How can I tell if I have spyware on my computer?

[eyesontech]

You might have some form of spyware on your computer if:

• You notice new toolbars, links, or favorites that you did not want or place in your Web browser.

• Your default home page, mouse pointer, or search program changes.

• You type the address for a specific Web site (for example, a search engine), but are taken to another Web site without notice.

• You see a lot of pop-up ads, even if you're not on the Internet.

• Your computer suddenly performs slowly or seems unstable.

Note: Some spyware might not have any symptoms at all. Its purpose is to collect information from you and your computer. Installing an antispyware program, such as Windows Defender, can help you scan your computer to find and remove spyware.

[fredilan]

you can also try some third party software like Ad-Aware, AVG AntiSpyware, etc.

[samkhan]

Originally Posted by fredilan

you can also try some third party software like Ad-Aware, AVG AntiSpyware, etc.

Yes, i will also recommend Ad aware as antispy tool. I am using it, and i always get best results from it.

Time by time you will get Update Patches for your program. It keeps you upto date.

So go for Ad aware.

[astros99]

Yeah, I've been using Adaware for a while and it is pretty good. But I must say, one software cannot wipe out all of your virus problems. It is best to use multiple softwares because most of the time if one doesn't get something, then the other will.

[fredilan]

hmmmmmmm, that is a good idea but not always the good practice, especially with antiviruses.

[samkhan]

I suggest everyone that always use one antivirus/spyware software only at a time. It will give best result to you.

Don't run for too many antivirus/spyware softwares. It will not solve your problem.

[fredilan]

yup! antiviruses would conflict with the others when installed in one machine.

[mini_0]

Anti-Spy programs look for signatures or traces that are specific to certain spy software. Some simply do text string scanning to find them, and others i.e. (X-Cleaner) actually extract and attempt to remove the spyware. Be careful of the ones that use only text string scanning. Text string scanning can give false positives and in some cases it actually it can accidentally target anti-spy software!

[fredilan]

yup, it can also possibly screw up your registry.