One of the most heavily avoided software programs that computers are susceptible to is spyware. Although there is spyware on the market that serves useful purposes, such as logging internet and keyboard activity for parents, most spyware is little more than a nuisance.

Spyware is designed to track a user’s online activity and send messages to advertisers that should target that particular user. Spyware can create much slower computer performance or even cause a hard drive to crash if it consumes too much processing power. Most computer users are eager to get rid of and avoid spyware as much as possible. There are several factors that computer users who wish to avoid spyware should consider.

There are several signs that may indicate that a computer is infected with spyware. First, there may be an unusual increase in pop up ads. These advertisements open in new windows and may even pop up on your computer when you’re not surfing the web. Second, if your internet browser settings change unexpectedly, such as a new home page, there is a good chance spyware is involved.

In addition, some spyware will add toolbars to your internet browser that you don’t remember downloading or adding. Some spyware comes in the form of hardware rather than software, as some companies will give away new keyboards that contain spyware internally. Finally, increasingly slow performance may indicate that spyware is taking memory from your computer, reducing speed and performance.

Spyware is difficult to remove by nature. Software makers who produce spyware are good at hiding files so that many times the user doesn’t even realize that the spyware is on the computer. Once the spyware is detected, removing it can prove even more difficult. Many Internet Service Providers are including anti-virus and anti-spyware software in their standard Internet service, reducing the likelihood of spyware causing problems today compared to in the past. Microsoft’s Vista operating system also comes with a program called “Windows Defender” to help deal with unwanted spyware. This program can be downloaded for free for XP users.

If you know that spyware exists on your computer, some can be removed simply by visiting the “Add/Remove Programs” screen and deleting programs that are unfamiliar or unnecessary. Most spyware is hidden more effectively than that, however, and a software solution needs to be purchased to deal with the spyware and eliminate the problem completely. Most of the major anti-virus software makers have programs that specialize in spyware. There are also free downloads online, however these are generally less effective and may actually install more spyware on your computer.

Some of the programs that are most well known for handling spyware problems include Ad-Aware, eTrust Pest-Patrol Anti-Spyware, and Spybot Search and Destroy. With spyware, it’s essential to download security patches and updates as they become available to guard against new spyware threats. Some spyware is programmed to disable anti-virus software so that it can run undetected, so it’s important to stay vigilant in keeping unwelcome spyware off of your computer.

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