What is Spyware?
Software that crap out your computer. Really though, it's just software that collects and sends information to hackers or other bad people. It can also do very annoying things such as change your browser's home page to a pornography site, delivering 20,000 popup advertisements/ second or do some other unwanted behavior. In all cases though it slows your computer down, and is very hard to remove.
Let's face it. There is Spyware out there, and lots of it. They usually come bundled with some free software that claim that after installing your computer will run 200% faster. Some software developers do it on purpose and do an automatic install, while other gracefully give an option to whether install it or not.
Here are some steps to prevent it:
- Have a Firewall. While most Spyware comes in the form of a package, some of it actually collects information and connects directly to a hacker. Having a firewall is the best ways to prevent it.
- Keep everything updated. Your anti virus software, your anti Spyware software, and your operating system.
How to remove it?
Well your in a pickle now aren't ya?
The best way to get rid of Spyware is to wipe your entire hard drive and start new. If not, you have to download multiple Anti-[Spyware, Virus] software. Not just one, but multiple.
To know some good ones, go to download.com and type in Spyware. Look at the reviews, pricing, and ease of access before you buy/try.
The two most I would recommend are:
Avast! Anti-Virus Personal edition, which is free.
Microsoft Defender.
Spyware Doctor.
Happy hunting!