Simply speaking, spyware consists of hidden applications running on your computer. You might have unknowingly installed them when you downloaded applications from the Internet or installed software from disks. These applications are easy to install but often difficult to remove without downloading [localize_specialized/] anti-spyware applications.

Spyware applications can change your system settings, serve pop-ups, record your surfing habits, or display advertisements over web sites you visit. Other spyware applications run separate applications on your computer for a variety of purposes, sometimes slowing your computer down in the process. Some malicious spyware logs everything you type on the keyboard and even sends this information back to those who placed the spyware on your computer in the first place. This could be embarrassing at minimum, and even result in your becoming a victim of identity theft.

For more information and to download the Yahoo! anti-spyware tool, please visit the Anti-spyware message boards.

Please Note: Yahoo! does not accept advertising that directly installs programs. If an advertisement on Yahoo! appears to start installing software, write down the details from the Security Warning, click "No," then scan your computer for spyware.

For more information about protecting your online security, we recommend that you visit the Yahoo!7 Online Security Center.