Top 10 signs you need a spyware removal tool   by Charlie_K

Rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 12 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Top 10 signs you need a spyware removal tool

Is your computer suddenly acting funny? There's a good chance that you may have hidden spyware running on your computer.

How are you supposed to know if you need a spyware removal tool?

Fortunately there are a number of symptoms that you can look for. Spyware is definitely a problem that you want to nip in the bud before it gets much worse.

Here are the top ten things to keep your eyes on:

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1) Where are all these windows coming from? 

Random popup windows are a surefire clue that something is wrong. If you see popup windows that have nothing to do with the websites that you are browsing it's a good sign that you have spyware. Many of these popups are either ad related or take the form of an error message. Another surefire sign of spyware is popup windows appearing when you don't even have a web browser open.

2) That's not Google! 

Spyware can also mess with your browser settings. Another sign that your system is infected is that when entering a search in your web browser you are taken to some other page.

Learn more about spyware.

3) I don't remember bookmarking that 

Keep an eye open for new items that have been added to your bookmarks, favorites menu or bookmarks toolbar. Like spyware installed toolbars, you may find that these return when you restart your browser even if you've already deleted them.

Read more spyware removal articles here.

4) Home sweet home 

If your homepage has suddenly changed, this is a dead giveaway that your computer is infected. This is especially a problem with Internet Explorer and along with popup windows is one of the most common signs that you need to do a spyware scan.

5) Play poker now 

Another common indication of spyware is extra desktop icons. These will commonly be for internet gambling or pornography sites. Whatever you do, don't click on these! Things will only get worse. Deleting the icons wont help either as the underlying programs will still be installed on your system.

Why not start a free scan now.

6) Toolbarmania 

Some spyware will install additional toolbars in your browser window. To make matters worse, even if you remove these extra toolbars they may still return when you restart your browser. To check for additional toolbars that have been installed without your knowledge look under "View" > "Toolbars" in Internet Explorer or Firefox.

7) The shields have been breached 

Some spyware can disable antivirus and firewall programs which leads to more spyware, which leads to further spyware, which leads to even more spyware, and on and on. Check the system tray icons for your antivirus and firewall programs to make sure that they are functioning properly. You can also check the Security Center in the Windows XP Control Panel to make sure that everything is working as expected.

8) Bumping and grinding 

Is your hard drive all of a sudden grinding away like crazy? Internet slow as molasses? CPU usage through the roof? If you suddenly see a huge change in the performance of your PC this could indicate a spyware infection. Keep a look out for unusual program crashes and just plain sluggishness. There are other factors that could cause all of these issues, but a spyware scan can't hurt to rule out any rogue programs causing the problems.

How to choose a spyware remover.

9) Long distance pain 

This is for people that use dialup internet access. Dialer programs are a type of spyware that can cost you a lot of money, very quickly. They use your modem to place long distance calls worldwide and can cause your phone bill to skyrocket. If your phone bill has outrageous international calls on it that you didn't make, you'll want to turn to your PC and eliminate this spyware immediately.

10) Now you see it, now you don't 

Keyloggers can be particularly nasty and hit you where it hurts...your pocketbook. These programs can record every keystroke you make including credit card details, passwords and other confidential information. This makes online banking particularly dangerous and can even lead to identity theft. Unfortunately these programs are very hard to detect yourself but there is an easy way that you can protect yourself right now.

Read more about spyware... 

The Best Spyware Remover - Which One Should I Choose?
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Are You Protecting Yourself From Spyware?
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Danger - The Hidden Costs of Spyware
Unwanted spyware running on your system can be a huge and unnecessary hassle. While the most obvious problems associated with spyware are popup windows and a slow computer, there are hidden costs that many people don't consider. Spyware can cause a huge drain on your time, money, and computer enjoyment.
How To Detect And Remove Spyware
Learn how to detect and remove spyware from your computer. What to look for, how to remove it and how to keep spyware from coming back in the future.
Spyware Alert - 5 Indicators You May Have A Spyware Problem
Don't be a victim of unwanted spyware! Look for these five key indicators to stay safe and cut spyware off in its path.

Remove spyware easily!

www.BecauseSpywareSucks.com can show you how to become spyware free. Start a free scan, compare spyware removal programs, and educate yourself about the problem.

New Guestbook 

mogsta22

Very important information here. Thanks!
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Posted March 31, 2008
jerdei

I have a love hate relationship with spyware. I repair computers for a living so it's good money. At the same time I totally hate spyware because of what it is.

Posted March 02, 2008
poddys

5 ***** from me. Really useful information.
I also recommend going to www.grc.com and using Shields Up (FREE) to check your incoming ports are locked down to help prevent threats.

Posted February 26, 2008
Charlie_K

Glad everyone has found the lens useful. Thanks for all the kind comments!

Posted February 20, 2008
RegistryRepairReviews

Thanks for the useful information!
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Posted February 19, 2008
BigFish1

5 stars good work on the lens. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
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Posted February 16, 2008
 
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