How to Get Rid of Spyware
Spyware is a form of malware that gets into your computer and does everything from sending your internet browser to random home pages to stealing your personal identity. As such, it is crucial that you take preventive measures to keep spyware from getting into your operating system and eliminating it if it has already gotten through.
The best way to get rid of and prevent spyware is by getting software to monitor and remove it. There are software packages you can buy that range from about $30-$70. There are also free ones out there, such as Microsoft Windows Defender, which is available for free if you have Windows XP or Vista. Watch out for pop-ups advertising free spyware removal products as they are likely spyware in disguise.
Aside from getting software you can take these steps to prevent spyware from making a home in your computer…
Make sure to always update your browser and your OS. You should also consider getting a browser that not many people have. If you happen to be using Internet Explorer, consider switching to another browser.
Don’t use P2P file sharing networks. If you download something, you may very well be getting some type of malware. Some of these networks install spyware on your computer even if you don’t download music and/or movies from them.
Make sure to only upload files from sites that are trusted. Music and movie downloads are well known for having spyware, especially if it is for free.
Your internet security setting, which you can adjust by going to tools, should be at decent levels (they should be at least medium).
To make sure that someone can’t get remote access to your computer, you’re going to want a firewall installed.
Avoid free toolbars, which are from some unknown company. However, you can install a toolbar from a trusted source, such as Google, which can stop popups from appearing on your browser and thus prevent spyware in the process.
Reading the privacy statements and license agreements of things that you download is oft-mentioned advice for preventing spyware. You can save yourself some time from having to do this by only downloading from sources that you know and trust.
