Spyware has got to be one of the most despicable types of virus on the internet. The way it works can be pretty disastrous. Where other viruses might just mess up your computer a bit or make ads pop up on every site you visit, spyware is, just as the name implies, designed to steal your personal information.
On the lower end, spyware might steal your ip or your email address and sell it to a spammer who will then send you a deluge of pop up ads and spam mails. On the other end of the spectrum, spyware might take full control of your system. It can change the password and allow another user to access your computer remotely, having free access to all of your files, your passwords, personal information, everything.
So of course, it goes without saying that it’s important to try and find something to block this from happening.
If you’re willing to pay full price, it’s not hard at all to find some good anti spyware. Likewise, if you don’t care about quality, it’s easy to find some free anti spyware. The trick is to get both in one package!
So with that in mind, here are a couple of well reviewed and highly recommended anti spyware programs that are absolutely free!
AVG Free
AVG Free is primarily an anti virus program, however, its capabilities as a spyware killer are not to be underestimated. AVG Free gets regular updates, it’s easy to install and easy to use, and, of course, it is one hundred percent free.
The only problem with AVG Free is the lack of customizability and configuration options, but most reviewers don’t seem to mind this too much.
Avast! Home Edition
Avast is one of the more popular and efficient full packages out there for free. It covers everything from viruses to spyware to adware, It is, simply put, a darn good little program for being free and all.
The website, Avast.com, really tries to push their professional package of the same software… but you probably don’t need that unless you’re trying to outfit an entire office or something.
Either of the above two will get the job done. The very best coverage is always going to be something that actually costs a few bucks, like McAfee Security Center, however, for many of us, a good, basic, simple program is all we really need. Just practice common sense online, and you should be able to get away with just using the free stuff.
