Is your computer running slow or inadequate? If so, you might be a victim of spyware. Spyware is a type of computer software that gets installed on your computer without you knowing it. It usually sneaks it’s way in through new programs you might download or a virus.

Once spyware is installed on your computer, unless you get rid of it fast, it can affect the performance of your computer, take up your memory, slow your system down or even freeze it, invade your privacy and even crash your computer in extreme cases. Spyware once installed onto the victims computer, allow people to actually spy on the user’s web browsing activities and in some cases, they can collect important, private data about the user. If you are a victim, there are spyware removal programs that can remove spyware off of your computer before any further damage is done. Listed below you will find some methods to get rid of spyware from your system and keeping it off.

Download and run a good spyware detector program. A recommended program is the software called Spyware Doctor. I have found this software to be very effective in finding and getting rid of unwanted spyware. You can manually do a full scan on your computer when you choose, or you can set it to automatically scan your computer daily to prevent future attack

Set your browser so that it does not allow installation programs to run automatically that do not have a valid signature. This will enable you to make the decision if you want to run the program or not. This can be done on Internet Explorer by going to: Tools, Internet Options, click the Advanced tab and scroll down to the security area. Make sure the box next to Allow software to run or install even if the signature is invalid is not checked, and Check for signatures on downloaded programs is checked.

Avoid those fancy toolbars as much as possible. Toolbars have a sneaky way of appearing through special downloads. Whenever you download a program, read through the installation process instead of just clicking next. Sometimes you will find options already checked to download certain toolbars. In this case, you can uncheck these boxes and continue with the installation process.

These are just a few ways that you can prevent and get rid of spyware. It is also important to have a good anti-virus program installed on your computer and make sure that you are deleting cookies and other temporary internet files off your computer daily. Keeping your computer clean, up to date and regularly running your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs should help you block spyware for good.