If you have no software installed on your PC specific to blocking/removing spyware, then there's a chance that some is floating around your hard drive somewhere. Even if it's pretty harmless at first it's a good idea to check and not let it accumulate until it causes any damage. Three applications have left my computer clean for the longest time:

Firstly, Spybot Search and destroy available here: http://www.spybotupdates.biz/f iles/spybotsd152.exe.

This application is foolproof and really easy to use. One thing to note is that it comes packaged with some software called Teatimer. This is unnecessary and I advise you to untick the Teatimer box during installation.

After you've installed, use the immunize button and then run the application. It will display any malicious items it finds in red. When it has finished running the system scan, click the button to 'fix all errors'. That's it!

Secondly, Malewarebyte's Anti-Malware available here:
http://files3.majorgeeks.com/f iles/fdf2aade29d18910051a6c76a e661860/spyware/mbam-setup.exe
Again very easy to use. The on-screen instructions are step-by-step. After installation, run the full system scan, and when it has finished the scan, again 'fix all errors'. That's it.

Thirdly, if you haven't already, consider changing your browser from Internet Explorer 7 to Firefox with the NoFlash and NoScript add-ons. It gives you maximum control over what is downloaded to your computer when you browse on-line. A lot of sites will run applications in the background that you will never be aware of, but with the NoScript add-on you can have full control over this and block unwanted cookies. NoFlash will shorten page loading times and give you the choice of whether or not you want to play embedded flash animation or video. Both add-ons can be switched off completely or removed if you so desire.

If you do choose to use Firefox, then Windows Updates will be fine if you have them set to automatic in security centre.

It is not essential to change to the Firefox browser, since I did run IE7 with the occasional spring clean from Spybot and Maleware's Anti-Malware and never picked up any malicious material. Firefox was a personal choice of mine and though I would recommend it, using IE7 along with the anti-spyware software I've mentioned is fine.

I am very particular about security on my computer and was surprised at how much junk both applications found when I first started using them. I check my hard drive about every three months now, and so far have only found two unwanted cookies in over eight months.

Lastly, when you have cleared your computer of spyware, create a system restore point and use disk cleanup to free up any dead space (both found under accessories under the start button).

I hope you find this guide helpful. I have set up the computers of many of my family members this way and so far I've never been called back because their recurring spyware problems have disappeared. So now you know what do, go search and destroy!

Learn more about this author, Patricia Dodd.
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