Spyware is a virtual computer parasite that does just what the name suggests, it spies on you. It tracks your Internet usage by recording the websites that you visit. This is so companies can pitch products to you based on your surfing habits. However, spyware, in addition to seriously infringing on your privacy rights, will slow down your computer considerably because it is a program that is always running in the background. Once you get spyware attached to your computer, you could start getting so many popup ads that your computer could become totally unusable.
Unfortunately, spyware is very easy to get and can be very difficult to get rid of. There are several good programs that you can download for free to help remove spyware from your computer. Programs such as AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy may help get rid of some spyware, but may not be able to eliminate them all.
Spyware uses multiple hidden processes to not only take over your web browser and produce dozens of pop up ads, but it can also disable your anti virus or anti spyware programs. This will leave you open and vulnerable to every new virus that is coming down the pike. What makes spyware so hard to get rid of is that is hides it's installers in different folders and will automatically reinstall if removal is attempted.
Anti spyware programs can combat spyware in two different ways. Some programs will provide real time protection against the installation of spyware on your computer. It does this by scanning all incoming data for spyware threats and blocks anything that may be suspicious.
Other programs may combat spyware by detecting and removing the spyware that may already be installed on your computer. These are the more popular types of programs and easier to use. You can schedule weekly or monthly scans of your computer to remove any spyware present.
It is a good idea to make backups of any important files that may be on your computer prior to running any type of anti virus or anti spyware programs. Once the programs are ran and you feel that you have eliminated the spyware, make sure your computer's firewall is turned on. Frequently check the AdAware and Spybot sites for updates and download them when available. Get your hands on a high quality anti virus program and install in on your computer.
Your privacy should be very important to you. No one has the right to collect information on you without your knowledge. Hopefully, in the years to come, laws will be enacted to make spyware programs illegal. But until that happens you have to do everything you can to protect yourself and to get rid of spyware on your computer.
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