How to Remove Spyware

What is Spyware?

According to 'Whatis.com':

Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program.

Generally, it is not a good idea to allow spyware to remain on your system. It is an invasion of your privacy and could potentially allow your personal information to get into the wrong hands.

These program will assist you in ridding your computer of spyware and viruses. They are free of charge. Once installed, each program has a means to update itself with the most current spyware signatures. To achieve the most success with these programs, you must run the update AND the scan periodically, i.e., it is not simply a one-time process.

PC/Windows Users

• Microsoft's AntiSpyware (Beta) - Microsoft's AntiSpyware software. This is a free Beta version, however, there are rumors Microsoft may charge for this in the future.
• AD-Aware (Lavasoft) - Removes spyware.
• Spybot Search and Destroy (PepiMK Software) - Removes spyware and allows you to 'immunize' your system against infection by the most common spyware software.
• House Call On-Line Virus Scan (Trend Micro) - Performs an on-line virus scan if you don't have virus scanning software available.

MAC Users

• MAC Scan (SecureMAC.com)