HoodCheck will scan your system memory and catalog every program you are currently
running. Over 2,000 users have already scanned their systems, creating the most
comprehensive online catalog of unique window's programs.
Adware Programs
Adware programs typically modify how you browse the internet by redirecting your
website browsing to sites that they promote or by adding or modifying the advertising
you see with each web-page you visit.
Most of these programs are installed voluntarily but can be difficult to uninstall.
Companies who control these programs often sell advertising services stating that
they can send users directly to your website anytime they enter a related keyword
in their browser.
Spyware Programs
Spyware is any program that is used to either report on your activities or to uniquely
identify your computer to a large number of sites that may then tailor advertising
to you based on your previous browsing patterns.
Many browser toolbar that you install feature a website feedback system to provide
website feedback information. Examples include the Alexa toolbar for website rankings
or even some of the features in the common Google and Yahoo toolbars.
Junkware Programs
There are other programs that don't fall into the above two categories that can be
easily exploited either through their standard features or by hidden functionality.
Just recently it was reported that a popular graphics driver for Windows Vista
allowed third-party programs to be loaded into the kernel, bypassing all security
safeguards. | 
