How to get rid of these programs

Unless you've taken time to remove them, there are spy programs on your computer. These programs are installed when you simply browse to different web sites.

What does this mean? It means that someone MAY be capturing your passwords as you are logging on to your online banking institution or anywhere else. At the very least, it means that you have programs on your computer that can hurt the performance of your computer - slowing it down. These tools were originally designed to collect information about your behavior to send you "targeted" advertising about products you might want to purchase. The programs though, in many people's eyes, violate your privacy and have gotten all too common.

Removing the spy-ware is very simple. There are some free programs available that will do this for you. My favorite program at this time is called Spy-Bot Search and Destroy. It seems to be the fastest as well as the most comprehensive anti-spy tool out there right now.

You can get the software by clicking on http://security.kolla.de/ and, while it is free, you are encouraged to make a donation. I happily sent $30 and the donation is quick and easy. This tool is actually worth a lot more than $30, so feel free to donate as much as you like. I'll send some more when the next version comes out just to help keep encouraging the development of great software like this.

This tool is for the PC and I don't know of any tools like this for the Mac (though there may be some).

For your computer at the office, check with the IT professionals to be sure it is OK to install this software.

Here is how to use the spy-bot search and destroy tool once you have it installed on your computer. Think "three steps."

Step 1: Choose "update" to get the most "up to date" information every time before you scan.

Step 2: Choose "search and destroy" then "Check for problems." After the problems are found (and there will be, trust me, if you use the Internet at all) then choose "fix selected problems."

Step 3: Choose "Immunize" and help protect your computer against future spy-programs. Notice that is "help protect" and not "protect."

Repeat these three steps regularly (weekly at a minimum, once a day is better) to keep the spy programs off your system. You will be able to see how many spy programs are removed from your computer each time and will be able to decide for yourself how often you need to clean your computer.

CAUTION: If you are using any of the "share music with friends for free" program or, for example, www.kazaa.com (the world's most popular downloaded program right now) there is a good chance that, after you remove the spy-ware, your service will stop functioning. You can work around this if you want to; see the FAQ section at http://security.kolla.de/ for more information.

IMPORTANT: Understand that spy-ware is different than viruses. To protect yourself, you need BOTH and anti-spy-ware solution as well as a good anti-virus solution such as Norton Internet Security that even includes a personal software firewall.

To learn more about spy-ware, just go to http://www.google.com and search for "spy-ware."

If you are wanting to "spy" on people and see what they are doing on your computer when you aren't there, you can use tools such as WhenWhatWhere and I urge you to be completely sure of your legal, moral, and ethical position before you ever choose to spy on anyone.

About the Author:
Mike Foster is a coach, seminar leader, workshop presenter, and keynote speaker. Having delivered more than 1,000 presentations and training sessions in the United States and internationally, Mike has mastered the art of explaining the most technical topics in a common sense way that people enjoy. For more information about Foster's programs and coaching, and to buy his book "Relationship Secrets Every Brain, Nerd & Tech Geek Can Use - How 5 Easy To Learn Relationship Skills Can Super-Charge Your Career!" call 800-657-7107 or visit www.fosterinstitute.com.