Spyware is pervasive and if you are connected to the internet then you are bound to have spyware on your computer. Having spyware residing inside your computer is akin to having unwanted strangers living in your house. Because you don't know them, you also don't know what harm and destructiveness they can get up to. Most of the time spyware can just be a real pain but at it's worst it can be a real privacy risk and can result in financial loss.

So if your someone that absolutely detests some stranger seeing what you are doing online, stealing your private information possibly for financial gain or messing with your computer making it slow and prone to crashing then it's time to fight back.

Here are 5 simple steps to stamp out spyware from your computer.

1. Download software from a reputable source. The most common way for spyware to sneak into your computer is from free software or peer-to-peer networks. If you really want to get your hands on some useful free software the best source is to go to download.com which has a no spyware policy. Be wary of any software that offers to download additional programs that you did not originally want.

2. Don't just download any anti-spyware software. Spyware creators have caught onto the fact that they are unwanted so they have craftily started creating so called spyware removal software to help you get rid of the very spyware they created. Don't be fooled, stick to credible spyware removers which are going to actually do the job of removing spyware from your computer.

3. Avoid dodgy websites that can potentially install spyware on your computer. Some dodgy sites use spyware as a way to supplement their income and it can result in harmful spyware being installed onto your computer. The most common dodgy sites are porn or gambling sites which can hijack your computer or annoy you with persistent spyware initiated advertising on your screen.

4. Have an up to date spyware removal software installed on your computer. Spyware like viruses are constantly being created and you therefore need to keep your spyware removal software up to date by utilizing their update feature. You need to be running your spyware removal software on a regular basis otherwise there isn't any point having it there just sitting on your computer. You will find that with some spyware you can clean your computer from them one day and they'll be there again the next.

5. Don't just rely on your anti-virus software. If you have an anti virus software already installed in your computer then that's great but don't expect it to also protect you from spyware. While many anti virus software these days also detect spyware you really need a designated software to protect you from spyware.