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Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible to spyware infection and it very likely some form of spyware has already infected your PC. I say this not to make you scared, but just because it is a fact.
If you have had an onslaught of pop ups, your PC is suddenly much slower than it was, or your home page has been reset to another site then you know it is infected. Several years ago I ignored all the warning signs and then one day my computer would hardly even turn on. I ended up having to wipe the whole computer clean and I lost everything! Even if you think it is operating normally, it might still be infected and you don't even know it.
So, how do you know if your PC is infected and if it is what should you do about it. Detecting spyware is not easy and removing it manually can be difficult as well. You will need a spyware program from a reputable company because doing it yourself is just too hard. Usually spyware and adware (adware tracks your online activities without your knowledge) companies will let you download a free scan of your system to see just how bad or good your situation is. Of course to clean everything up, however, you have to buy the product. Once you buy it and run the program your computer should immediately become faster as all the clutter has been removed. Now days these programs have become much easier and almost anyone should be able to follow the simple instructions without getting too intimidated. You should be looking to buy a anti spyware program that has many or all of these features:
1) It should scan and remove all spyware, adware, dialer, and web bugs.
2) It should come with a browser shield that you can always leave on to protect your computer before it becomes infected.
3) You should be able to set up an automatic schedule for the software to to scan your PC and to identify any possible spyware
4) It should update you periodically to identify the latest viruses and threats to your privacy.
I definately suggest you invest in an anti spyware program so that what happened to me doesn't happen to you. In the year 2007, an anti spyware program should just be considered a part of the price of being online!
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