Anti-spyware
Spyware, by it's nature, is a stealth attack that installs without your knowledge and runs quietly in the background. So how do you know you have sypyware? There are some tell tale signs but the point is not to assume you will recognise them. Install anti-spyware software and run a complete scan of your computer regularly.
Review and download anti-spyware software...
Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.
While the term spyware suggests programmes that secretly watch your every activity, the functionality of spyware can do a lot more than just monitor. Spyware programs generally gather various types of personal information, like your surfing habit or internet history. They may also interfere with the control of your computer in other ways, like installing additional software without your consent, redirecting Web browser activity to sites you have no intention of visiting, simultaneously accessing infected websites without warning or diverting advertising revenue to a third party.
Some spyware may have to ability to change your computer's settings, which can result in slow connection speeds, alternative default home pages and loss of Internet conectivity or other security related programmes.
In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.
Download recommended anti-spyware products:
AD-Aware Free - License: Free for home users
With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2007 easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
Ad-Aware 2007 includes a redesigned engine, improved code sequence identification, incremental definition updates, one-click Web-history cleanup, multiple browser support, and other new features.
Windows Defender - License: Free for home uers
Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.