How to know if you have spyware

Spyware typically makes its presence known when browsing the Internet is slow and unwanted windows and objects appear at random. If you have experienced any of the symptoms described below, you should scan your computer with a trust anti-spyware program.

• If you are getting a heavy pop-up/pop-under every time you click on a link or open a page
• If your computer is running slow or acting funny, but you don't have a virus
• If you have any mysterious programs showing in the system tray in Windows (bottom right-hand corner of screen)
• If your browser's home page keeps going back to the same site even after changing it

How to remove spyware

Your first line of defense is to install and run an anti-spyware program. Such software will identify, and in most cases remove, many different aggressive ad tools. This includes everything from cookies to malware.

1. Download and install anti-spyware program(s).
   
   
2. Run the "Check for updates now" or similar option every time you run the spyware scanning software.
   
   
3. Scan your machine, and then remove anything malicious or suspicious that it finds.
   
   
4. Run the spyware scanning software again until it finds nothing.

Outcome

You will have removed spyware from your computer. Running the software twice a month will help keep your system clean.