Spyware can send information about activity on your computer (e.g., Web sites visited) without your knowledge or explicit permission. Spyware is related to adware which pops up ads automatically while you are working on your computer. Spyware typically gets into your computer by secretly riding along with something else you download. If you're seeing a lot more pop-up ad windows or seeing pop-up windows warning you that your computer is infected and trying to sell you a solution, your computer may be infected with spyware or adware.
Spyware can dramatically slow down your computer and even cause it to malfunction. To protect against spyware and adware, you need to check for and remove any unwanted files that might be planted on your computer. You'll need a three-pronged strategy:
Download and run free spyware removal software
Several companies offer free versions of anti-spyware software you can download now to check for spyware and adware. It's a good idea to run it even if you aren't sure your computer is infected.
I recommend: The free software is less effective at removing some unwanted files, so download and run at least two of these:
Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition,
Safer Networking's Spybot Search & Destroy, and
Microsoft's Windows Defender.
Get the best protection money can buy
Several companies offer reasonably priced commercial solutions that independent testing has shown to yield the best results at removing spyware.
I recommend: Max Secure's Spyware Detector,
XoftSpy Scan, and
Webroot's Spy Sweeper are highly rated programs for removing spyware and protecting against receiving a new infection.
Get help from the experts
If your computer has been infected with spyware and you haven't been able to remove it yourself by running spyware removal software, consider additional help.
I recommend: Visit online discussions about spyware removal at the
Computing Net Support Forums or
TechSupportGuy. Experts will tell you what steps to take, provided that you give full details about your problem, including what operating system you are running. Or hire a consultant, either from companies that do online repair such as
PCPinpoint.com and
PlumChoice, or companies that do repair in person such as
CompUSA Technical Services,
ComputerAssistant.com, or
GeekSquad.com.
Avoid using software that is susceptible to spyware intrusions
Microsoft Internet Explorer has been the primary target of spyware and adware exploiters. Try using an alternative free browser as an alternative. Most sites will work fine with alternative browsers, but some depend on the use of Internet Explorer.
I recommend: Download and use the free
Firefox web browser.
Stop using Microsoft Windows
So far only Microsoft Windows computers have been infected by spyware or adware files. Apple's Macintosh OS X, Linux and other operating systems have been free of spyware to date.
I recommend: Learn more about
Macintosh OS X or
Linux if you are considering alternatives to Microsoft Windows.
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