How to block and remove spyware
Conspiracy theorists are partly right: someone is watching you. With software that collects personal information, changes the configuration of your computer, or takes over your computer without your knowledge. It's called malware - or spyware - and the first step to protecting yourself is detecting malware so you can remove it from your system. Keeping malware off your computer is the second step.
Malware is a large category of unwanted, never-asked-for software that includes adware (software that displays advertisements) and spyware (software that actually spies on your computer activities) or ouright malware (software that can take over and control your computer). It is dangerous, and it hides just like a good spy would, tracking your personal or sensitive information - without ever warning you, or asking for permission.
Before you can remove malware or prevent more of it worming its way into your computer, you'll need a good spyware detection and removal program. By far, these Spyware Blockers are your best bets!
Anti-Spyware software is also available combined with AntiVirus software or a part of more complete Security Suite.
To start using a anti-spyware/anti-malware application, you'll need to download and install the software to your computer.
These applications usually start a scan as soon as you install one of them. Once you click "Finish", it will update and begin scanning your computer for malware. Make sure that you allow the update; it only takes a few seconds and gives you the best service. The scan itself will take longer, depending on how large your hard drive(s) is, but you can watch progress if you like using the progress bar on the screen or let it work in the background while you do other things on your computer.
Don't be surprised if you come up with hundreds of entries. This is very common on a computer that is connected to the Internet and has never run a malware scanner before.
Once the scan completes, you're presented with a list of results. Each entry has a description beside it, allowing you to choose whether it's important that it be removed. When you're ready, click "Fix Checked". You'll get a warning the first time that you do this - go ahead and click "Continue".
After you've detected and removed malware from your computer, you need to keep your spyware detection and removal software running so that it can prevent more from hitting your computer.
Anti-spyware application will often run in two modes. One is the tradition scan and removal of spyware on a computer and the second is a "real-time" mode that can protect your computer as you are using it and connected to the Internet. You will want to avoid having two anti-spyware application running in real-time mode at the same time as it is likely to cause your computer to run slowly.
There are also free anti-spyware scans available with the applications listed above that will scan and detect spyware so you know if you have a problem before you spend any money.
One thing you will want to do is AVOID false anti-spyware products that pop-up after you visit a new website or after you have downloaded a file (usually offered as free). These are often malware applications that try to convince you that they have detected phantom issues that they say they will fix if you purchase. Not only do they not fix anything they in fact infect your computer with malware and cause a major headache for you.