by Simon Gangadeen

Created on: May 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 15, 2008

Spyware is an unwanted program that gathers information about you the moment you switch on your computer. A Spyware program might, for example, distribute your information to an advertiser, so whenever you search something on the internet, an advertisement will appear in relation to your search. It may seem harmless and some adverts might be useful (rarely) but it is an invasion of our privacy especially when we are inputting data which contains credit or debit card details.

So how do you detect that your computer is a victim of Spyware intrusion?

Do you see pop-up ads? When visiting a website, you may get bombarded with pop-ups from other site which have nothing to do with what you are viewing.

Some Spyware programs will change your settings without your realising such as your homepage. No matter how many times your change it, it will change itself back to suit its purpose. Also, the Spyware program will changed or delete some core files from your registry, which will cause the computer to prompt your every time it starts up or worse every minute.

The most common symptom which is easy to detect is when your computer begins to run a lot slower than normal. This is because the Spyware program is running in the background working against you to store information and send it out as you work.

Spyware and other unwanted program have the ability to add toolbars to your browser e.g. an extra search engine. Sometimes if you delete them, again, they will find a way to pop back on your browser.

How can you prevent and remove Spyware?

More common ways to prevent Spyware intrusions is to install software such as Windows Defender (recommended). You can acquire this program from Microsoft's website by downloading it free of charge. Also, you can program daily checks so you can be free from Spyware and Windows Defender will block any unknown intrusion even when the Windows Defender program is not running.

Ad-Aware is a known program to rid your computer of Spyware and Adware. A free edition is available to download from http://www.lavasoft.com.

The best advise is to be proactive when browser the web. Never download applications if you are not sure what it does and who made it. Spyware intrusions are becoming smarter and beginning to disguise itself as Spyware Checkers whereby it pops up on your screen, scans your computer automatically, makes your aware you have Spyware and then make your download the software straight from the pop up. Do not fall for this and close the window immediately.

Also, disable automatic installation of programs in Internet Explorer so you can be prompted before a program is installed:

1.Click on the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, and then on Security.
2. Make sure the setting is set to "Medium" or "Custom."
3. Click on the Custom Level button.
4. Under the 'ActiveX controls and plug-in' area, you can select which programs you want to prompt you.

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