Reprinted with permission from CGM Systems, Inc., Technology Consulting - http://www.cgmsystems.com/Resources/scumware.htm
What is scumware?
Scumware, also known as parasiteware, is software that users unknowingly download.
How does it affect me?
Internet Content
Many of the websites that you visit are supported by advertising. When scumware or parasiteware invades your machine, the people who provided those sites are losing their commissions. Since August of 2002, many of the web authors have noticed a significant loss of earnings. In many cases, the websites have become unprofitable. If that trend continues, many of the quality websites will cease to exist.
Privacy
Many of the scumware/parasiteware products transmit your personal data for advertising purposes. 'Nuff said
Security
Any time you run any software, you are exposing yourself to security risks. Can you trust software that is designed to spy on you and/or grab commissions from web authors?
Stability
Occasionally, problems with systems can be traced to the presence of these programs.
What can you do?
There are a number of steps that you can take. First, educate yourself and then consider installing applications that will remove the spyware/scumware/parasiteware. (There are several threads in this forum with additional information and links to other sources - SlyCin56)
Ad aware
There is a product called Ad-Aware that is free for personal use. You can download a copy at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ If you already have downloaded a copy, you should check to insure that you have the latest definitions.
For Merchants/authors/publishers
If you are not already aware of the issues and you are an Amazon affiliate, check the discussion boards at www.amazon.com. You might also want to check out Andrew Clover's page at http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/