Spyware is a menace and a threat to your PC, so it's important to choose a product to protect your computer. It's also important to become knowledgeable about the basic terms and definitions regarding spyware, so while you're shopping for the right product, you'll understand the product descriptions. Here is a mini-glossary, with some helpful definitions.

Adware-- Adware is advertising. True adware adheres to the guidelines of advertising and provides sufficient information regarding the product in the user agreement. True adware does not add any other applications to your PC besides the intended product. There should be no hidden applications within adware that will redirect your homepage or transmit your information to third party predators. Adware should also be easily uninstalled from your system, with an uninstall icon in the Add or Remove Program section of your Control Panel.

BHO-- This acronym stands for Browser Helper Objects. BHOs are the customizations that can be added to your Internet Browser. You may be familiar with the Google search bar as a BHO. While BHOs are seemingly convenient some of these applications are used to infiltrate your computer and dislodge secure information.

Hijacker-- You may have experienced a hijacker within your computer. Say you have your homepage set to Yahoo.com One day you log on and suddenly your homepage changes from Yahoo to some unknown site that you've never seen and certainly not chosen as your homepage. That is a browser hijack. In the worst case scenarios your browser can be redirected to a pornographic site.

Cookies-- Cookies are small markers or flags placed on your computer each time you visit a specific site. The purpose of a cookie is to keep tabs on an individual's login information and site preferences. Cookies add convenience and expedience to site registration and login. However, sometimes cookies can be used for more devious intentions, such as annoying and targeted marketing, pop-up ad placement and personal information transmission to other sources for solicitation.

These are a few, but not all of the terms that pop up when spyware is discussed. For more definitions see the "Learn More" section of our review site devoted to AntiSpyware products.