We hear about spyware all the time these days: in online ads, on TV, occasionally from friends... but nobody seems to ever take the time to explain what it really is and how to prevent getting it in the first place. Many times we're also left wondering what program actually does the best job of getting rid of it when we have it! There are so many options out there, and they range from expensive to free. In this article I want to cover a few free tools that will effectively keep you free from spyware.

AdAware

This is a powerful yet free tool that will monitor your computer for spyware at all times. It also offers a more detailed scan that you can run at your convenience. I've found it to be very effective at getting rid of most bugs, especially ones that violate your privacy. (Tracking cookies, etc.) It isn't the most effective at removing the more malicious bugs though.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

This particular tool is very very effective at removing a nasty bug from your system. Can't surf the web anymore? Ads keep popping up? An unknown tool keep telling you that your computer is infected with a virus? Malwarebytes is the most likely to get rid of the infection. Be aware that it does not contain a full time protection feature, so you may want to use this in combination with AdAware.

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Comment by Michael L Trani on October 14, 2010 at 4:11pm: I have and use TrendMicro anti-virus and Firewall and am behind a router. TM cleans out and blocks most everything and if that doesn't get it the Firewall does what it's supposed to do. Plus it helps to use Ccleaner and clear out everything at least once a week if not every couple of days.

Comment by SkyHigh on October 14, 2010 at 11:26am: Uh ok. Just pointing it out @Nathan.

Comment by Nathan Davies on October 14, 2010 at 8:12am: I suppose in this day and age that would be possible... The link to download AdAware from the vendor is http://www.lavasoft.com if that makes anyone more comfortable.

Comment by Nathan Davies on October 14, 2010 at 8:09am: It's just the link shortening service I use. Click "skip ad" at the top and it'll take you to the download. (from c-net... NO SPYWARE.) Boy wouldn't that be novel if I put spyware in a post about getting rid of spyware.. Get real.

Comment by SkyHigh on October 14, 2010 at 7:56am: something is wrong with that AdAware link....

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