We’re always looking for good, reliable and affordable solutions to safe and secure computing online and off, so I was pretty impressed with an article I just came across from Tim Brendel on DIY spyware removal for Windows users.

It doesn’t take you through a step-by-step process, but provides the basic foundation knowledge you would need on spyware to begin researching options for yourself.

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Windows Spyware Removal – Do It Yourself & Save Money

by Tim Brendel

If you have a PC powered by Microsoft Windows, you more than likely have, or will experience spyware. In a nutshell, Spyware is an unwanted program that is installed onto your computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s informed consent. It is installed and runs without your permission in an attempt to gain statistics about your internet surfing habits. Spyware creators do this so that they can hopefully see what websites you frequently visit, and then advertise to you with related topics.

For example, let’s say you are shopping for a new vehicle. You visit a few websites, collect your needed information and move on. Suddenly, you get pop-ups, emails, etc. all related to purchasing a new vehicle! Another reason these spyware makers may do this, is an attempt to improve their software that you have already installed willingly. Yes, Microsoft & Adobe (the makers of the Flash Player and Adobe Reader) have, and still do use these spying programs to gain a better understanding of their target market. Spyware infections can get pretty nasty. If you have experienced an issue related to spyware, then there is a 90% chance that the rogue program isn’t alone on your computer. You more than likely have several other infections.

This is because of spyware Trojan Horses. They are installed onto your computer, then they go out and download and install other spyware programs, all without your consent or knowledge! This should be illegal, however the powers that be have realized that spyware makers are very sneaky, and do in fact deceptively get users to give consent to installing their software. They do this by providing little check boxes in a pop-up that read something along the lines of: “Click Here If You Accept the Terms and Conditions”. Does anyone ever read those terms? Short answer -

NOPE!

The good news is that Spyware is definitely not permanent, and in most cases can be removed quite easily if the infection isn’t that bad. You can take your PC to a repair shop, but be prepared to pay high dollars for this service. The going rate for reputable computer repair is upwards of $125 per hour, and spyware & virus removal services can take 2 to 3 hours or more. Sometimes, the other and most effective option is to backup your important data and reinstall your Windows Operating System from scratch. If you do end up having to go this route, you should know that your computer will be “like-new” when you get it back. Meaning, you will have to reinstall your printer, your internet software, and your favorite programs, etc. The up side to that is, there will be zero spyware or viruses when you get it back!

Tim Brendel – 28, Phoenix Metro Area, AZ has been a freelance writer for the last 5 years, and he loves sharing his knowledge and opinions for people to read. Tim is also an information addict! He wants to learn as much as possible about every topic that he get his hands on. As an author, he specializes in Technology, Advertising, Marketing, Social Networking, and in other areas of web copy.

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