If you spend any time online at all, and especially if you download files from the internet, SpyWare is something you really have to look out for. For those not familiar with these unsavory little characters, they really are the bane of all 'Net users lives; the chances are there is some form of spyware lurking on your PC right now.

In a nutshell, they are little files, often remotely executable programs, that enter your system on the back of files you download. Some cause a real threat to your privacy as they steal information from your drive, and upload it to a server where this information can be sold, or used without your knowledge; others will cause pop-up ads and some will hijack your browser to guide you to the sites they want you to visit