If your computer is running slower than usual, your system could be infected with spyware !
Spyware is a general term used to describe software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent first.Viruses and spyware are two kinds of usually malicious software that you need to protect your computer against.
As the spyware threat has worsened, a number of techniques have emerged to counteract it. These include programs designed to remove or to block spyware(ie:Anti-spyware programs), as well as various user practices which reduce the chance of getting spyware on a system.
Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware in two ways:
- Real-time protection, which prevents the installation of spyware;
- Detection and removal, which removes spyware from an infected computer.
There are many contenders in the top 10 list of Anti-spyware or Spyware removal programs.
1. First there is Lavasoft's Ad-Aware_SE, which I think is a good software to help protect your systems and keep your mind at ease.Personally I think all anti-spyware programs should be used in conjunction with a good anti-virus program. This is a free program so try it...I did.
2. Next on the list is Spyware Doctor, which is very popular among many internet users.
3. Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware 2005 Beta- Free!
4. Spybot Search & Destroy- Free! Has rapidly gained popularity as effective tools to remove, and in some cases intercept, spyware programs.
5. Webroot's Spy Sweeper 3.5
6. Xoftspy- Free!
7. Spyware Bot- Free! The best things in life are f-r-e-e! :)
8. No Adware is also free. If you are interested in any of these products, dont hesitate to search for them by name.
9. Trend Micro's Anti Spyware-
10. A popular generic spyware removal tool used by those with a certain degree of expertise is HijackThis, which scans certain areas of the Windows OS where spyware often resides and presents a list with items to delete manually. As most of the items are legitimate windows files/registry entries it is advised for those who are less knowledgeable on this subject to post a HijackThis log on the numerous antispyware sites and let the experts decide what to delete.If a spyware program is not blocked and manages to get itself installed, it may resist attempts to terminate or uninstall it. Usually, booting the infected computer in safe mode allows an anti-spyware program a better chance of removing persistent spyware. Killing the process tree can also work.
