spyware protection

What you need to know

Spyware performs a variety of secretive actions on your computer, some merely annoying, others are downright malicious. Some spyware makes pop-up ads appear on your computer screen or collects information about you (e.g., which websites you visit). More malicious programs gather sensitive personal information, such as your credit card number or bank account number, and send it to an unknown third-party.

Antispyware computer software finds and removes spyware that's already on your computer, and it blocks new infections from taking hold. The best antispyware programs provide real-time scanning. You'll want a program that automatically updates itself to fight the latest spyware threats, rather than having you download updates manually.

Product We Say... Software.com Rating User Rating Backup
CD
Price Purchase
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Pro 2007 5 out of 5 5 out of 5   39.95 Buy Now
Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 for 3 PCs 4.6 out of 5   29.95 Buy Now
PC Tools Spyware Doctor 5.5 4.5 out of 5 4 out of 5   19.99 Buy Now
Sunbelt CounterSpy 2 4.4 out of 5   19.95 Buy Now