Anti Spyware
Anti-spyware is software that protects computer users from spyware and
other unwanted software. Anti-spyware programs secure the computers against
the effort of malicious spyware, to take partial control of, or intercept
a computer’s operation without the user’s consent or knowledge.
Anti-spyware programs offer real time protection, and scanning and removal.
Real time protection functions similar to real time anti-virus protection.
That is, the program monitors all incoming data by scanning all the files
that the user tries to download from the Internet, and blocks the activity
of components that represent spyware. Real time protection also blocks any
unauthorized attempts made to install startup programs or to change the
browser settings. The scanning and removal features offered by most
anti-spyware programs are simple. The program scans the contents of the
operating system files, Windows registry, and installed programs and removes
any entry or file which tallies with those in the already existing list
of identified spyware components.
Anti-spyware programs also require a frequently updated database of latest
spyware components. Whenever a new spyware is released, the anti-spyware
developers discover and evaluate them, and create “definitions” or
“signatures” which help the anti-spyware programs to identify and remove
the spyware. Hence, it is highly recommended to update the anti-spyware
program frequently to ensure protection.
Major anti-virus firms including
McAfee, Symantec, and Sophos have added anti-spyware features to their
existing anti-virus products.
Anti-spyware programs of recognized companies are usually not available
for free use; occasionally the manufacturers allow a free trial, enabling
only certain features. Very often they only provide free scanning;
the actual removal of the spyware is possible only with a registered
version of the product. Because fake anti-spyware programs that are
actually spyware exist, one should not be put off by the price of
legitimate software and the protection it offers.