| Spyware is just one of several types of malware that | | | | your computer. In many cases, you can simply uninstall |
| can interfere with your computer's performance. The | | | | the spyware and reboot to fix the problem. |
| main purpose of spyware is to collect information | | | | #2: Run a scan using an anti-spyware program - |
| about you and your Internet surfing habits without your | | | | Sometimes, spyware is hidden, so it won't show up in |
| knowledge. While this may not be harmful in itself, | | | | your list of installed programs. In these instances, you |
| spyware can also cause your system to run slower | | | | need to use a good anti-spyware program. Many |
| than it should. In some cases, it can also change your | | | | experts recommend using a program designed |
| computer's settings or cause one or more | | | | specifically to detect and remove spyware, as general |
| components of your system to stop working properly. | | | | anti-virus software often won't catch all of these |
| Because of these problems, deleting spyware on your | | | | potentially harmful programs. Close your browser and |
| system is important. | | | | any open programs before you complete a full scan. |
| There are two basic ways this can be done. | | | | Delete any spyware found by the program, and then |
| #1: Delete spyware manually - Sometimes, it's easy to | | | | reboot your computer. Run the scan again to make |
| figure out which installed program on your computer is | | | | sure all of the potential threats have been removed. |
| spyware. If your computer begins running noticeably | | | | A final note: spyware is often hidden in programs you |
| slower soon after you download a new program, for | | | | download from the Internet, so don't install or run |
| instance, that's a good indication you're dealing with | | | | anything you don't know or trust. A little research and |
| spyware. To fix this, go to the control panel and click | | | | caution can save you problems down the road. |
| on programs to display everything currently installed on | | | | |