How to fix spyware?

I have named this page as fix spyware home page, because you are going to learn everything about desktop spyware from identifying to fix in this page. Also there are links to good spyware and adware related websites through out this page.

What is spyware?

Spyware is a tiny little program planted in your PC without your knowledge. This program will collect information such as passwords, credit card information, your browsing behaviours, bank account details or any other information instructed to be collected in the program. It will then pass this information to the person who planted the program in different ways.

How do you get spyware?

The most common reason to get spyware is downloading files from the Internet. As I said earlier, spyware is a tiny program that can be easily hidden inside a downloaded file.

The other source is emails. Spyware is known to be distributed by it self. It will send emails automatically from the infected computer without the knowledge of the owner. It will use the address lists available in that computer. So there is a chance that you may receive an email from a known person that has a spyware.

CDs, DVDs and Diskettes can also contain Spyware. Pirated software and freeCDs delivered with some magazines are commonly known sources.

How to prevent desktop spyware?

Prevention is always better than fix spyware. Below will help you to prevent spyware attacks.

Install a firewall – Visit Computer Firewall page for more details.

Install a good antivirus program

Do not download anything from untrustworthy sites.

Do not open suspicious email attachments. Specially attachment with .exe, .com, .pif, .ini, .bat, .vbs extensions.

Try not to install unwanted software in your PC. This will not only prevent you from desktop spyware, but will increase the performance of your PC.

How do I know my computer is infected?

Not like viruses, it is bit hard to see symptoms because spyware do their work quietly. However, below are the usual symptoms.

Your system suddenly starts operating slower than it used to. This isn't a full proof check because that problem could be due to a virus or a mis-configured program but it is a very common symptom.

Another symptom is lots of popup on sites where you didn't use to get them. An easy check for this is doing a search at google.com. Google doesn't have pop ups. If you do a search there and get a pop up then you likely have spyware.

Another symptom is that you may receive returned emails that you never sent. This is because that your desktop spyware program is trying to distribute messages via email without your knowledge.

How to fix spyware?

Do the following if you are suspecting that your computer is infected.

Open your antivirus program (AV) and run a full system scan. Ensure that your AV is up-to-date. This will most probably detect and clean infected files.

If it does not detect anything and you are still suspecting an attack then there is a chance that your PC is infected with a “brand new” spyware. Most of AV websites have information on new desktop spyware and tips on detecting them. Some of good web sites are Symantec.com, mcafee.com

What are the best products to prevent and fix spyware?

There are different products available depending on different requirements. I highly recommend NoAdware. Also visit Computer Security Products page to find more recommended products for you.

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