American internet users are increasingly frustrated and frightened by spyware and viruses being secretly downloaded on their computers.

    BEIJING, July 8 -- American internet users are increasingly frustrated and frightened by spyware and viruses being secretly downloaded on their computers. The threat has caused more than nine of 10 users to alter their online behavior, according to a Pew Internet Project report.

    The report, written by PIP's Associate Director Susannah Fox, says that those who have broadband connections at home and those who range far and wide online are among those most vulnerable to spyware.

    Some of the most risky online behaviors that seem to attract spyware are downloading peer-to-peer services and swapping files over them, visiting adult Web sites, and playing online games.

    The project, surveying 2,000 people by phone in May and June, showed just how big a problem spyware has become to the nation's estimated 135 million Internet users.

    The study's authors defined spyware as tracking software that is secretly placed on a computer. The programs can significantly slow a computer, route it to Web sites you don't want to visit or cause an annoying stream of ads to pop up.

    Adware is defined as tracking programs that come bundled with other software and that users knowingly download, although they don't necessarily want the adware.

    The study found that spyware has disrupted the computer lives of 43 percent of surfers. That means an estimated 59 million people have spyware or adware on their computers, the study found.

    In addition to causing headaches among tens of millions of Americans, the threat has caused more than nine of 10 users to alter their online behavior, either by not visiting certain Web sites, not downloading music or video files or not opening e-mail attachments, the Pew survey found.

    Internet surfers are advised to use anti-spyware software, virus-protection programs and firewalls to protect themselves, said Susannah Fox, who authored the study.Enditem

(Agencies)