How to Detect and Remove Adware and Spyware

By Kris Bickell

Computers, like all machines, do not last for a lifetime. One of the most common problems that eventually hinders a computer from performing its functions such as running in its correct computer speed and quicken its lifespan is the infestation of viruses like adware and spyware. A computer's lifespan may be assured to last a long time by doing simple computer-based tasks to remove adware and spyware.
Both adware and spyware are viruses that are nuisances to a computer user as they slow down the computer's speed and changes the computer's setting.

Adware is a virus that causes unwanted ads to appear instantly on a computer screen. Adware can be in the form of attractive advertisements that use catchy statements, intriguing topics, or striking photos. Spyware, on the other hand, may also be in the form of advertisements but is usually sent through email. Spyware hack through computer users' online accounts and send the information such as email addresses, usernames and passwords to a third computer so the ads may be sent directly to the email address.

Don't worry, a computer infected by adware or spyware is not good-for-nothing anymore. Adware and spyware can be removed. That doesn't mean that once adware and spyware is removed from a computer, it is all safe to browse the internet already. Numerous measures should be observed to remove adware and spyware and to ensure that a computer is virus-free.

Adware and spyware come in the forms of a software that was downloaded and installed into a computer. And just know this: what can be installed, can be uninstalled.

Adware and spyware may be found in the Add/Remove Programs section of the Control Panel. After clicking on Add/Remove, find the unwanted filed and simply click Remove. Just be sure that after you do that you restart your computer to totally delete the virus.

After deleting the virus and rebooting the computer, you should scan your computer for more viruses. Anti-virus scanners may be downloaded free from the Internet. Just be sure that you are downloading from a trusted site because many adware and spyware are in the forms of anti-virus software. It is not enough that just one virus scan is made - it is imperative that you do regular virus check-ups (most computers will have an anti-virus program installed already). Most anti-virus software can be set to update automatically once an internet connection is detected.

Once a computer is virus-free and restored to its normal state, it will return to its normal speed and functionality.

Source: Ezine Articles