Spyware

Spyware is second only to a virus as the reining evil of the internet.

Spyware happens when you download a free program like a screen saver or toolbar or a collection of smilie faces (emoticons) for your email or instant messenger program.  Sometimes you collect spyware just while accessing web pages.

The effect of spyware is making your computer seem like someone gummed up the engine or poured molasses in your hard drive.  Of course, those things would just ruin your computer (not make it run slower).

There are plenty of free utilities available on the internet to remove spyware, or, prevent it altogether but my experience has been that while many of the tools are excellent, none of them seem to be able to do it all.

Here you will find a list of some free, some paid, spyware removal and detection tools that you can download and try before you buy, or use for free.

Kill Spyware Instantly!  

Target Spyware before It Targets You - CA Anti-Spyware 2007!

Keep your computer safe and spyware-free with Acronis Privacy Expert Suite 9.0

Anonymizer Anti-Spyware detects and removes spyware, adware and trackware from your PC. Only $29.95 from Anonymizer.

Visit the Spyware/Malware Reference Page