Spyware and Adware Removal
Spyware and adware are two very similar, but also different, types of "infections" that your computer can experience when connected to the Internet. They are also very dangerous, not only to your computer, but to your privacy and security. Unlike viruses, Trojans, worms, and other infections of the like, spyware and adware can actually compromise your bank accounts, credit card numbers, and even allow hackers to outright steal your indentity.
As I said above spyware and adware are different but similar. Spyware is software that is installed, usually without your knowledge, on your computer to spy on your shopping and Internet surfing habits. This software can also be configured by the hacker to harvest things like passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. Adware, on the other hand, is just software designed to serve advertising to the user. This type of software may be installed with or without your knowledge, and usually comes bundled with some kind of free download like file sharing programs, music download software, and other popular programs like these.
By now, it should be obvious that you do not want this type of software installed on your computer. The question is, how do you get rid of it? Sometime, rarely, you can just uninstall it using the Windows add/remove software program. Most of the time, however, you will need to obtain some kind of specialized removal software to do the job. Once the spyware and adware is removed from your computer, you will need to install some kind of blocker to guard against new infections.
The good news is, that this type of software is readily available and usually available in a single program that both removes and detects new infections. The bad news is, that not all these programs are created equal. In fact, some are worse than the original infection because they uninstall the old spyware and then install their own version of spyware or adware. To ensure that you get effective software, you must do research and know what you're buying. This site is a great place to start!
Windows does come with some crude protection against adware and spyware infections, called Windows Defender, but for the most part, it is ineffective. As with most Microsoft products, the hackers were able to get around that software literally within days of the release. To truly guard against new infections and remove old ones, you will want to get specialized adware/spyware removal software that is continually updated and always on.
For a comprehensive list of good spyware and adware removal software, be sure and visit our best spyware removal programs page.
