by David Kreisel

Created on: February 15, 2010

Well if you have been living under a rock, you may not know about spyware, however spyware is a huge threat to most computer users. Spyware can cause your computer to slow down, or can even steal your personal information. So the question is, how do I stop this? First thoughts to most people are a firewall, but this is not the case. Firewalls can help, and are recommended as they do not allow installation of applications on your computer but most spyware is installed by the user them self.

When it comes to removing this annoyance you are left with very wide variety of options. Most would say that you must pay for good anti-spyware or anti-virus software but this is not the case. Many different forms of spyware removal are readily available over the internet, while some are free versions of a better program, there are few that are completely free that simply ask for a donation.

The tools!

AVG is probably one of the most popular, being used by a wide range of people including schools. AVG doubles as an anti virus and anti spyware program, giving many people what they need in order to stay secure. The free version does not contain all the features the paid version does although it gives good security. This programs virus database is constantly updated allowing for up-to-date protection.

As a part of Google's Pack comes Spyware Doctor. Spyware Doctor is a very popular spyware scanner, and computer security program. This program has what is called an Intelli-scan which scans the parts of your computer most likely to hold a virus. This scan completes extremely quick and can be used regularly, however it is recommended to do a full scan of your computer with the program. This program is as well updated consistently allowing for up-to-date protection.

Now we have the last in this list, and it definitely follows the phrase 'last but not least'. Spybot Search & Destroy is a completely free program that simply asks for donations, but does not require any type of payment. Spybot Search & Destroy has a couple of added components such as Tea Timer that runs all the time, and the program has an Immunize function. The immunization allows for safer searching that disables certain spyware from being placed onto your computer. This program does a very fast scan that cleans your computer completely of any spyware. This program the same as the others is consistently updated allowing for up-to-date protection.

Spyware being a major threat calls for many of these programs to be made and readily available to the average computer user. Although many people will want to stick with their paid spyware protection and anti virus protection there are plenty of free programs that do the same job.

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