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How to Get the Best Spyware Blocker for Your Computer

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By Jennifer Claerr
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
Get the Best Spyware Blocker for Your Computer
Get the Best Spyware Blocker for Your Computer
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Spyware is a potentially dangerous form of malware that can allow unauthorized users to track your computer usage without your knowledge or consent. Spyware can monitor your keystrokes, scan your hard drive for data and monitor running applications. This can cause a breach of privacy and may also lead to identity theft. Fortunately, there are many software programs with spyware blockers that can block spyware from ever getting on your computer in the first place.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Navigate to a website that offers free downloads of free and trial version spyware blocker software. Favor reputable download sites such as Softpedia.com, Download.com and Brothersoft.com. Select your operating system and search on "spyware blocker" or "anti-spyware." If you have trouble finding a spyware blocker, look at anti-virus programs with built-in spyware protection. Also consider downloading a trial version of a spyware blocker from a site such as Symantec.com or McAfee.com that sells Internet security software. Also consider downloading and installing Windows Defender if you have Windows Server, XP or Vista. If you have a Mac, consider trying MacScan or Norton Internet Security for Mac.

  2. Step 2

    Read reviews of spyware blockers on download sites or online product review sites. Read the product description to ensure that the spyware program has resident or real time spyware protection that blocks spyware and that your computer has the system requirements to run it. If the software only has a spyware removal tool, it won't be able to block the spyware from getting on your computer.

  3. Step 3

    Download several free or free trial spyware blockers. For best results, create a new folder called "Downloads" and place a subfolder named "Spyware Blockers" in that folder. Save the spyware blockers to your hard drive rather than running it from its location on the Internet.

  4. Step 4

    Install only one anti-spyware program at any given time, since having multiple programs with resident spyware protection running on your computer at once can cause problems. If you're dissatisfied with a spyware software program or you'd like to evaluate a new program, uninstall the old anti-spyware program before installing the new program, even if it's a different version of the same software.

  5. Step 5

    Run the spyware blocker's spyware removal tool after it's been installed for a month or longer to see how much spyware it missed. Also consider using an online spyware detection tool to find any spyware the program might have allowed onto your hard drive. Take notes about which anti-spyware programs performed the best. If you choose to purchase a spyware blocker rather than install a free program, make sure the anti-spyware software also has a removal tool.

Tips & Warnings
  • You must keep your spyware blocker software up-to-date to be properly protected. Make sure that the software you select has automatic updates. After you install the anti-spyware software, ensure that automatic updates are enabled.

Comments  

mweise said

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on 9/18/2009 Great resources!!! Good article, 5*

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on 9/17/2009 Very nice tips on getting the best spyware blocker

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