Any time one connects to the Internet and surfs with a computer unprotected by the appropriate security measures, it is an open invitation to a plethora of spyware programs to infect a computer.

Spyware is becoming increasingly prevalent and more insidious with each passing day. Every minute spent online is a chance for a system registry to become infected. Surfing the Internet without a good spyware program installed is akin to washing dishes without soap – infections may ensue.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is programming that invisibly infiltrates a computer and monitors the computer user’s activity. It silently collects information all without the computer user’s knowledge. Spyware can infect private and public computers, even company computers are not immune to being infected.

Beyond collecting information, spyware can make changes to the system registry, redirect users to an unwanted URL, and even download more insidious software. Quite often the changes made to the registry will cause issues with the network connection and will even go so far as to shut down the connection completely.

There are several programs out on the Internet that are notorious as spyware software. Surprisingly, among those to be found, AOL Instant Messenger is considered to be a spyware carrier. The program contains another program called WildTangent. WildTangent itself is infected with spyware. Occasionally, even a touted anti-virus program is nothing more than a cleverly disguised spyware program – SpyEagle is the perfect example of this.

What Does a Spyware Blocker do?

There are spyware removal programs and then there are spyware blocking programs. A spyware removal program simply scans and removes existing spyware from one’s computer system. They do nothing with regard to future issues other than having the need to be run on a regular basis to remove items that have already infected a computer. The damage from the spyware is already done at this point and what a spyware removal program will do is only clean up the aftermath and mess left behind.

Spyware blocking programs, on the other hand, not only remove existing infections but also actively block out any attempts to install spyware onto a system. They run as a resident program in the background just like anti-virus programs and will alert and block any incoming threat. Spyware blocking programs are the guards at the gate.

There are many spyware blocking programs available on the Internet. One of the more popular programs is Spyware Doctor. This anti-spyware software is also integrated with an anti-virus program, effectively doubling one’s protection. SpywareBlaster is another effective anti-spyware program that prevents not only spyware downloads but adware, browser hijackers and dialers as well. Consumer Search has a great listing of anti-spyware programs shown in comparison with each other.

Arm Your Computer

Internet surfing is quite a lot of fun and can garner a great deal of information. Unfortunately, it also can garner a great deal of spyware and unwanted computer infections. Arming one’s computer with an anti-spyware program can ensure the fun and information gathering can continue without a hitch.