You've heard of the traditional computer virus. Your computer blinks, freezes and acts erratic. Just when you think you knew who the culprit was, your Anti-spyware software kicks in and surprises you. Many of us have no idea what spyware is and where it comes from.

Spyware usually hides itself amongst those pesky pop-up advertisements (aka adware) you receive when you surf the Net. It is software purposely designed to track your Web habits or personal information.

While it may not seem threatening to have your shopping habits recorded so advertisers can better target you in a demographic, just think about this: You have enough going on behind the scenes of your computer. Your anti-virus software may be running, your automatic updates may be updating, your Internet service may be surfing and you may be downloading music. The last thing you need are hidden programs running to slow all of your desired applications down.

However, there are malicious spyware and adware programs designed to steal your Social Security number, record credit card numbers when you're having a field day on Ebay or change the default settings you have set on your PC.

However, some spyware can be prevented by carefully reading download disclosures on software you may be trying out on Download.com or the Terms of Service before joining a “free” email host. Even though a site may seem legitimate, remember that there are certain statistics or needs a company has and it is their duty to collect them.

While these annoying effects do pose a major threat on the security of your PC, there are many spyware cleaners around to rid them from your computer and life. Even though the best spyware removal may not be able to completely clean your machine, it is best to compare spyware detectors and find one that suits you. You never know when you may be the next target of a department store's marketing department or the man down the street who wants to go shopping with your credit card.