Spyware And Anti-spyware : you MUST Know.

You must know how to prevent spyware on your computer
and what is spyware... so this article is all about spyware and anti-spyware
Its all about about "Spyware", "Mal-ware", "hijackers", "Dialers" & many more. This will help you avoid pop-ups, spammers and all those buddies.

Have you been offered to see who is secretly viewing your Facebook profile? There are tens of websites and Facebook apps that claim that they can give you such opportunity.. However, these messages can hardly be trusted because, according to our sources, Facebook still doesn’t give its users a possibility to see who is spying on their profile. We highly recommend ignoring messages that offer to try Profile Spy or other apps. Besides, you should also check the system with updated anti-spyware to make sure that your PC is not infected with Facebook virus or one of its version – Facebook Stalker virus.

What is spy-ware?

Spy-ware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software (Ad-ware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.

Known spywares

There are thousands out there, new ones are added to the list everyday. But here are a few:
Alexa, Aureate/Radiate, BargainBuddy, ClickTillUWin, Conducent Timesink, Cydoor, Comet Cursor, eZula/KaZaa Toptext, Flashpoint/Flashtrack, Flyswat, Gator, GoHip, Hotbar, ISTbar, Lions Pride

How to check if a program has spyware?

The is this Little site that keeps a database of programs that are known to install spyware.

Check Here: spywareguide
and may more sites just google it........ :)
If you would like to block pop-ups (IE Pop-ups).
There tons of different types out there, but these are the 2 best, i think.

Try this: Google Toolbar ( Free )
Try this: AdMuncher (Shareware)

If you want to remove the "spyware" try these.

Try: Lavasoft Ad-Aware  ( Free )
Info: Ad-aware is a multi spyware removal utility, that scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware components and lets you remove them. The included backup-manager lets you reinstall a backup, offers and multi language support.

Try: Spybot-S&D ( Free )
Info: Detects and removes spyware of different kinds (dialers, loggers, trojans, user tracks) from your computer. Blocks ActiveX downloads, tracking cookies and other threats. Over 10,000 detection files and entries. Provides detailed information about found problems.

Try: BPS Spyware and Adware Remover  (Shareware)
Info: Adware, spyware, trackware and big brotherware removal utility with multi-language support. It scans your memory, registry and drives for known spyware and lets you remove them. Displays a list and lets you select the items you'd like to remove.

Try: Spy Sweeper v2.2  (Shareware)
Info: Detects and removes spyware of different kinds (dialers, loggers, trojans, user tracks) from your computer.
The best scanner out there, and updated all the time.

If you would like to prevent "spyware" being install.
Try: SpywareBlaster 2.6.1 ( Free )
Info: SpywareBlaster doesn`t scan and clean for so-called spyware, but prevents it from being installed in the first place. It achieves this by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage.

Try: SpywareGuard 2.2 ( Free )
Info: SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against so-called spyware. It works similar to an anti-virus program, by scanning EXE and CAB files on access and alerting you if known spyware is detected.

Try: XP-AntiSpy ( Free )
Info: XP-AntiSpy is a small utility to quickly disable some built-in update and authentication features in WindowsXP that may rise security or privacy concerns in some people.

Try: SpySites (Free)
Info: SpySites allows you to manage the Internet Explorer Restricted Zone settings and easily add entries from a database of 1500+ sites that are known to use advertising tracking methods or attempt to install third party software.

If you would like more Information about "spyware".
Check these sites.
spychecker
spywareguide
cexx

Trusted tools...(from Microsoft)

Where to get antispyware software

How do I remove spyware software if I can't use my computer?