The internet is evolving rapidly as its uses grow in number and variety. More and more users are shopping online, chatting with their friends, or just browsing the web for something interesting. But the net isn't an entirely safe place; some people out there are waiting to take advantage of you and invade your privacy. There are some special kinds of computer program that can help to protect yourself against such threats. Let's see how a simple free spyware remover program can help.

? How does it work?

Spyware programs are little pieces of software that transmit information about you and your computer to someone else on the internet. It can follow your net usage to see what kind of web-sites you prefer, which programs you use or where you do your online shopping. Some can read private documents, including e-mail and credit card numbers. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable that you protect your computer using a free spyware remover.

? How does spyware get on your computer?

You don't install spyware, but spyware gets installed on you. They are often part of other free programs

that you download from undependable sources on the web or borrow from your friends. It's like an add-on that may or may not be mentioned in the small print, which is something that nobody ever reads.

? How do you recognize spyware?

If you've been experiencing unexplained pop-ups lately, or been receiving a lot of unwanted mail, then try to remember if you installed some unverified software on your machine in recent times. If yes, then it is quite probable that you have spyware on your computer. In some cases, you may receive unwanted info about products that are somehow related to something you told a friend in a past e-mail conversation. If that keeps happening, it's almost an unmistakable sign of spyware activity.

? How do you remove spyware?

The simplest and easiest way to get rid of spyware is to install a free remover that you can download from the internet. Often internet service providers know about the problems created by spyware, and can recommend you a good free remover or they can give you one. Just ask them which one is right and tell them what symptoms you have been experiencing: too much spam, or your computer slowing down because of too many pop-ups. It is very easy to install a free spyware remover, just by following the steps and clicking on the 'next' button. If you think one program is not effective, you can always uninstall it and download another.

? How to prevent spyware?

You can prevent spyware by reading up on web security and by being choosy about what software you install on your computer. After all, prevention is always better than cure. But just to be on the safe side, it is a good idea to keep a free spyware remover on your machine and check things once in a while. If you want a more professional solution than the free versions provide, you can buy a pro spyware remover. Remember, you have the right to your privacy, and nobody has the right to invade it, unless they have a valid legal/moral reason or your specific consent.