PCWorld has just published a very long and enlightening article about Adware and Spyware and how it's used by some of the big brand companies. The trouble is the frequent use of the word affiliate - which could make it sound to the average consumer that ALL affiliates are bad
http://affiliate-blogs.5staraffiliat...s-money-trail/
After you read the info at the link above, come back to ask questions or discuss it.