4 Free Spyware Downloads

Detect and Protect Computers with No-Cost Anti-Spyware Programs

© Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

Apr 5, 2008
Binoculars, StockXChng Nori832
Detect and protect computer systems against annoying pop-up advertisements, slow surfing, sluggish computers and hijacked webpages with 4 free anti-spyware downloads.

Today, many computer users are familiar with malicious computer viruses, worms and Trojans, which are nasty and malicious software capable of damaging and corrupting computer systems. Users also need to be aware of other potential computer programs that can cause a wide array of computer issues; spyware. Spyware are programs that are installed on computer systems generally without the user's knowledge or consent.

Spyware can affect computers in various ways. Some spyware monitors and tracks online surfing habits while other spyware collects personal information. Some spyware automatically redirects users to other websites while other spyware changes computer settings or installs software without the user's knowledge.

There are numerous signs and symptoms of computer spyware infestation:

  • Slow and sluggish computer systems
  • Frequent computer stalls or system crashes
  • Home-page hijacking
  • Hijacked web browser
  • Additional browser toolbars or desktop icons
  • Various keyboard keys no longer work properly
  • Frequent and annoying pop-up advertisements
  • Connection issues

Spyware is installed on systems in a variety of ways. A common approach is to bundle spyware with programs. Users download and install the desired program, as spyware is also being installed without the user's knowledge or consent. Security holes also pose a risk not only to computer viruses, but spyware installation.

Unfortunately, once spyware is installed, it may be difficult to revert back to the original computer settings.

The following programs provide computer spyware protection at no-cost. Some programs detect spyware, some remove spyware while others detect and remove.

SpyBot Search and Destroy

  • New plugin “RootAlyze “ tool
  • Available in many languages
  • Includes a variety of interface skins
  • Settings include “easy mode” or “advanced mode” per user preference
  • Requires Windows98, 2000, ME, NT, XP or Vista
  • Is not compatible with Mac operating systems
  • Supports Firefox, Internet Explorer 5.0+, Mozilla, Opera, and Netscape browsers
  • Monetary donations are accepted

AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition

  • Available in several languages
  • User manual available in download form (PDF format)
  • Supports Windows 2000, XP, XP Pro and Vista

Ad-Aware 2007 Free

  • Free version available for home use only
  • Detects and removes spyware
  • Includes user-friendly interface
  • Includes free updates
  • Free support is also available
  • Supports Windows XP, Server 2003, Windows 200 and Vista operating systems
  • Requires Internet Explorer 5.5+, Opera 9+ and Firefox 1.5 browsers

Windows Defender

  • Defender detects and removes spyware
  • Available in several languages
  • Provides protection for all users, not just administrators
  • Provides scheduled scanning
  • Provides automatic updates
  • Requires XP SP2 or Server 2003 SP+
  • (Is also included with Windows Vista operating systems)
  • Requires Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher

Protect computers and detect spyware with the four free downloads listed above. Ensure a safer and faster web surfing experience and a reliable and faster computer by installing a anti-spyware program today.

For free computer virus protection, read Free Online Anti-Virus Scanners and 4 Free Anti-Virus Downloads.


The copyright of the article 4 Free Spyware Downloads in Internet Security is owned by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. Permission to republish 4 Free Spyware Downloads in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Binoculars, StockXChng Nori832
Keyboard Spy, StockXChng Andreqc
     


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