What is Spyware: Spyware is software that is installed on your machine surreptitiously. Sometimes without your knowledge, or hidden within the end user agreement form in a manner that you may not be aware you gave your permission for the software to be present on your computer. Some of the uses of the spyware is to monitor your use of programs and report back to their manufactures on how or how often the program is used. Spyware can also track your online habits and report back information on your shopping habits. Spyware can also record personal data and report back to whomever created the spyware. There are several free anti-spyware tools that can be used to identify and deal with spyware on your computer. Also UPDATED anti-virus and firewall programs can aide in identifying and defeating spyware programs.