What is spyware or adware and how can I remove it?

What it is

Spyware is Internet jargon for any data collection program that secretly gathers information about you and relays it to advertisers and other interested parties. Adware usually displays banners or unwanted pop-up windows, but often includes spyware as well.

You can unknowingly install spyware when you install new software, most commonly freeware or shareware (e.g., LimeWire, BearShare, KaZaA, iMesh). Many of these programs are intended to track your Internet browsing habits, such as frequented sites and favorite downloads, then provide advertising companies with marketing data.

Some spyware programs, such as CommonName, MarketScore, and Gator, can adversely affect your computer's performance, and may prevent you from accessing secure services at Indiana University, including Oncourse CL, IU Webmail, CAS, and OneStart.

How to remove it

Unfortunately, you cannot fully remove most spyware and adware programs by using the uninstall option in the Windows Add or Remove Programs control panel. To completely remove spyware from your Windows computer, UITS recommends using Windows Defender.

You can also configure Symantec AntiVirus (SAV) to scan for spyware and adware. For help, see How can SAV for Windows scan for spyware and adware, as well as for viruses?

How to avoid it

The following applications may contain adware or spyware:

• Applejuice
• Ares P2P
• Audiogalaxy
• BearShare
• BonziBUDDY
• CometCursor
• eDonkey2000
• Gnucleus
• Gnutella
• Go!Zilla
• Grokster
• iMesh
• KaZaA and KaZaA Lite
• KMD
• LimeWire
• Morpheus
• NeoModus (DirectConnect)
• Overnet
• Rapigator
• Shareaza
• SwapNut
• Warez P2P
• WinMX

These additional steps also help avoid spyware and adware:

• Reduce your use of cookies. For more information, see:
  
  
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer for Windows, how do I view and control cookies?
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer for Mac OS or Mac OS X, how do I view and control cookies?
  • Using Netscape, Firefox, or Mozilla, how do I view and control cookies?
  • In Safari for Mac OS X, how do I view and control cookies?
  
  
• Avoid advertisements.
  
  
• Avoid clicking links in instant messaging (IM) software; for more information, see If I use instant messaging software, how can I keep my computer secure?
  
  
• Frequently scan your computer with spyware detection software.

Also see:

• What software is available on the IUware CD?
• On my PC, why am I having network problems after installing file-sharing software?
• At IU, why am I having trouble accessing some services, and what can I do about it?
• In IU Webmail, why do my clicks not take me to another page?
• What is CommonName software, and how do I remove it?
• Why am I having trouble logging into IU Webmail, and what can I do to correct this?