While working with your pc, ever had advertisements pop up suddenly and keep wanting you to buy their software? or a pop-up says that your pc have been infected by spyware, viruses and forced you to download its software.

Most of the time, they will display a message such as:

“WARNING! Your computer is infected with spyware! Buy [software name] to remove it!”

Your computer start behave weirdly, reduced in performance and sometimes your anti virus application get disabled automatically. Have all the symptoms? Your system is probably infected with a spyware or multiple of it.

Don’t worry though because most updated antivirus and antispyware could help you to get rid of this malware. The problem is which security software to choose. You can choose the payware commercial software such as Kaspersky Internet Security, Norton 360, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, ZoneAlarm Antivirus 7, Trend Micro Antivirus or AVG Internet Security. Choose the ‘Internet Security’ or ‘All in One’ version for better protection.

If you are asking me, I’m always stick with my free listing. A freeware and open source geek, i think. But when you pick a freeware counterpart, bear in mind that it couldn’t stand by itself. My pick would be Avira Antivir Personal Free plus Ad-Aware 2008 Free and combined with Comodo Firewall Pro Free (-myFree- Personal Software II)

Some well-known spyware programs:

CoolWebSearch, Internet Optimizer/DYFUCA, Zango/180 Solutions, HuntBar/WinTools/Adware:WebSearch, Movieland/Moviepass.tv/Popcorn.net

Fake Antispyware programs:

  1. Errorsafe/system doctor
  2. Spy Sheriff
  3. WinAntiVirus Pro 2006
  4. Magic AntiSpy
  5. Spyware Quake
  6. SpyWiper
  7. PSGuard
  8. Spyware Strike
  9. XP Antivirus 2008
  10. SpyAxe

Note: Always follow the 3 in 1 basic rules if you are looking for a free alternative; Antivirus + AntiSpyware + Firewall. Last but not least, it’s important to updates regularly and do not download anything you do not know the sources.