Spyware is malicious software that advertising agencies download into your computer without your permission and it's legal!! This can happen when you visit certain websites, install software or download e-mail attachments. Once inside your machine, advertisers can monitor and collect useful information about you. This drains your computer's memory and slows down your internet connection.

I strongly recommend the following four programs. They are completely free and keep your computer running smoothly.

Ad-Aware Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy are excellent for spyware detection. They should be run weekly to find and remove any spyware already installed on your PC.

Spywareblaster prevents spyware infection before it happens.

CWShredder is freeware I run once a month. It kills hard to find spyware such as CoolWebSearch hijackers.

Make sure you keep your spyware removal and protection tools up-to-date before use.

These programs do not stop viruses. Make sure you have adequate virus protection in addition.

Ad-Aware SE Personal is a part of Google Pack. It has been downloaded over 216 million times as of October 7 2006. Version 1.06 was added May 27, 2005.

Spybot is one of the most recommended free spyware detection programs on the Internet.

Read my article on Zone Alarm Firewall.