Spyware

Spyware is any type of program which is used to keep track of a computer's activities. They log your keystrokes, keep track of your surfing habits, and jam your computer system in the process. Typically spyware gets onto the host system without the users knowledge or consent. Users get them when installing infected programs such as peer to peer applications and free games.

Anti-Spyware software first came out in 2000. Steve Gibson of Gibson research developed the program OptOut in order to prevent competitors from stealing his marketing research data. Today there are too many anti-virus vendors to mention in one page.