Computer users are being warned about potentially crippling software which is unwittingly being downloaded from the internet.

So-called spyware literally tracks what webpages are visited and can slow and crash a computer. It can also bombard users with pop-up ads, change homepages and search out usernames and passwords.

One victim of spyware is Geoff Russell who bought a new computer for his business but after four weeks found the computer was slow and programmes weren't working. Nearly 900 small programmes had been installed on his hard-drive while he had been connected to the net.

The police electronic crimes lab say it's a global problem which shows no sign of slowing. Computer technicians say up to 75% of computers they fix are affected by spyware.

Now the government's looking at how to curb the problem, along with spam.
 
Within the next fortnight Cabinet will discuss anti-spam legislation with the aim of getting it to a select committee before the end of the year.
 
Already a discussion document suggests promotional emails, instant messages and even text messages should be covered in the legislation.

Meanwhile, computer users are urged to install anti-spyware programmes.