Spyware (spy software) is any software that attempts to obtain information from your computer, without your permission, typically for advertising purposes. Once the spyware is installed on your computer, it monitors your Internet activity and then reports the information back to its author.
The spyware is usually bundled as a hidden component of shareware or freeware applications that are downloaded from the Internet. This means that while you are installing these applications, you may also be installing spyware unknowingly.
It is possible to enable and configure this protection from the Automatic protection area in the control panel –in the program window-, or by clicking on the Platinum Internet Security icon in the Windows system tray (next to the computer clock).