The Best Anti-Spyware websites

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising (called adware), collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. Spyware can also gather information about email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Spyware applications can be bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Another channel for transmitting spyware is through ActiveX controls conveyed over popup windows.

You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:

You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.

The good news is that you can prevent and delete spyware installation. Check the free and commercial anti-spyware software tools.

Free Anti-Spyware Software

Ad-Aware, Free download - LavaSoft - www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware

Ad-aware Standard Edition is the award winning, free (for non-commercial use only), multicomponent detection and removal utility that consistently leads the industry in safety, user satisfaction, support and reliability. With its ability to comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware will provide the user with a better confidence to surf the Internet knowing that their privacy will remain intact.

Anti-Spyware Tools - SpyChecker.com - www.spychecker.com

These Anti-Spyware tools can detect serious spy activity like keyloggers, activity monitoring software, web site loggers and also common Adware, web bugs, tracking cookies and many other items that are frequently encountered on the web.

Spybot Search & Destroy, Free download - spybot.safer-networking.de/en/download

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations.

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware - www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed.

Net-Integration.net - www.net-integration.net

The majority of this site provides support for "Spybot Search & Destroy" and assist users with "malware removal". In addition they provide support for: RegRun3 Security Suite by Greatis Software, FrontgateMX by Presorium (spam filtering application), HijackThis by merjin, Firewalls, Anti-Virus/Trojan, SPAM, Website & Graphics Design, along with general support for almost any computer related issue.

Commercial Anti-Spyware Software

McAfee AntiSpyware - www.mcafee.com

McAfee AntiSpyware quickly detects then safely eliminates malicious applications - e.g., key loggers, remote-control programs, browser hijackers - hiding on your system before they can rob your identity, snatch passwords or monitor browsing activity when you surf or shop. Erasing online roadblocks, McAfee AntiSpyware also foils adware programs that trigger annoying advertisements and sap system performance.

SymantecStore.com (Norton) - www.symantecstore.com

Symantec offers probably the best and most popular Norton internet security software to protect you from the latest online threats. The software includes Norton AntiVirus (with AntiSpyware), and the complete secutity packages Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security 2010. You can buy a copy or download a free trial.

More Spyware information

SpywareGuide.com - www.spywareguide.com

The Spyware Guide was created to provide an all inclusive and updated resource on spy ware applications, what they do and how they're used. These resources include: which software applications can detect and defeat spyware, an extensive database of all known spy software and adware applications and contact information as well as other privacy related products.

FTC Consumer Alert - Spyware - www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/spywarealrt.htm

Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, consumer alert on spyware.