Efficiency Tip #92 – Stop Spyware

Another common problem I see slowing computers down is spyware. Spyware is the name given to programs that have found their way into your computer via back-channel methods.  You can get spyware from an installation of a regular piece of software.  I remember installing something years ago and getting a “free” extra called Gator.  Periodically this gator-like-thing would pop up and ask me to do something or buy something.  It took me forever to get rid of it. 

Today the most common way of picking up spyware is by browsing the dark corners of the Internet with Internet Explorer.  I have seen copies of IE that run like molasses because spyware has bogged them down so much.  You should always install Firefox.  Two browsers are better than one.  It is only a matter of time before other browsers pick up their own versions of spyware.  To be safe, you should run some sort of spyware scan.

I have used Spybot Search and Destroy for years.  It’s free.  You can get it here.

http://www.safer-networking.org

One of the original spyware detection programs was Ad-Aware originally by Steve Gibson.  Now it is distributed by Lavasoft.  You can still get a free version.

http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware

It is important to rid your computer of spyware.  This software will not only slow down everything you do on your computer, it has the potential to “steal” information from your computer and give it to undesirables.  Spyware can also turn your computer into a zombie that is controlled by someone else.  Zombies can be used to send spam and a whole host of other (more nefarious) things.  It is in your best interest to keep the spyware off your computer.

TSPY=6.66