Anti-Spyware Software

Spyware is computer software that is installed on a user’s computer without his or her informed consent. Such software isn’t neutral. What can it do? The dangers include monitoring the infected computer, collecting personal information, installing additional unwanted software, redirecting browser activity, modifying computer settings, and deactivating programs. Other problems include identity theft and stealing revenue from affiliate programs. Once such an intrusive programs seizes control of your computer it can do just about anything, for example redirect your phone calls and incur heavy long-distance charges. You can probably guess what the Loverspy program was guilty of.

While there are laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to protect against such abuse, you probably should invest in anti-spyware software, either stand-alone or part of other protective software such as anti-virus software. In a recent study over 60% of surveyed users’ computers had some form of spyware, and more than 90% of users with infected computers were unaware of the problem.

As always, you'll have to read the anti-spyware documentation.

Spyware often invades the computer via Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE), but version 7 has been toughened against such intruders. However, many experts feel that you still need anti-spyware software to fight against such poison. Because Linux and Apple Macintosh do not provide regular users with unrestricted access to the computer operating system, spyware dangers are reduced. These dangers are reduced but not eliminated.

One of many choices of anti-spyware software.

Anti-spyware programs abound. Microsoft offers Windows Defender which is available with the Vista operating system. It is part of the Windows Live OneCare system. The marketplace offers many competitive products, some of which are free. In many cases an introductory version is free but the full product will cost you. The investment may be worthwhile.

You have two choices of running these programs. You can scan all incoming network data and stop any spyware before it is installed on your computer. Or you can scan your system for installed spyware. If you go with the second option, and most people do, make sure that you scan your computer on a regular basis. Because spyware writers are clever and always updating their garbage, you will have to update your anti-spyware software regularly. Some versions offer automatic updating, others require you to install the updates manually. You have to be careful, some spyware masks itself as anti-spyware. An ad claiming that your computer is infected with spyware may actually get you to install spyware on your computer, and pay for that privilege.