Learn How to Remove Spyware and Adware From Your Computer

Spyware and adware are dangerous computer malware that find their way into your computer undetected. They usually set up base in your operating system and from there they proceed to spy on you. They are designed to monitor your activity and collect information. They can be very harmful: slowing your computer down, corrupting files and compromising your personal information. Fortunately, there is an easy way to get rid of these and you can take preventative action before they even download to your PC.

If you think your computer is infected with spyware or adware, then you will need to download, install and launch an anti-spyware software program. Close all your Internet browsers and any applications that depend on the Internet. Turn your Internet off; this means unplugging your computer from the Internet or turning your wireless off.

Open the Start menu and select the Control Panel. In the Control Panel, you will see "Add/Remove Programs." Open this up. If spyware or adware appear in the list of programs then you need to select it and press "Remove." Once you eliminate all the unwanted programs restart your system. You have to restart in order to completely remove the program.

Once your computer has restarted you will have to run a scan of the system using your anti-spyware software. You should use a third party scanner for this, such as Norton Anti-Virus.

Once the spyware has been removed you will need to restore your Internet settings. You will also need to make sure that any suspicious websites are not located in your "Trusted Sites Zone," otherwise you will just get another virus. It's a good idea to run a spyware scan on a regular basis. Some of the best anti-spyware products feature "active protection," which can block spyware from downloading onto your machine.

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