Windows Vista™ Inside Out

Stopping Spyware with Windows Defender

Spyware is a term that has come to describe a variety of undesirable software, ranging from annoying pop-up ads to programs that surreptitiously send your private information to other people. Indications of common spyware infections include:

• Unexpected new toolbars, favorites, and links in your web browser

• Changes to your browser’s home page and default search provider

• Numerous pop-up ads

• Sudden occurrence of computer crashes or slow performance

Note that spyware doesn’t necessarily "spy" on you. A common characteristic of anything dubbed spyware is that it does its deeds—malicious or otherwise—without your informed consent. (Spyware typically gets installed by deceitfully asking permission to do something other ...