Anti-spyware software gives real-time protection combating the installation of spyware program on your system. This type works like an anti-virus. It scans all incoming network data and blocks any threat it identifies. Another type used is for removal and detection of those spyware already in the machine.

Large anti-virus companies like Symantec, Sophos and McAfee have recently added anti-spyware features to their anti-virus software. They reverted from their reluctance to incorporate anti-spyware functions to their existing anti-virus programs. Early on, they cited lawsuits filed by spyware programmers against software and websites' authors that called their products “spyware.”

A well respected anti-virus firm Grisoft, developer of AVG Anti-Virus, recently bought anti-spyware company Ewido Networks. Ewido anti-spyware software is now relabeled by Grisoft as AVG Anti-Spyware Professional Edition. Some versions of AVG Anti-Virus products are now boosted with anti-spyware program. They even released a free edition of AVG Anti-Spyware exclusive for private and non-commercial applications. This is a good indication that anti-virus developers are now dedicated in finding solution to malware and spyware infestations.

Anti-spyware programs check the files in the Windows registry, operating system and other installed software. They get rid of entries and files that match the description of known spyware components. Real-time protection scans files at time of download and prevents the spyware from entering the computer. It can also block attempts to manipulate browser setting or install start-up files.

Most anti-spyware removal tools need to be updated regularly. Anti-spyware software authors find and evaluate the latest spyware program, creating “definitions” or “signatures” used for detection and removal. Software which is not frequently updated is of little value and sometimes rendered useless.

Spyware Doctor has already reached more than 125 million downloads and more users are downloading this anti-spyware software everyday. Testing laboratories worldwide and major PC magazines consistently awarded Spyware Doctor as Editor's Choice. It won the highly esteemed Best of the Year in 2005 and 2006. Spyware Doctor continuously receives the highest honor given by leading world's PC publications like PC Magazine, PC World, PC Plus, PC Pro, PC Authority, PC Utilities, PC Choice, PC Advisor, Computer Bild, Microdatorn and PC Answers magazine.

Spyware Doctor continually upgrades its spyware fighting capacity and it has the most advance update feature. It is automatically configured to give the highest level of security with minimal interaction. Its advance IntelliGuard technology warns user only in the event of true spyware detection.

Best anti-spyware software as rated by reviews

Spy Sweeper by Webroot, PC Tool's Spyware Doctor and CounterSpy distributed by Sunbelt are all excellent programs for spyware and adware detection and removal. Reviews said that these three products yield better protection than Internet security suites and of course better than its free counterpart.

Free anti-spyware program

Spybot Search and Destroy is a program designed to detect and remove spyware. It reconfigures Internet Explorer to deter malware from known sources. This software needs manual update and scan.

SpywareBlaster is a free ware used to block the installation of ActiveX-based adware, spyware, tracking cookies, dialers, browser hijackers and other unwanted programs. It only blocks spyware, it can not detect malware preexisting on the system, and it does come with a scanner.

Windows Defender is a non-invasive supplemental tool for other anti-spyware program. Its user interface is good and simple to operate. It can be set to run scheduled system scan and does manual scanning.

Ad-Aware (free version) makes a good supplement to primary anti-spyware software. It does not provide scheduled scans or real-time protection so it does not drain system resources. Reviews do not recommend the commercial version of this tool.