Slows your computer down to a crawl! (Spyware)

Member Name: sparksteroid

Product:	Spyware
Date:	17/10/08 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cookies - necessary for website functionality

Disadvantages: Becoming more malicious, can collect private data anonymously

Spyware is a constantly increasing problem and is becoming more and more malicious by the day aswell as more of a problem than viruses. It can also slow your computer down to a crawl and even cookies are a form of spyware. However, cookies are necessary for websites to function correctly for the user and are relatively safe. They are also temporary files so they can be safely removed from the system between website visits.

It is recommended that you use only one antivirus application, yet it is recommended that you use two or three antispyware applications to scan your computer regularly. There is so much spyware out there that it would be impossible for one antispwyware application to be able to detect it all.

My latest dealing with spyware caused my desktop background to go red and display the message 'your privacy is in danger' while it proceeded to install rogue application after rogue application. A rogue antispyware application is a nasty form of spyware which pops up telling you there are errors or infections on your computer, then decides to install even more spyware by posing as legitimate applications.

There are a few decent antispyware scanners and removers out there available for free that do a sufficient job. I would recommend any of the following: Ad-aware, Spyware Doctor, Spybot Search & Destroy, Spyware Terminator and Malware Bytes Antimalware.

Summary: Clean your computer regularly to keep spyware out