Also known as 'adware', spyware is a program that sends information about a person or organization without their knowledge.  These programs, for the most part, are hidden from the user.  In general, the information collected is sent to advertising companies to help better target their ads to your taste. 

According to the privacy policies of most of these companies that make spyware, no sensitive or identifying data is sent and ensures that you will remain anonymous.  Although some programs are known to be 'sinister', most of them fall in this category.

However, it is known that these programs can slow down the performance of your computer, in addition to affecting some Xanga functions as well.  Please note that spyware can only be installed on a user's computer.  It is not possible for spyware to be installed on your Xanga, although it can affect it.

Here are the ways spyware on a user's computer affects Xanga:

• Why are there random links in my entries that I did not insert?
• When I press submit, my entry goes blank and I lose my post!  Why?!

Please visit either link above for valuable links that will help curb spyware from affecting your computer.

For more information on spyware, click here:

• http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3072870/
• http://www.google.com/search?q=spyware+article