[Steve]

Teri, that is a basic explanation! Spyware is programs that get installed on your computer with or without your knowledge (i.e. when you install a program there may be other programs that get installed as well. If you read the fine print in the license agreement, it will let you know if there is other programs being installed). These types of programs basically track data based on your internet surfing habbits and report back to the company that produces the software. There was talk (although I'm not sure if it actually happens) that some spyware programs would use your computer's processing power to handle data manipulation and other such tasks when you are not using your processor to it's fullest.

That's prob. more than you needed to know, but basically it's something you really shouldn't want on your computer. :-)