About Spyware Removal Software

Spyware is an application that is installed onto a computer without the knowledge or informed consent of the user, so as to monitor the user's behavior and collect personal information that it sends to the spyware designer. Spyware removal software is designed to detect and remove spyware, protecting you from the insidious security threat that it presents.

Real Time Protection

Spyware removal software works in one of two ways. Some spyware is designed to provide real time, ongoing protection by scanning all incoming Internet traffic and blocking any threat that it detects. Ad-Aware, for example, runs in the background as your work, and blocks any suspected spyware from being installed onto your PC. It also scans any files that are downloaded from the Internet for any components that it identifies as spyware, as well as preventing illegitimate program downloads and any attempts to alter your browser settings. Ad-Aware is one of the very first spyware removal tools ever developed.

Removal

Other types of spyware removal software are specifically designed to detect and remove any spyware applications that have already been installed onto your computer. Spybot Search and Destroy, for example, scans your system to locate any files or registry entries that it identifies as spyware components, and removes these. This type of detection-and-removal spyware is more user-friendly and popular among users.

Function

When spyware removal software scans your computer for potential threats, it inspects each file, application and registry entry against a database of known spyware. It will then remove any matches that it finds. This database is maintained by the software's developer.
Since new spyware is constantly being developed, every each anti-spyware developer is constantly updating its database to keep current. For the same reason, it is important that you constantly update your spyware removal software. Some, such as Spyware Sweeper, will automatically update themselves each time there are updates available.

Control

Some spyware programs are designed to automatically remove any spyware that they locate. Others, such as Spyware Doctor, first disable and isolate (quarantine) the spyware, which you will then delete manually. One key advantage of a spyware removal program such as Spyware Doctor is that it gives you detailed information on the nature, severity and origin of each threat, educating you on which websites to avoid in the future.

Types

Spyware removal software is available either as a free download, as a one-time purchase or as a subscription service. Spybot Search & Destroy and Avast, for example, are available as free downloads. SpySweeper requires a one-time purchase, while Symantec Spyware Removal and McAfee Anti-spyware are available as annual subscriptions. There are some, such as Ad-aware and AVG, that offer both free versions, as well as commercial versions.