When it comes to spyware, prevention is always the best medicine. Taking steps to keep your computer free of any and all kinds of spyware in the first place will save you loads of time and money down the road.

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from getting spyware, however none are 100% effective. Avoiding pop-ups and questionable websites are two of the smartest moves you can make. It is also a good idea to be cautious when downloading anything, especially freeware and files from file sharing sites. This has especially been a problem with certain music-sharing websites.

Finally, deleting all spam can help you wage war against spyware. Even if an email appears legitimate upon first glance, always make sure it is from who they say it is from before clicking on any links or giving away personal information.

For most computer users, however, spyware becomes an issue after it has already plagued a computer. And for most, it’s only a matter of time before you end up with spyware. Very few are immune.

Those with Macintoshes and non-Windows operating systems are far less likely to get spyware. This is because hackers write the spyware for the most commonly used types of computers and operating systems. Regardless of the type of computer you own, and even if you have not yet detected spyware in your system, you may very well have it.

How to Detect Spyware

It doesn’t take a computer wizard to detect spyware in many cases. A crippling number of pop-ups or a disturbingly slow system are two telltale signs you may have spyware. The best way to detect spyware, however, is with the use of antispyware software.

Antispyware software detects spyware and cleans it out of your system. A good program will also prevent future outbreaks of spyware on your computer.

If you are serious about figuring out a way to detect spyware on your computer, you need to do your homework. There are so many antispyware programs on the market, it can make your head spin. With a little research, though, you’ll be able to choose an effective program and successfully detect spyware on your computer.

What to Look for in AntiSpyware Software

There are plenty of antispyware software programs out there. Some reviews even suggest you use two or three programs just to ensure you detect all spyware on your system. A good program will do most of the work on its own. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for antispyware software:

* The program should promise to detect spyware 100% of the time or give you a free update within 24 hours that will.

* A good program will not only detect spyware, it will also prevent it. Cleaning out your system is great, but it will be done in vain if new spyware shows up on your computer the very next day. You want to not only clean out the current system, you want to protect your computer’s future.

* The company selling the antispyware software should offer convenient customer service. This means not only a real person available to walk you through any problems, but also automatic updates to combat new spyware that is introduced into cyberspace.

If you are vigilant in detecting spyware and preventing spyware, you will have a faster computer as well as peace of mind that your personal information isn’t being hoarded by hackers. A little time spent up front to ensure your security will pay off ten-fold in the future.