Anti-Spyware

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs.

In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers.

Anti spyware software comes in various packages and formats. Free spyware removal programs are easily available on the internet for download free of cost. Many programmers and some commercial firms have released products designed to remove or block spyware.

Spyware Terminator is a full-feature spyware scanner that can remove spyware and other malware threats.

Ad-Aware is no ordinary anti-spyware, offered to protect home computers from malware.

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer.