60% of AOL users in America do not know that active Spyware and malware is running rampant on the networks and infecting their systems. Over 90% of the World's PC users have no clue that there is software running on their computers that slowly eats away at system resources, steals valuable information and violates their privacy. Don't be a statistic - from just 3 simple tips on detecting Spyware and how to fix it, you can set yourself apart from the rest.



Tip # 1

Spyware rarely work alone, they come in clotted groups, usually from different or sometimes a similar source online. When they enter a computer system, the code works in such a way that they start to take over certain bits of the computer and ‘tells' the computer to do things – usually without your knowledge. Anything from sending out emails, taking your particulars and passwords or resetting the system configuration - it leads to system degradation and a violation of your privacy as a PC user. You can easily detect Spyware when you notice things like your disk space slowly eroding away day by day, a degradation in your computer's performance, unwanted pop-ups ads, internet connectivity problems and strange messages that say ‘you are already logged into another computer'. These are the textbook hallmarks that the computer has been invaded by adware and Spyware.

Tip # 2

Fixing it is a hazy ground between a simple operation and a complex one. Usually, tracking down the rogue programme and deleting it is enough to solve your Spyware problems, but if the issue goes deeper – for instance into the boot memory or even damaging the registry, then sometimes a cleanup of the entire computer would then be needed. I have heard of people booting up in Windows ‘safe mode' to root out the Spyware, because sometimes traditional deletion doesn't work. This is also a viable way to clean up your computer – I mean, no body wants to go through the hassle of having to backup all the data, reinstall Windows and set up everything from scratch.

Tip # 3

Using a good antivirus program will also help. As major companies have diversified their operations like Norton and McAfee, a host of free online antivirus programs can now be found online, that can also help you scan and remove Spyware. Spyware can also include malware - and malware has been known to contain ‘worms' and Trojan viruses piggybacking on their code. Anti-virus programmes are a good front-line defence against these harmful programs.

I would recommend that everyone complements the use of their anti-virus with a good Spyware cleaner programme. There are a variety of programmes out there from which to choose on the Internet and they do a more focused and defined task of rooting out and wiping these malicious programmes from your system. Think of them as sweeping out the corners that anti-virus programmes sometimes cannot reach. Spyware cleaners have a lot going for them – they are easy to use, small in size and a lot of them are complimentary or shareware. No hassle in payments and filling forms; the solution is just a few clicks away. With those 3 simple tips on detecting Spyware and how to fix it, I hope you all have a great and safer time surfing online.