Antispyware helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. To keep up with the latest forms of spyware, you must keep your antispyware updated.
| • | Software that displays pop-up advertising on your computer, collects and relays your personal information, or changes the configuration of your computer, without appropriately obtaining your consent first, is called spyware. |
| • | Many kinds of unwanted software, including spyware, are designed to be difficult to remove. If you try to uninstall this software like any other program, you might find that the program reappears as soon as you restart your computer. |
| • | Windows Defender is designed to protect you against spyware. It features a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions. If you use Windows XP, you can download Windows Defender for free. Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. If you use Windows Vista, do not download Windows Defender. For more information, see Windows Vista: Windows Defender. |
