 If your computer suddenly starts to slow down or you begin to see pop-up windows, even when you're not on the Internet, you might be the victim of spyware and other unwanted software. Spyware is software that is automatically downloaded to your computer without your notice, and is often attached to another file you have chosen to download or install. Spyware can also be downloaded to your computer when you click on banner ads on Web sites. The types of unwanted software programs that kids accidentally download are bothersome and might slow down your computer, but are typically not dangerous. If your children regularly use your computer, they might visit sites or download files that can be expose your computer to spyware and other unwanted software. Types of downloads that might contain spyware| • | Free games downloaded from the Internet | | • | Music, movies, and other software file-sharing programs downloaded from the Internet or from other computers | | • | Animated characters for your desktop | | • | Free screen savers downloaded from the Internet | | • | Toolbars for your Internet browser | | • | Free pop-up blockers that appear on your computer when you are online |
Not all of the programs that are listed above contain unwanted software. The key to help prevent the installation of spyware is to download programs only from sources you trust and to read all security warnings, license or user agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download or install on your computer. Encourage your kids to ask your permission before they download anything from the Internet. If you're not sure if the program they want to download contains spyware or other unwanted software, ask a knowledgeable friend or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine and see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.  Tip: Think you might have spyware on your computer? Learn some of the common signs of a spyware infection and find out how you can remove spyware. "Mom, Dad—I promise I didn't download anything"Sometimes your children can accidentally infect your computer with spyware or other unwanted software without even knowing they've downloaded anything. Some popular sites for kids might try to download programs even if your kids haven’t asked for them. Your children might see a notification that a Web site wants to download a program. They may click buttons randomly on just to get the notification to disappear. What they click on might just be "I agree." If you don't think your kids understand what it means to download programs only from trusted sources or if you think they probably won't read all the warnings and agreements that appear while they surf the Web, you might have to take a few extra precautionary measures with your home computer. Read How to help keep your kids from downloading spyware to learn more.
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