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Spyware and Adware Removal Software

Before we talk about spyware and adware removal software, let's define what spyware and adware are.

So what exactly is spyware? Basically it's software that has managed to make it's way onto your computer without your knowledge. It's purpose is primarily to monitor your surfing, computing and spending habits and use this information for some purpose.

How does spyware manage to make it's way on to your computer? It's not uncommon for free software to come bundled with spyware, because it enables the vendor to collect and/or sell information about your computer and/or spending habbits.

A lot of new computers come packed with sample applications, a fair number of which contain spyware.

Now what about adware? How is this different? Adware is primarily software that downloads ads and displays them at the appropriate times on your PC. There are a number of adware apps that make their way into your browser and create pop behind windows or the likes, and boy can they be annoying.

It's amazing the number of spyware and adware tidbits that are out there. There are literally hundreds of thousands of these little parasites lurking about.

So how can you get rid of them? Spyware and adware removal software is the way to do it, and most of these applications are very easy to use.

The only problem with these tools is, there's no real common repository out there with all the spyware and adware known to man. So unforuntately it means that you can't possibly get rid of all the problems on your box with one program, you really need 3 or 4 different ones to get everything off your box.

I typically use these tools about once every few of weeks, to ensure that my box is clean, running quick, and more importantly I'm maintaining my privacy.

There are a lot of different types of spyware and adware out there, and different tools focus on different aspects of these issues. One of them is free, the other you have to pay for, but the nice thing is, you can download it for free, scan your box so you can see for yourself how useful it is.

At a later date, I'll be doing indepth reviews of each tool listed here, but for now, I'm simply going to show you which tools to use. 

SpyZooka from BluePenguin Software

A great tool you'll want to have is from the folks at BluePenguin Software.  This is an excellent tool for cleaning up spyware/adware.  SpyZooka boasts a tonne of great features and top notch support services.

Definately a must have tool.

Spyware Cease

The next tool you'll need to grab is Spyware Cease. This tool includes a "Real Time Guard" feature that helps detect problems BEFORE they become a nuisance. 

It's important to remember that different tools do different jobs, so it's important to evaluate each and decide what works best for you.

Spybot Search and Destroy

Finally, there's Spybot Search and Destroy. It's probably one of the most well known tools available. It does a pretty good job at getting rid of a lot of these critters, but by no means gets them all.

Oh, and just so you know, as of this publication, this app is checking for more than 380,000 different spyware and adware threats. Now that's just scary.

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