The first sign that something is wrong is that your computer seems to be slower. It's easy to shrug off, computer's often slow down for no good reason. But then you see an error message you don't understand. It doesn't seem to affect anything, but now you are uneasy. When you open your web browser, your home page has changed to a site filled with ads. Now you are beginning to worry. A flurry of pop-up windows annoys you, and all together you see that your problems are forming a pattern. You need an antispyware program now, because your computer is infected and needs to be cleaned up.
Spyware Infections can be Nasty
Spyware is malicious software that is designed to profit its creators in any way possible. The methods of attack are varied, but generally they result in some advantage to the writer of the program. Some malware programs are stealthy and steal your private information like account numbers and passwords, then use your Internet connection to send that data to the thieves. Some scamware just tries to convince you to purchase more products, real and fake, giving the scammers your credit card numbers. Then there are purely malicious programs that slowly destroy your computer by deleting files you need.
In any case, having a spyware infection is bad news.
Spyware Sneaks onto Your System
Getting spyware is a tiny bit more difficult than getting a computer virus, but not by much. Viruses spread by infecting programs. Spyware *is* the program, and as such it must be installed on your computer.
But in Windows, installation of a program is ridiculously easy. You can install a program with a single mouse click, particularly if the installation is via the World Wide Web. And the makers of spyware use this to their advantage, making you think you are installing something useful or required. Some spyware will claim to be a video helper file that you need to watch a particular video. Some will pretend to be antivirus programs that will help clean your computer. Others will be disguised as a fun toolbar or desktop pet. But once they are on your system, your troubles will begin.
Manual Removal of Spyware Is Not Easy
Sadly, getting rid of spyware is never as simple as getting it. To manually remove it requires a number of technical skills. You need to be able to stop processes, find and delete hidden files, and edit the registry. Any one of those skills also has the potential to seriously damage your computer if you make a mistake. In addition to having the skills, you need to know what processes to stop, what files to delete, and what registry entries to edit for each instance of spyware on your computer.
Don't think that you only have one. Where there is one malicious program, often you have others. The first one will usually open up your computer to further attacks.
Use an Antispyware Program to Clean Up and Protect Your Computer
Instead of mucking around in the innards of your computer's operating system, it's better to get a good antispyware program to deal with the problem for you. Find an antispyware that has a solid reputation from a legitimate company, preferably a member of the Better Business Bureau or other consumer protection agency. Look for an antispyware program that updates regularly to catch the new spyware that is constantly being invented.
Get control of your computer back from the thieves and scammers. It's your computer, not theirs.