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If you're like most people, at one point or another in your computer's life you've picked up a virus. And like most people, you probably lack the expertise to remove said virus, making computer virus removal about as big a reach as, say, fixing your transmission or tailoring a suit. It's just a skillset that's beyond most of us lay people.

Unfortunately, going to a professional for computer virus removal is a time consuming and often expensive solution. Yes, if you go to a profession, you can be sure that your computer virus removal is complete and thorough. But who wants to spend anywhere from fifty to two hundred fifty dollars to get rid of one lousy program? Yes, the laws of supply and demand are at work, but so is the law of common sense.

This is where the internet can be your friend. All it takes is some time, diligence and legwork, and you can master the basics of computer virus removal by using free software and services provided by some fo the largest, most trusted names in the business. Everyone from microsoft to google to oracle offers software designed for computer virus removal, and if you have the patience to give them a thorough read-through, you'll be able to figure out which is the best one for you.

Take Microsoft's malicious software removal tool (a "virus" is actually just malicious software, yeah, it might as well be called Microsoft's computer virus removal tool... but whatever).

It's designed to work on a number of Microsoft's operating systems, from Windows 2000 all the way through to their newest release, Windows 7. And the best part of Microsoft's computer virus removal tool is that it's free. You can download it directly from their site, install it and run it with minimal difficulty.

Once you've downloaded it, it will run in the background, scanning your computer for viruses - including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom, three of the most prevalent and malicious computer viruses - and then removes them. But before it removes them, it will offer you a report detailing what virus was found and where.

When that report comes up, you should look at it and then Google the results. You'll be able to find chatrooms and bulletin boards dedicated to talking about the virus, how to defeat it and how to prevent yourself from getting it again.

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If you suspect that you have programs on your computer that you do not want, there are a few things that you can do to clean things up. You should run your anti-virus software, and see if a malware scan picks anything up. If you suspect that you may have spyware or adware, you can use a spyware scan to see what is slowing up your system. In many cases, you have more going on in your computer than you realize, and getting rid of some of these pesky programs can make a huge impact on the speed and function of your computer system. You may not have realized how much it has slowed down until you get it cleaned up.

A spyware scan is something that you may find with your new computer if you have bought one recently. Not all of them come with this, but some companies may include them. If you already have one that you can use, make sure it is one that receives updates, or it won't do you much good. It will find older versions of spyware, but won't find anything new. This spyware scan may also come included in your anti-virus or with your firewall too. Look through what you have on your computer. You may already have a spyware scan that you can use.

If you do not have a spyware scan program on your computer, you have to go out and look for one. You can use any search engine to search for this, and you will come up with many different options from which you can choose. Some names may look familiar to you, and some may not. You have to decide what and who you can trust. If you are worried that you may try to download a spyware scan program that is nothing more than more spyware or even a virus, search the name of the products you find to see if anyone else has had problems. If they have, you should find the information rather easily.

Once you have chosen a spyware scan that you can trust, all you have to do is to let it run on your system to see what it finds. This can take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on what you have on your computer and how long it takes the software to go through all of your files and programs. You should start seeing results right away if you have an infected machine and have not run any type of spyware scan on it in the past. If you are curious about what it is finding, you can use a search engine to search each one individually. You may be surprised at where many of these come from.

Once your spyware scan has stopped running, you may see as many as a few hundred results. This happens to people who have had a computer for a few years but have never run a scan. Depending on the program you have selected, you have the option to pay to have them removed, or the removal may be free. Look through the list carefully to see where some have come from so you know what to avoid in the future. Once these are gone and you have restarted your system, you should see a huge boost in performance and speed.

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Some things get onto your computer that can totally crash your system, and some things are less frightening, but still bothersome. Viruses, malware, spyware and adware are all common terms you may hear in regards to what can be downloaded to your system without your knowledge, but do you know what each does? Of all of these, the adware and spyware are probably the most harmless of the four, but they can still cause you trouble or aggravation. If you know more about them you can then decide if you want to make sure you get rid of them.

In general, spyware and adware may be the most common thing that you can accidentally pick up online. They intent behind these is not malicious like with malware or viruses, but you should realize that you should have the right to decide if you want such software spying on you as you browse the Internet. When you download anything online, you take the chance of something else being included with that download, and you may never know it until you have problems with your system.

