How to Fix Spyware & Malware

"The only way to keep your computer clean of spyware and malware is to use an effective monitoring and disinfecting tool, such as the truly excellent Spy Sweeper."
                                                 – PC Plus

What can I do if I get spyware on my PC?

First, you should ensure that the infection you’re dealing with is in fact spyware and not a virus.  Webroot provides a free spyware and virus scan to help you determine the specific infection you are dealing with.  If it is spyware, you have two choices – Install an antispyware monitoring program or attempt to manually remove the spyware.

Manual removal of spyware is a very complicated process that should only be attempted by the most experienced computer users.  Even then, complete removal of spyware will be extremely difficult.

Most computer users will find that an antispyware program is the best solution to fix their infected computer.  Additionally, quality antispyware programs will have real-time spyware monitoring protection that stops spyware BEFORE it becomes a problem.  Make sure to look for this feature when selecting an antispyware program. 

What should I look for in antispyware software?

Regular definition updates
Good antispyware software will have frequent definition updates.  Definitions are what tell the software what is and is not an infection.  As new spyware is released to the Internet new definitions must be created to let your software know what to look for.  Many free antispyware programs do not have regular definition updates so they are unable to remove the most recent spyware infections, which are often the most dangerous. 

Refined spyware detection
Some antispyware software scans yield false positives to make you think they’re detecting more traces than their competitors.  Often times you don’t even know when a false positive has been detected.  To avoid this situation, you should select a spyware monitoring program that is backed by a reputable company that has a designated threat research team. 

Proactive protection
Detection and removal of spyware is only half of the solution. It's equally, if not more, important to stop spyware before it reaches your computer.  A proactive antispyware software solution defends system and browser elements while simultaneously guarding your information and privacy.

Designated threat research team
Often, it's not financially possible for companies that offer free antispyware software to house a team of dedicated threat researchers. Updates may be erratic, poorly programmed or non-existent, and this often leads to an abundance of false positives.  A designated threat research team knows what to look for, allowing their company to build the most effective antispyware solution.

Customer service
Most free antispyware software is not backed by expert customer support, e-mail support or online help. Good support will offer whatever it takes to help you navigate through a spyware-related issue.  Ideally they don't charge you by the incident or per minute to resolve your issue.

Easy-to-use interface
What good is antispyware software if it’s too difficult to use? A quality program will be intuitive and user friendly.

Stable company to back up the software
An established and credible company will back their software. You’ll have support if you encounter a problem with your purchase or software functionality and you have the comfort of knowing experts are in your corner.

Why is Spy Sweeper the right choice?

With more awards than any other antispyware software program (including 9 PC Magazine Editors’ Choice awards), Spy Sweeper is an effective spyware monitoring and cleansing tool that is recommended more than any other antispyware software. Here's why: