by David Dubrava

Created on: January 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 07, 2011

So, you are infected again. And this time it's those sneaky spyware detections.

Not to panic. Most of the time it's a non-threatening (though very annoying) text document that is stored in a local folder on your PC. This file collects and sends information to advertising businesses in order to try to place their product, so-to-speak, in front of you by monitoring your online surfing habits to see what you are more apt to buy. Microsoft even has a few planted within a clean build of Windows and chances are you pick up a few more by checking your free e-mail account online. But how do you get rid of them?

The quickest way is with a spyware scanner. A very easy to use, and free, program is available online at http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-spywa re/us/frt/0. Just copy and paste that into your web browser and download the free product (in the far right column). Install the AVG free spyware scanner and perform any online updates that are needed before running a full scan. If the scan found anything other than "tracking cookies," a virus scan may also be in order (which isn't a bad idea to go ahead and run either way). AVG also provides a free virus scanner at http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus /us/frt/0.

While free scanners are fine to have if you don't have a store bought or preloaded one still active on your PC, it may be a good idea to go ahead and upgrade your AVG to its fullest potential by purchasing a licensed copy (which will activate a live screener that runs in the background, as well as technical support assistance and other capabilities).

A "resident shield" (live screener) constantly scans for spyware and is a very good prevention program to have running in the background any time you are connected online. There is also an option to automatically delete tracking cookies upon detection. So if a routine scan finds spyware with this resident shield option turned on, chances are it's connected to a nasty virus elsewhere on the PC and needs immediate attention from a virus scanner.

If for financial reasons a licensed copy is just out of reach for the moment, make a habit of clearing your cookies through your web browser on a daily basis and run frequent spyware scans using AVG's free version. Also, avoid visiting web sites that offer free products or samples, free program downloads, or any explicit materials or peer-to-peer file sharing pages as these tend to be loaded with spyware. Changing your privacy setting (under the tools tab, Internet options, privacy tab) to medium-high on your web browser may also cut down on the number of spyware files being copied to your computer.

While most of the spyware that is picked up is harmless, there are a few that have the capability to do far worse than annoy you with pop-ups and extra tool-bars loaded into your web browser. It is good practice, and in some cases company policy, to back up your files on a somewhat daily to weekly basis. The best solution for this, if financially able, is to purchase an external hard drive that can be easily connected through a USB cable. The reason behind using USB connection is the simplicity of being able to use it as a "Plug and Play" device. That is, when you need to back up your files, you can connect the hard drive without needing to reboot the computer. Same applies for when you are disconnecting the drive. After all, it won't be beneficial if your back up hard drive is connected to the PC when a malicious spyware program or virus infects your system; it will also become infected.

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