Spyware and adware both spy on what you do online, but for the most part, in a very anonymous way. They will record where you go online, what you do there, how much time you spend on each site, and what you buy, if you are shopping. This information is gathered from thousands, if not millions, of other surfers and then sold as bulk information to advertisers. Rarely will either adware or spyware send your information out that can be personally traced to you. You are just a number to be sold.

Some of this software also works right on your system. It records the same type of information and then uses it to show you ads that you are more likely to respond to and click on. Some people find this disturbing, and others don't mind it. However, having software doing this without your knowledge is a bit troublesome. If you are okay with your information being compiled by spyware and adware, you may not be okay with your system lagging and even crashing due to this software running in the background. Some web sites can share your information and show you ads without the software, but only on their own site.

You can get these programs on your system from downloading things from the wrong places, but you can also get them from sites that you trust. When you download a game, for example, there maybe spyware and adware included in in your download. Your best bet is to go out and find a spyware and/or adware scanner that can find and remove any software from your system that you do not wish to have running on your computer. Some of these programs to clean your computer are going to be free, and some come with a small price tag. Almost all of them, however, will show you what you have for free, which can be a real eye opening experience.

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Spyware scan is a spyware removal tool that checks computers for spyware, and helps remove spyware adware. When the detection process is complete, the tool will display a report describing the result including which if any, spyware were detected, and prompt you before the removal process. Some ways to detect spyware on the computer is slow PC performance when opening programs or saving files, unwanted pop-up windows, browser homepage hijacked, repeated change in your browser's home page, random error messages or new and unexpected toolbars in your browser.

With the help of spyware scan, and spyware scanners you can scan and clean the computer from malware without having to install additional software on your computer. Free spyware scanner finds malicious spyware so you know what's hiding in the PC. It is being used by millions of computer users; it easily uncovers your spyware infection level. Several companies provide free customer support. Most of them also are the most technologically advanced spyware research system in the world.

You do not need to scan and restart the computer several times, once the spyware scan is done. One sweep, it will stop spyware, and you are ready to continue with whatever you were doing. There is unsurpassed research support, comprehensive removal and shielding technology, and an easy to use interface in this industry.

Spy sweeper, counterspy and trend micro leads worldwide ratings for best spyware scan programs. Some have a unique feature to clean up internet usage files so no one can track your activity. You have the ability to easily delete your internet browser cache, browser history, media player history, real player history, windows search history, temp files, windows run history, windows document history and recycle bin history.

Spyware scan blocks spyware and provides three different types of searches, quick scan, full scan and customized scan. You can further customize your search by choosing to ignore certain types of spyware components in the search. In other words, you can make a white list of components. Conversely, you can also choose to always delete other types of spyware. There is a lot of customization available in some spyware scan programs. One sign of well developed software is its ability to bend to the needs of its users, regardless of their skill level. A novice can use features like active protection with the programs' default settings and receive excellent protection, but a more advanced user can select exactly what the program protects against and what it ignores, depending on preference.

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Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats.  According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today.  These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user’s knowledge.  Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system’s performance while gathering your personal information.  Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.  

Where does it come from?
Typically, spyware originates in three ways.  The first and most common way is when the user installs it.  In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user’s knowledge.  The user downloads the program to their computer.  Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party.  Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs.  They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs.

The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement.  Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program.  Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print.  Some agreements may provide special “opt-out” boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download.  Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.

Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations.  The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads.  That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link.  These links can prove deceptive.  For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen.  The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access.  It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.

Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web browser or other software.  When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.

What can spyware programs do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks.  Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:
1.    Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2.    Scan files located on your hard drive.
3.    Snoop through applications on our desktop.
4.    Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5.    Read your cookies.
6.    Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
7.    Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8.    Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to     eradicate.
9.    Cause your computer to run slower.
10.    Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
11.    Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid.  Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings.
12.    Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.

You absolutely cannot afford to be Hacked, Cracked, Robbed, Impersonated, Phished, Scammed, Spied On, Virus Infected or Otherwise Compromised

Spyware Examples
Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs.  Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use. 

CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through “holes” found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites. 
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit.  It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site.  Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they’ve altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs.  It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware.   These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements.

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How can I prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system.  First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program.  There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware.  Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package.  This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software.   As with most programs, update your anti virus software frequently. 

As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality.  Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE’s weaknesses.  Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers.  However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources.  This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.
 
And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system.

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