A reminder for those who have not yet taken the time to inform themselves: spyware and adware are big. "Typically, spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through email or instant message, or by someone with access to a user's computer. Adware is advertising-supported software that displays pop-up advertisements whenever the program is running. Often the software is available online for free, and the advertisements create revenue for the company. Although it's seemingly harmless (aside from the intrusiveness and annoyance of pop-up ads), adware can install components onto your computer that track personal information (including your age, sex, location, buying preferences, or surfing habits) for marketing purposes. Some advertising-supported software will not inform you when it installs adware on your system, or will bury such notification in small print. Sometimes adware will infiltrate your computer even when you decline the installation." Find out more about spyware and adware now. Learn also how much of this unfriendly code you are bound to find on your PC if you ever care to check and scan your system.