I first started on the Internet over ten years ago, yes I really am "that" old! Back then the worst thing I had to worry about was if I or my wife would download the latest virus being produced by naughty Russian schoolboys.
Sure it was slightly frustrating when we did accidentally download one of the little perishers but it wasn't the end of the World.
Now things have changed completely.
It's no longer just naughty Russian schoolboys you have to worry about, it's huge corporations with the serious financial backing to come up with all manner of high tech ways to infiltrate your computer and keep an eye on you.
That's right they will drop tiny applications or cookies on your computer to monitor where you go on the Internet.
They're watching closely to see what your preferences are and they are slowly building up a profile in their database about you.
When they have enough information they'll start bombarding you with advertisements for this product or that product.
Then the problem becomes how do you stop them? If you've ever tried to remove Spyware or Adware yourself you'll know it's virtually impossible unless you have a degree in computer science and you know exactly where to look for the appropriate guidelines and tutorial.
Even then it's not so easy, believe me I've tried.
The only way to really protect yourself from the malicious and prevalent Spyware and Adware companies is to install good Anti-spyware and Anti-adware.
But here's the thing ONLY install software from a reputable company.
Why? Because many Spyware and Adware exploits are hidden in software packages that seem, on the surface, to be offering help.
Yes they really are "that" sneaky.