Tips! What Is Spyware And Adware , How To Remove It?

Ad supported software, often called Adware or Advertising Supported Software, is used when referencing any type of program that downloads or displays unwanted banner advertisements in the software being used. Adware is often bundled within software a computer owner purchases. The authors of a program sometimes include adware in their software torecover development costs, or to be able to provide the product for free or at a discounted price. Adware can be designed to collect data on which sites the user visits, send this data back to the company and deliver advertising based on the information. Though the advertisements produced by adware may be seen as an annoyance, a distraction, or an invasion of privacy to the user, the income the developer receives may help them to maintain, upgrade and continue to develop more products. Often, after using a free software product that includes adware, a user may opt to purchase a registered or licensed version without adware to remove the ads. This adware-free product may also have additional functionality.

However, adware can also contain or be classified as spyware, a type of malware that is considered by many to be privacy-invasive. Spyware can steal a user’s information or corrupt the user’s system files. Though adware companies may have a Privacy Policy stating that no sensitive or identifying information will be collected, there is usually no way for the user to be completely sure that he or she remains anonymous. Therefore, because of privacy concerns and the prospect of malicious adware, antivirus software today detects and removes both adware and spyware.

HOW TO REMOVE SPYWARE AND ADWARE!

WINDOWS 7

If you have spyware or other potentially unwanted software on your computer, you should use an antispyware scanner and removal tool to try to remove it. You can also try to remove spyware manually. You might need to use both of these methods more than once to completely remove the spyware or other potentially unwanted software.

Use an antispyware scanner and removal tool

Windows Defender is a feature in this version of Windows that can help prevent spyware and other potentially unwanted software from infecting your computer. When Windows Defender is on, you're notified if spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to run or install itself on your computer. You choose whether to ignore, quarantine (move to a different location on your computer where it can't run), or remove each item that's detected. For more information, see Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Spyware scanners are also frequently included in antivirus programs. If you've already installed an antivirus program, check to see if that program includes spyware protection features or if you can add them as an update, and then scan your computer regularly. For more information about spyware, go online to theMicrosoft Security website.

Remove spyware manually

Spyware can sometimes be hard to remove. If an antispyware program notifies you that it can't remove spyware, follow the instructions provided by the antispyware program. If that doesn't work, try these options:

• Try installing an antivirus or another antispyware program. Many antivirus programs also come with antispyware protection.
• Check Programs and Features for items that don't belong on your computer.
  Use this method with extreme caution. Control Panel lists many programs, most of which are not spyware. Many spyware programs use special installation methods to avoid showing up in Programs and Features. Occasionally, a spyware program will offer an uninstall option and can be removed with this method. Only remove programs that you can positively identify as spyware, and don't remove programs that you might want to keep, even if you don't use them very often. For more information, see Uninstall or change a program.
• Reinstall Windows.
  Some spyware can hide itself so well that it can't be removed. If you still see evidence of spyware after trying to remove it with an antispyware program or after trying to uninstall it using Control Panel, you might need to reinstall Windows and your programs.

  Warning

  • Reinstalling Windows will remove spyware, but it will also delete your files and programs. If you have to reinstall Windows, make sure that you back up your documents and files, and make sure that you have access to the installation discs you'll need to reinstall your programs.

  
  

WINDOWS VISTA

If you have spyware or other potentially unwanted software on your computer, you should use an antispyware scanner and removal tool to try to remove it. You can also try to remove spyware manually. You might need to use both of these methods more than once to completely remove the spyware or other potentially unwanted software.

Use an antispyware scanner and removal tool

Windows Defender, which ships with this version of Windows, helps prevent spyware and other potentially unwanted software from infecting your computer. When Windows Defender is on, you're alerted if spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to run or install itself on your computer. You choose if you want to ignore, quarantine, or remove each item that is detected. For more information, see Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Spyware scanners are also frequently included in antivirus programs. If you have already installed an antivirus program, check to see if that program includes spyware protection features or if you can add them as an update, and then scan your computer regularly. You can see a list of other spyware protection programs at the Microsoft Security at Home website.

Remove spyware manually

Spyware can sometimes infect areas of your computer that are difficult to clean without causing further problems. If an antispyware program notifies you that it can't remove spyware, follow any directions provided by the program. If that doesn't work, try these options.

• Check Installed Programs for items that don't belong on your computer.
  Use this method with extreme caution. Control Panel lists many programs, most of which are not spyware. Many spyware programs use special installation methods to avoid showing up in Installed Programs. Occasionally, a spyware program will offer an uninstall option and can be removed with this method. Only remove programs you can positively identify as spyware, and do not remove programs that you might want to keep, even if you don't use them very often. For more information, see Uninstall or change a program.
• Reinstall Windows.
  Some spyware can hide itself so well that it can't be removed. If you still see evidence of spyware after trying to remove it with an antispyware program or uninstalling it, you might need to reinstall Windows and your programs.

  Warning

  • Reinstalling Windows will remove spyware, but it will also delete your files and programs. If you have to reinstall Windows, make sure that you back up your documents and files, and that you have access to the installation discs you will need to reinstall your programs.