Spyware is software that monitors or controls the use of your computer. It could send pop-up ads, redirect browsers to certain Web sites, or even record one's keystrokes. A pop-up ad could even try to trick someone into typing in bank account information, leading to identity theft.  Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Adware).  Spyware is also more broadly called Malware.  Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a blend of the words "malicious" and "software". The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.     Why is it called "Spyware" ? While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.....        More info on Spyware and Adware

Pop-Ups and Browser Hijacks
While browsing the internet or reading your email, your PC may be invaded by a malicious attack.  You may notice a flood of obscene pop-up windows assaulting you after a mistyped URL, or malicious code taking over your browser completely, or any number of other malfunctions within your internet browser.  Chances are your browser has been hijacked!  An external invasion by malicious code has taken over your internet browser.

Generally your home page will be changed and new favorites will be added that point to sites of dubious content. In most cases, the hijacker will have made registry changes to your system, causing the home page to revert back to the unwanted destination even if you attempt to change it manually.  Now you must figure out a way to eliminate the hijack and of course, to prevent any future hijackings.

Some of the more potent browser Hijackers may also disallow access to certain web pages, for example the site of an anti-spyware software manufacturer like Lavasoft. These programs have also been known to disable Antivirus and anti-spyware software.  This hinders your ability to remove the hijack.

Most browser hijackers take advantage of Internet Explorer's ability to run ActiveX scripts straight from a web page or other Internet Explorer security loopholes and install themselves automatically.   Some browser hijackers may also install themselves onto your computer system as legitimate programs, leaving an entry in the 'add-remove programs' list in the control panel.  Browser hijacking isn't necessarily a virus, and isn't necessarily adware, so stopping it isn't necessarily best left to software monitoring programs either.  You will need a comprehensive solution to fight this.

You can eliminate a Browser Hijack, but it is time consuming.  The best thing to do is begin with the Quick Fix steps above, including an immediate virus scan and spyware scan.  Next, remove questionable programs that you did not install and suspect to be malware - do this via CCleaner or the Windows Add and Remove Programs feature.  The problem is that most Browser Hijacks cannot simply be removed by this method and that piece of malware software you tried to uninstall will just re-install itself.

Install and run Lavasoft's Ad-Aware scan.  Then restart your PC in "safe mode" and run an antivirus scan.  Use Hijack-This to check your registry for malware.  In a worst case scenario, visit the following websites for step-by-step help by computer professionals on how to remove your browser hijack and fix your computer:  CastleCops or BleepingComputer.

Attempt to remove most of the malware on your computer using free anti-virus/anti-trojan products. We have provided a list of our recommended online and free/trial software that we recommend you to scan your computer with as part of this step.  Lastly, you may need to download and install Hijack-This - a popular free diagnostic program.

Once you have eliminated the Spyware on your PC, you must prevent any future Spyware from recurring.  Stop any future invasions with a potent Firewall and with judicious web-surfing habits.  See step #4 for advice and tips on Firewalls.
 

Windows Vista vs. Spyware All versions of Vista come installed with a program called Windows Defender (previously known as Microsoft Antispyware).  This handy utility works with Internet Explorer and Windows Mail to protect your computer from spyware.  Windows Defender has become an integral part of the Windows Vista Operating System and make it very convenient for users to eliminate and prevent spyware without having to install third-party software.  The Windows Defender enables you to actively scan your computer for all types of spyware that might have infected your computer --especially if you use Internet Explorer to subscribe to online services or make online purchases.  This software is very capable and has received favorable reviews since Vista was launched. To open the Windows Defender window, click on Start --> Control Panel --> Security --> Windows Defender. After the Windows Defender window is open, you can click the Scan button to have Vista perform a quick scan of your computer and report any spyware anomalies.

 

Windows (Free) Tool to Fight Malware
Microsoft Security Essentials is a new (free) core anti-malware service that helps protect consumers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software.  It was released to the general public as a free download on Sept. 29th 2009.  Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple. It is also compatible with Windows 7 Operating System.

Microsoft Security Essentials, independently certified by West Coast Labs, is backed by the company’s global security response team and is built on the same award-winning core security technology found in the company’s security solutions for businesses. This software requires no registration, trials, or renewals and will be available for free download directly from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

 

Protect your most valuable files by backing them up.  Want more details on how to shop for a Backup Hard Drive and how to decide on a backup plan? Check out our Backup Hard Drive Guide for information and details on how to purchase the best hard drive.