| If your computer has suddenly gotten a lot slower, | | | | those steps off the top of your head, cleaning your |
| you are seeing strange pop-up windows that are | | | | system manually is not recommended. |
| hard to get rid of, and your web browser is sending | | | | Taking Your Computer to the Shop Takes Up Your |
| you to websites that you didn't ask to be sent to, | | | | Time |
| you may have a spyware infection on your system! | | | | Another choice is to take your computer to a |
| Spyware is a term for malicious software that | | | | specialist shop and have them remove the infection. |
| attempts to get information about you and your | | | | If you already know a good computer shop and feel |
| computer habits. This malware is usually installed | | | | you can trust them, this is not a bad choice of |
| without your permission or knowledge and is | | | | action. But it will mean that you won't have access |
| incredibly difficult to remove from your computer. | | | | to your computer for a few days, and someone else |
| Knowing how to deal with a spyware infection can | | | | will be able to rummage around in your private files. |
| save you a lot of stress and trouble. | | | | Find and Run a Good Anti-Spyware Program |
| Stay Away From Rash Decisions | | | | Perhaps the best choice is to run an anti-spyware |
| If you suspect that your computer is infected with | | | | program. There are a number of these programs |
| nasty software, don't panic. You will be pressured | | | | around, and most of them offer a good quality |
| by the malware itself to take certain actions, usually | | | | service. Picking between them may seem tricky, |
| actions that will result in your private information | | | | but it all comes down to what you value most. |
| being sent to thieves waiting to take advantage of | | | | First off, look for a company that has a good |
| you. Do not make any purchases until you know | | | | reputation. You may even want to check with a |
| what the problem is. Every legitimate spyware | | | | consumer protection agency like the Better Business |
| removal tool will offer a free scan that will tell you | | | | Bureau. |
| what is infecting your computer, but be careful that | | | | Second, look at what sort of guarantees they |
| you pick a company with a good reputation. Some | | | | offer. Does the company stand behind their |
| spyware will claim to be spyware removal software | | | | product? Will they offer help or updates if they |
| in order to trick you into downloading and installing | | | | miss malware on your machine? A good guarantee |
| it. Check the credentials of the companies you do | | | | can mean the difference between a few hours of |
| business with online. | | | | work to restore your system versus a few days. |
| Manual Cleaning: For Experts Only | | | | Lastly, check out the free scan to see what the |
| Once you have determined what is infecting your | | | | program found on your machine. Does it only list a |
| system, you have a number of choices. The most | | | | bunch of tracking cookies, or did it spot malware on |
| difficult is to attempt to remove the malware | | | | your computer that explains your problems? If you |
| yourself. In order to do so, you need to know how | | | | get a good spyware remover, you can be back up |
| to edit your registry, stop processes, start your | | | | and running on a clean machine in just a couple of |
| computer in Safe Mode, and find and delete files | | | | hours. Instead of worrying, find the program that |
| from your hard drive. If you don't know how to do | | | | works for you and stay protected. |