What is Packet Sniffer?

                                A packet sniffer can be considered as a sort of wire tap device. A device that can "plug" into computer networks and eavesdrops on the network traffic. Just as a telephone wiretap allows the CIA to listen to conversations, the same concept follows a packet sniffer in the sense that it allows someone to listen in on computer conversations.

                                When you make contact with the Internet, data isn't sent in one continuous stream of data; this would be impractical and it would limit the performance of the Internet network. To keep the performance of the Internet as high as possible, the data is cut in slices. Such a slice of data (either inbound or outbound) is called "a packet".

                                    Now, you can't see atoms with your naked eye can you? No, I thought so. Sending information on a network means sending "packets" of data. Think of them like the atoms. A lot of packets will create the final information you will see on your screen, be it website or email. To "see" the atoms you would need a special device, some kind of electron microscope, to be able to see the "packets" you've sent or received... you also need a special device. This is a special type of monitoring program called... a packet sniffer. By using a packet sniffer you're able to see any bit of information entering or leaving your computer... even those you normally wouldn't see!