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8.2. Anti-Spyware
8.2.1. Anti-Spyware Principles
Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware, i.e. software, that gathers
information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Some
spyware applications may also be installed on purpose and often contain
advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software.
Currently, the most common source of infection is websites with potentially
dangerous content. Other methods of transmission, such as via e-mail or
transmission by worms and viruses are also prevalent. The most important protection
is to use an always-on background scanner, Anti-Spyware, that works like a resident
shield and scans your applications in the background as you run them.
There is also the potential risk that malware has been transmitted to your computer
prior to AVG installation, or that you have neglected to keep your AVG 8.5 File
Server up-to-date with the latest database and
program updates
. For this reason,
AVG allows you to fully scan your computer for malware/spyware using the scanning
feature. It also detects sleeping and non-active malware, i.e. malware that has been
downloaded but not yet activated.
8.2.2. Anti-Spyware Interface
