1. Spyware is computer software that is secretly installed onto your computer as you surf the internet. It is designed to take full or partial control over your computer without your consent or knowledge. Often these spyware programs gather information about your surfing habits and report back to a third party. Other programs take complete control of your computer. Spyware programs, without your knowledge, can redirect your web browser to a site containing harmful viruses.

Have you noticed lately that your computer may be running very slow? This may be caused by several spyware programs running on your computer all at once. Some may be a low threat while others may be a high threat.

2. The computer virus is a small software program that is intended to spread from one computer to another. It is intended to interfere with the operation of your computer. A virus can corrupt or even delete data on your computer; it may even erase everything on your hard drive. Viruses are also designed to spread itself from computer to computer through the use of your e-mail program.

Some of the methods used to spread a virus are through video files, images and most commonly through e-mail attachments. Viruses are also contained in illegitimate software or other programs you download from the internet.

3. Worms and Trojan Horses are two programs that are often confused as a virus. A virus needs an existing file to attach itself to while worms and Trojan horses do not. A worm sends copies of itself by way of a computer network which in turn harms the network. A worm's side effects may be minimal or they may damage or even erase files.

A Trojan horse is a file that appears to be harmless but in reality it has disguised itself in hopes that a user will open the program releasing its harmful effects. Some Trojan horse programs are harmless but the majority are designed to do harm to your computer and others by spread of the program.

Ok now for the good news, there are ways to protect yourself from these harmful programs. Computer anti-virus and spyware detection programs are common today. I have found that a single protection program is not sufficient protection for the computer.

For my everyday protection, I have a program to remove spyware and a separate program for virus protection. Where the anti-virus program is great for virus protection the spyware program is great for removing spyware and Trojan horse files. The important thing to remember is to update your program files often and at least run your spyware program everyday. Get rid of the bad programs by quarantining them and start enjoying yourself on the internet again.

I hope by writing this article that I have helped you to understand why you need computer protection products. There are no good reasons why we all can't use the internet for entertainment or to run a business. Just because there will always be people out there that get a kick out of making people suffer, make sure you are protected.