© DAN busta virus alarm!
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What is spyware?
Definition
When you talk about spyware you are always talking about software that has found its way on your computer unintentionally. Although no real definition of spyware exists, it is in general harmful software that has found its way to your computer through the installation of other programs.
Objective
The aim of spyware is always to abstract personal details from your computer, which can vary in level of severeness.
Other terms
Spyware is sometimes also referred to as ‘adware software’ or ‘malware spyware‘ which all more or less boil down to the same concept. One thing is for sure: you have to stop spyware!
Protecting yourself against spyware
First and foremost, it is hard to find spyware as the software by its very nature is meant to be ‘unfindable’. Therefore you need external and specialized antispyware software.
In your search for proper anti spyware measurements, you have to consider that this is a touchy business by itself. Spyware-makers know that users are more likely to make spontaneous decisions and download the first free spyware security software they can find. As a result a lot of spyware removal, tools are malware themselves. Naturally this will only make your problem worse.
What to do to counteract unreliable spyware removal software?
Free spyware removal software exists but cannot always be trusted. It is therefore essential to do proper research and perhaps opt for a paid version. The fact is that everyone is affected by spyware and it will come back to your computer once removed. A good free option is Ad-Aware which is available through Lavasoft.com.
Paid versus free trial versions
As mentioned, if you suffer from more frequent spyware attacks, you might want to go for a paid version, as these usually offer a more complete package and are capable (to a certain extend) of keeping your pc spyware-free in the first place.
Good options here are Ad-Aware Pro, Stopzilla, the popular Spy Sweeper and Counterspy. Although more options certainly exist, these are the most common ones and will definitely help you shield your privacy while speeding up your computer at the same time!