How Reliable Are Free Spyware Remove Programs?

Are you finding that your computer has become sluggish lately? Abnormally sluggish? That even simple tasks it just can’t seem to do anymore?

Well, then, there is a possibility you have managed to somehow contract something known as “spyware” onto your machine, and this unsolicited software is trying to do all sorts of things in the background while you are working.

Spyware is actually a generic term of all kinds of software which embed themselves into your computer without your knowledge and consent. From a more technical view, there are several types of this software: malware, adware, spyware, dialers, hijackers and a few others. Each of these do different things.

For instance, malware is designed to conduct malicious activity on your computer (hence the term “malware). For example, it might open up your computer to make it an easy target for hackers, or use some hard drive space for file sharing of its own (sharing files with others in the world). It may also just download other forms of software that you don’t want, or hijack your browser or computer in various ways.

Adware is “advertising software”. It just shows you adverts, which are either “in your face” with annoying popups and the like, or more subtle. Sometimes adware might try and track your purchase history and internet history in an effort to know what it is you might like.

Spyware spies on you, as its name implies. It gathers personal information about you and sends this information to its author. It may collect harmless information or sensitive information, depending on its makeup.

Dialers are old-school sort of spyware but nevertheless can really wreak some havoc. Basically, it will cause your modem (if you are on dial-up) to dial out to a specific number that charges you for calls. It will do this without your knowledge so that you receive a hefty phone bill at the end of the month, and those on the other side (who created the dialer) get all the money.

Hijackers attempt to hijack your internet browser or computer in various ways, hence the name.

With all this in mind you need to get some serious spyware remove software if you want your computer to be safe again. Even if you have a “harmless” version of spyware on your computer, why should you let it stay? After all, you didn’t ask for it.

There are many versions of spyware remove software that you can purchase off the internet, and a lot of them are given away for free. Others are commercial versions, so you need to pay for them, but they may offer you a trial version or trial period so you can test the software out and see if you like it. This is very convenient, especially as it gives you what you need now (the ability to remove the spyware) and allows you to see the worth of the program.

Beware of the completely free spyware remove programs you can get. There are many of these that are either completely useless, fake, or even spyware themselves. Usually you should be very wary of such free tools and do some research on the internet about the product, to get an idea of its legitimacy and how well it works.