Spyware...nasty stuff

It is a constant battle on the internet to ensure that one's PC does remain free of crap also known as spyware. This stuff comes in various flavors. Some poses as a cute game or card or picture show. Some is embedded in an application that is offered free on line. Some of it is within the ActiveX or plug ins that are downloaded. ALl of it points to the need for a software package that will detect this stuff. The reason being is that this stuff will get through the firewall on the PC no problems as it is just like any other internet traffic. Once it gets to the client i.e. the PC, then it is up to the protections on that machine. Unfortunately most people running windows use an account that has administrative priviliges which allows for things like sfotware installation. Surely, this is the least hassle route, but it does require a separate layer of protection in the form of anti spyware product. There are quite a few out there from the free ones like Lavasoft or Spy bot to ones that come with a fee. Bottom line is to get one, free or otherwise, please install one on your machine and scan your PC frequently, daily is not too much.