Computer Help Blog

Paid Anti-Spyware

To keep your computer free from spyware, you have to install anti-spyware software. This has to be installed in addition to an anti-virus and a firewall for maximum protection. There are both free and paid versions of anti-spyware software. If security is the main consideration, it is always better to opt for a paid solution. However, there are some free versions that are equally good.

The main difference between paid and free anti-spyware solutions is that paid solutions identify newer spyware faster and release updates more often. Many update spyware definitions almost on a daily basis to ensure that their software is always up to date and effective against all the newly discovered threats. Paid solutions may also offer better customer support services.

Here are some examples of paid spyware removal software:

Spyware Doctor: Spyware Doctor is a top-rated malware & spyware remover that detects, removes and protects your PC from thousands of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and tracking threats. Spyware Doctor costs $29.95 and comes with a 12 month subscription.

Sunbelt Counter Spy: Counter Spy is another highly recommended anti-spyware solution. It was ranked as the best spyware removal software by CNET in 2008. Subscription costs $19.95 (for 1 year) per computer. They also offer unlimited home site license for $39.95 (for 1 year). Counter Spy has very high detection rate, but at the same time, it is very light on system resources. They also offer a 14 day free trial.

Webroot Spy Sweeper: Spy Sweeper is one of most effective anti-spyware. It costs $29.95 (1 year), $39.95 (2 years) and $49.95 (3 years). It has many features like advanced spyware detection, real time protection, and enhanced rootkit detection. The subscription also includes free customer support. They also offer a free trial.

There are many other spyware protection solutions that are almost as good as the ones mentioned here. However, before buying them read user reviews and check if they are really worth the money. There are many rouge spyware removal software, which are themselves spyware. There software can be easily avoided by doing a little background check.

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s informed consent. Spyware programs can collect personal information, such as online habits, sites that have been visited, etc. and can also install additional software, hijack browser settings, or display unwanted pop-up advertisements.

In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user’s computer.