Now for something a little different...

Now we all love E-Learning and such...but many times our windows based PC computers don't. Many major computer problems are caused by lack of proper updates, inadequate programs, and primarily Spyware. I bring this subject up now as I've had to repair two computers for friends that in the past week. They suffered from a mix of Trojans, that downloaded installers, and attacked the machines with fake programs. One repair was successful, one was not. It is very expensive to get computers repaired, another bill that everyone does not need.

There is no clear definition for Spyware, it isn't even known under one name. It is also known as Adware, Malware, and Badware. Trend Micro defines Spyware as "Spyware is any piece of software, installed or employed without a user’s knowledge, that watches, logs, and reports on that user’s electronic movements."

Now that we have a brief idea what it is, how can we prevent it or remove it?

Anti-Virus : Many people do not know that commercial anti-virus programs tend to stop updating after one year. Ensuring your Anti-Virus is up to date can help prevent Spyware from being installed. Some programs that are free and I recommend are:
AVG Free: AVG is free, updates frequently. Including some Anti-Spyware features.
avast! antivirus Home Edition: Free, modern looking Anti-Virus. User interface is very different from your usual Anti-Virus.
AntiVir Free Antivirus - Small, Lightweight, and Simple Anti-Virus.

Anti-Spyware: While many free Anti-Spyware programs do not provide real time protection, they provide excellent removal features for already infected systems.
Spybot Search & Destroy - While not the most effective program the program catches most common Spyware and provides system immunization features.
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition - Horrible name, superior removal. This program is not as well known as others, but I have thrown allot of Spyware at this program, and it was removed most problems easily.
Spyware Blaster - While not a scanning program, Blaster will allow you to immunize your system against various spyware, adware, and browser hijacker.

Windows does offer their own Anti-Spyware program, Windows Defender, and its own Anti-Virus program in the Windows OneCare Suite, but neither are recommended as it is generally found they do not do a very good job.

Other measures that can be taken to protect your PC:
Run Windows Update: Many rouge programs attack your PC using holes in both Internet Explorer and Windows. Patching these holes will at least partly protect your computer.
Dump Internet Explorer: If your using Internet Explorer, your opening yourself up for attack. Internet Explorer is not highly secure with un-patched holes being common place. Other browser options including Mozilla Firefox should be considered as alternatives.

Good luck!