From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia:

What is Spyware?

  Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.

While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's computing, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habits and sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software and redirecting Web browser activity. Spyware is known to change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and/or loss of Internet connection or functionality of other programs. In an attempt to increase the understanding of spyware, a more formal classification of its included software types is provided by the term privacy-invasive software.

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 practices for computers, especially those running Microsoft Windows. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.

We have found a few beneficial programs that we have used with success. These are by no means 100% fixes. More and more frequently, we have systems brought in to our shop for service that are infested with spyware, malware, scareware and trogans. If you are determined to go it alone, here area a few programs that can start you in the right direction:

MalwareBytes.org; There is a free and paid version. This link will require you to register, but it is the free version of malwarebytes. This scans for malware on you computer and can be run in safe mode.

Trendmicro Housecall: This is an online free virus scan offered my TrendMicro™. This download is available and will scan your system for any infections.

There are tons of "free" online scanners and removal tools available - but beware. If you are not familiar with it - please do some research. A simple web search will yield information often containing results that the "tool" is actually malware and not a benefit - BEWARE OF MONEY SCAM SOFTWARE

King Office Service, Inc is not endorsing these products. We are not getting "kick backs" for these referrals. These are tools we have used in the past, and have found them to be helpful. We make no guarantees that the products mentioned above will fix any issues or problems you are currently experiencing. If you have any questions, please call our technical support personnel.

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