May-June 2005 – Spyware

This data set includes questions about spyware, adware, and related computer problems. Data set also includes questions asked of non-internet users about why they do not go online.

Older internet users may be easy targets for viruses, spyware and the like. Younger internet users take more chances online, but they also take more precautions.

Internet users ages 12 to 28 years old have embraced the online applications that enable communicative, creative, and social uses. Internet users ages 29 to 69 years old are more likely to engage in online activities that require some capital.

There are clear differences among those with broadband connections, dial-up connections, and no connections at all to the internet.

The average American internet user is not sure what podcasting is, what an RSS feed does, or what the term “phishing” means.

Spyware and the threat of unwanted programs being secretly loaded onto computers are becoming serious threats online.