Four Great Programs that Help with Removing Spyware

Spyware is a computer program, installed without your knowledge or consent, which keeps track of your keystrokes and where you go online. Just like a real life spy, that knowledge is then used against you. Spyware may hijack your home page and reset it to a commercial site, redirect your browser to a site where you didn't want to go, cause annoying pop-up ads, and even lead to identity theft. Removing spyware from your computer needs to be a top priority. Spyware Terminator, available at no cost to individual users, is a spyware removing program that will scan your computer for spyware, alert you to its presence, and help you get rid of it. Neat features include the ability to run a fast scan of the programs most likely to be infected, the ability to schedule daily scans, and a comprehensive website with a list of commonly downloaded programs and whether or not they are bundled with spyware. Overall, it is an excellent place to start with your spyware removal campaign.

PC Hell: Spyware and Adware Removal Help

PC Hell is an extremely comprehensive site that offers step by step instructions for removing the most common spyware and adware programs. The instructions are simple enough that most users should have no problem following them, but if you're a newbie who really doesn't like to mess around with your computer's files, you're probably better off looking for a program that removes the spyware for you.

Ad-Aware at Lavasoft

Ad-Aware was one of the first spyware removal programs, and it remains a force to be reckoned with. Ad-Aware SE Personal is still available at no cost, but the Enterprise, Professional, Plus, and Firewall programs cost between $20 and $50.

Bob Cerelli's Windows Page: Dealing with Spyware

Cerelli warns readers that removing spyware can be awfully tricky. After all, the harder you work to remove spyware, the harder the marketers work to keep spyware on your computer. Just like an infection will evolve to survive current antibiotics, spyware will evolve to escape detection from even the most sophisticated spyware removing programs. Cerelli provides readers with advice for giving their computer an initial cleaning of spyware programs. He also instructs readers how to avoid future infections. If you're looking for an easy fix, what Cerelli has to say won't make you happy, but if you're looking for long-term solutions, you've come to the right place.

If your computer is infected with spyware, you've probably noticed some of the symptoms: sluggish running, unwanted pop-ups, even browser-redirection. But if you use the information found here, chances are you'll have your computer running like new again in no time.