by C. L. Easey

Created on: June 05, 2009   Last Updated: June 06, 2009

Spyware is intrusive software that can be used to infect a uses computer to obtain information and cause other types or problems. Removing spyware from a system can be done by using programs such as Spybot - Search and Destroy, SUPERAntiSpyware and using a registry cleaner such as RegSeeker to remove leftover program entries. Routine scans are needed to prevent spyware infections as well as regularly updating anti-spyware definition files.

One way to remove unwanted spyware is to use a software program such as Spybot - Search and Destroy. This program is free to use and can be downloaded from online from SaferNetworking. Once the program has been downloaded and installed it can be used to check the system for infections. The first thing to do is to immunize the system by clicking the Immunize option on the left which will block most types of spyware from installing through the browser. A full system scan should also be run to check the system for installed spyware. Click on the "Check for problems" button to begin the system scan.

Another program that can be used to remove spyware from a system is called SUPERAntiSpyware. This is another program that is free to use and can be downloaded from SUPERAntiSpyware. This program also needs to be downloaded and installed on a user's computer. Running a spyware scan with this program can be done by clicking the "Scan your Computer" button from the main screen within the program. The program includes an option to set a scheduled scan so the program can automatically scan the system at a specific time. However, this feature can only be used in the Professional version of the program.

Once spyware has been removed from a computer system a registry cleaner can be used to detect and find any orphaned or leftover registry entires. Some spyware programs embed a registry key that will reload the program after every reboot. An registry clean such as RegSeeker can be used to scan and remove many of these registry keys. RegSeeker is a free program that can be downloaded from Hoverdesk. Once the program has been downloaded and installed the option to clean the registry is located on the left side of the program window.

Scanning a system for spyware is important but it is also important to get the latest updates to the program as well as the definition files. Spybot - Search and Destroy and SUPERAntiSpyware both provide options within the program to download updates. A user should check for program updates at least once a week.

Learn more about this author, C. L. Easey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.