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by: PaulWilcox
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Spyware and other types of malware are more than just a pain in the neck - they can cause other programs to malfunction and even make your computer unstable. And of course there's all the privacy issues that go along with it.

This type of software is often installed without a user's consent and often can't be uninstalled without special tools. When distributors use tricks and deception to install uninvited software, trust is destroyed.

The best defense against spyware is common sense. Always be watchful when you download software from the internet. Don't install software from unknown websites that you don't know if you can trust and be sure you always read through the license agreement. Sometimes the license will disclose that spyware is installed along with the program (although usually not in so many words) but they're counting on the fact that hardly anyone ever reads the license anyway.

Before downloading any new software, look for guarantees that it's spyware free. Even so, be on your guard - the file-sharing program Kazaa has been claiming to be spyware-free for years. Anyone who installs this software soon has an opportunity to test this claim.

What are the signs of a spyware infection? Odd pop-up advertising, a new homepage when you didn't change it, new toolbars that you didn't install or your computer is responding slowly or rebooting randomly all of a sudden, to name a few.

If you do get infected with spyware, there are ways to get rid of it. A number of companies make software designed to get rid of it. These programs will scan your computer and check through their database of known spyware for any matches. These databases get updated frequently as new forms of spyware are found.

Some of these programs are free while others will cost. The paid versions sometimes have additional features, such as automatic scheduled scans. None of them are 100% foolproof however, so it's a good idea to run more than one of them.

Some types of spyware are exceptionally hard to get rid of. They can make changes to settings on your computer that help to "protect" the spyware from being removed. In some cases, you need to manually delete the files to get rid of them for sure.

Needless to say, this should be performed only by skilled users. Deleting the wrong files can damage your programs and even your operating system.

Once the spyware has been removed from your system, you should run scans on a regular basis to keep it clean. Whether you do this manually or use a program that does it automatically on a schedule is up to you (and your pocketbook).

And of course, always be aware of the risks before you accept any free offers for software on the internet. You never know what the real cost is for that free program.

About the Author

How can you protect your computer from spyware, viruses, identity theft and other internet security attacks? It doesn't take a technical genius to be safe. Learn the insider secrets that will keep you protected at http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com

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