Manual spyware removalIf you don't want spyware on your computer, you can try to remove it manually. However, spyware removal is a difficult and complicated process for even the most experienced computer user. Spyware often intertwines itself with core operating system or application functions, which can result in serious disruption of computer operations if spyware is not safely removed. Spyware infections have led large numbers of users to take drastic measures to restore normal computer operations. Most spyware also includes multiple traces, or file fragments, which can remain as clutter on your system even after spyware is disabled, resulting in continued performance problems. It's important that any spyware removal effort eliminate all traces of a spyware program. Even if you think you've successfully removed a piece of spyware manually, it can leave a tickler that completely reinstalls the spyware program the next time you start up your PC. As a survival tactic, these same spyware programs often leave similar traces elsewhere on your system so the game of cat and mouse never ends. Most Internet users today are turning to dedicated spyware protection tools to keep their systems spyware-free. One of the first things you should do if you find a trojan or spyware on your computer is disconnect it from the Internet. And we're not talking about closing a browser session; we're talking about pulling the phone line out of the wall or disconnecting the modem so your computer is not connected to any network. Spyware and Adware Scanning SoftwareThe easiest way to find and remove spyware and adware is with scanning software. Anti-spyware software is not the same as anti-virus software, although some anti-virus packages will detect some known spyware programs. The good news is that some of the most functional anti-spyware and anti-adware software is free. Anti-spyware software works in much the same way as anti-virus software. It scans your computer's hard drive and looks for files associated with known spyware and adware programs. After the scan, the software usually displays or quarantines potential problems and allows users to decide what should be removed. As mention earlier, definitions vary and your tolerance to certain advertising-related cookies may be high. Some recommended spyware removal software | 