Spyware
Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party without your consent or knowledge. It secretly gathers information about you and sends it to advertisers or other third parties.

Adware
Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. It is normally viewed through pop-up windows or bars. Companies justify their creation by saying it helps recover programming costs. They are a nuisance, but are relatively harmless.

Malware
Malware is any software that was designed to do harm to your computers. Usually found in the form of Trojans, worms and viruses.

What are the differences?
Adware is installed on your computer to "pop up" an ad that will entice you to visit a website and purchase something. Spyware's intent is to gather information about you and relay it to interested parties. Malware's only intent is to harm to your computer.

How do I get infected?
1. Not keeping your software up to date is a vulnerability because the companies that create this software can often install it on your PC through the vulnerability. 2. Installing free programs off the Internet especially from known malicious sites like, gaming, adult, and movie/music sharing. 3. Not reading the intent of pop-ups.

How do I keep my PC from getting infected?
If you use a Microsoft Operating System, make sure all patches and service packs are applied. Do not visit malicious sites.  If you get a pop-up, learn the Alt + F4 key combination.  Alt + F4 will close the current active window on your screen so you do not have to click on the pop-up. Run at least two spyware catching programs like Microsoft Antispyware and Lavasoft Adware. Do not download free software/music/movies.

How can NSP help me?
If you have Microsoft Antispy, Adaware, and all of your software up to date with the latest patches and security updates, but you are still getting pop-ups and your system is very slow, NSP can help.  We can run more sophisticated scanning software, clean your registry, and if your computer needs to be reloaded, back up your data to our secure server and once reloaded put all your data back on your PC.