SPYWARE That is what it is. Here is some info. on it.
What is Spyware?
Overview
Spyware commonly refers to software that gathers personal information from your computer, sometimes without your knowledge. This information is often used for advertising purposes. Spyware may cause your computer to slow down or encounter errors. Spyware has also been known to cause unwanted pop-up advertisements, an inability to connect to the Internet, or problems printing.
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Details
Spyware applications may be bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, spyware can monitor your activity on the Internet and transmit that information to a third party. Spyware could also gather information about e-mail addresses, passwords, and even credit card numbers.
A common way to get spyware is through installation of file-swapping programs that are used to download music and movies from the Internet. Third-party spyware removal software can sometimes be found available for download from the Internet.
I know because my computer informed that it had detected it in my computer. It becomes a problem just after you install something off the web. Oh, by the way don't download hotbar, by Hotbar.com. It is a scource of spyware and other things that cause pop-ups. It is also not so wise that you use something that blocks pop-ups bucause then you are not aware of spyware and, just like it says, it spies on you computer and may take pesonal info that you don't want shared. Just my 2/10 of a penny.