There are three important steps:

1. Install and Run an Anti-Spyware Program

  1. I recommend Microsoft Windows Anti-Spyware - Microsoft’s new entry is getting good reviews in its beta. Some are reporting that it’s catching more spyware than other entries in the anti-spyware arena. It’s free.
  2. Spybot Search and Destroy - Spybot is free and does a great job of ferreting out and removing spyware. Spybot is one of the most commonly recommended tools when people are dealing with spyware issues. It also includes options that will help “immunize” or prevent certain types of spyware issues from occurring in the first place.
  3. Lavasoft’s Adaware - Adaware is the other most commonly recommended anti-spyware tool. Adaware’s personal edition is free for non commercial use.

Download and install the package of your choice. Now. Before you forget.

2. Update the Spyware Database

Your first step should be to update the spyware database that came with the installation. New spyware is being created every day, and databases the anti-spyware programs use are being updated as well. You need to get the latest database for your anti-spyware program right away.

Most of the programs have update functions that will locate, download and install the latest databases automatically. Microsoft’s anti-spyware program will do it automatically for you.

3. Run Regular Scans

Most of the anti-spyware programs don’t work automatically … you have to run scans regularly yourself. Do it at least weekly. Use that as an opportunity to make sure that the databases is updated as well.

If your scanner supports scheduling, as some do, make sure to set that up so that the spyware scans happen regularly.

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