Gateway is not responsible for the quality, performance, or reliability of any third-party software tools.

A number of applications have been developed to search for and remove suspected Spyware programs. At this time, Gateway does not endorse a specific application to remove Spyware. However, Symantec's Norton Internet Security™2004 can help to alert you of certain non-virus threats such as Spyware programs.

More Information

Visit the Microsoft Web site for more information on Spyware and deceptive software.

• Spyware and Deceptive Software
• What you should know about Spyware
• Protect your PC