Washington, July 31:

Spyware is everywhere these days, and many people don’t even know that they have it on their computers! That’s because the most widespread spyware — and in some cases the most pernicious — can integrate its way into your personal computers in subtle ways that you may not be aware of. But if you know what to look for, you can identify some of the most common types of spyware and know how to get rid of it. Two of the most common types of spyware around today — ISTbar and KaZaA — have also been identified as among the most threatening to your privacy, according to the Computer Associates Spyware Information Centre, a US-based organisation.

Today, unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you will use your computer for extended periods online without attracting some type of spyware. Knowing the behaviour of the most common types can help, as can running at least one well-respected anti-spyware utility on a regular, even weekly basis. Keep in mind, too, that not all anti-spyware software is equally effective at removing all types of spyware. So it makes sense to employ two or more anti-spyware packages.

Secret weapons

•ISTbar: Browser hijacker ISTbar is what’s known as a browser hijacker. It reconfigures your start page, toolbars, and search page in Internet Explorer. Worst of all, it delivers pop-up ads wherever you go on the Internet, and some of these will contain pornography. This nuisance has also been known to drop other spyware on to your PC.

•KaZaA: File-sharing programme KaZaA is a peer-to-peer file-sharing programme that allows users to share digital files over the Internet. The software has frequently been employed illegally to swap copyrighted digital audio and video files. The free version of KaZaA has been known to bundle plenty of adware software that delivers targeted banner ads to your desktop,

among other unsavoury things.

•Comet Cursor: Has your mouse cursor suddenly changed its appearance? If so, you’ve probably got Comet Cursor. Parents with kids who frequent gaming sites often have problems with Comet Cursor.