are malicious programs that monitor every activity that you perform and send the program writer your details such as e-mail id, passwords, credit card numbers etc. These programs spoof the users by acting as a legitimate shareware or freeware programs and then downloading onto the system without the user’s consent. So, you never know when your computer has been attacked by a spyware.

Spyware are malwares or malicious softwares that perform a variety of nasty activities, ranging from simple email advertising all the way to complex identity-theft and password-stealing. Every week, new functions are added on by malware programmers.

How do you know that your computer is infected?

Look out for the following symptoms:

1.Your e-mail browser is bruised with pop-up advertising

2.There are huge quantity of spam e-mail in your Inbox

3.You can notice that someone has utilized your credit card

4.You are experiencing slow Internet connection

5.Your default browser settings have been changed. Your home page doesn’t open properly as you are directed to other web pages

6.You can see unknown pornography files on your computer that you have never accessed

7.Your computer crashes frequently

These are a few general symptoms that you and your computer may experience if there is a malware residing on your computer.

In order to protect your computer against these insidious programs, one needs to take preventive measures like:

1. Identify the source from where you are downloading: If you are downloading freebies or sharewares, always download from a reputable source like Google, download.com or tucows.com. Avoid using sharewares from unrecognized source.

2. Read carefully the End User License Agreement (EULA):



The EULA is a legal agreement that you are making with the software vendor. Without reading it you may be unknowingly agreeing to install spyware or a variety of other questionable actions that may not be worth.

3. Read before you click: Sometimes when you visit a website a text box might pop up that may ask you – ‘would you like to install our spyware program?’ Many users without reading the content properly click on ‘Yes’ which leads to disasters. Thus, always read the content on any pop-up ad that you may want to click.

4. Use latest and updated security program: You must compulsorily use latest and updated versions of anti-virus or anti-spyware tools as they help you to detect new viruses or malicious activities that change paths every week. Before, you invest heavily into any malware removal program, consider the following points:

Gather information about the spyware removal brands available

Identify the problem that you are facing with the reviews of the brands and understand their functionalities

Decide which type of spyware removal program you need-trial or purchase

Read through the End User License Agreement carefully

Once the above points are clear in your mind, you can go ahead with spyware or malware removal tools. The best known ones are:

AdAware

Spybot Search and Destroy

eTrust PestPatrol

5. Scan Your System regularly: If you keep all updated and latest security programs installed on your computer and do not regularly scan your system for infections, any malware can make it through to your system. Therefore regularly scan your system for better protection.

6. Back up your important files: It is a good practice to back up your important files on storage devices. At least you will still have access to your important information even if your computer has crashed.

Moreover, if you follow the above mentioned advices, you can keep your system protected from spyware proactively and detect and remove any that does manage to get into your system. If you face issues while installing anti-spyware programs or are tired of your PC problems, you can contact the tech support team of Ask PC Experts anytime through e-mail, phone, chat or online computer support. You can subscribe to annual system protection and backup plan for single PC users at just $99.95 a year! This package encompasses free installations of more than 50 system utilities, unlimited access to PC technical solutions and much more. Dial their toll free number 1-888-889-335 or visit their website for more information.