* Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Also called adware.

Important Read First: BACKUP YOUR DATA, I would hate for you to lose all your data if something went wrong.

Important Read First: In trying to keep programs that are free, a lot of the programs “Real-Time Protection” (What is “Real-Time Protection” you might be asking? When you start your computer this program will load and be checking for Malware/Spyware trying to install itself when you are on the Internet.) is only in their Pro Versions. The other software is there when one of them has problems removing the spyware.

Check here for any Spyware Reviews. Click Here to check out the reviews.

Products:

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Supported platforms: Windows 7, Vista (Service Pack Gold, 1 or 2), Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3).

* Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware Software, Click Here to download. Free version.

Supported platforms: Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit), Windows Vista, Windows XP.

I have had a few users report that this is the only tool that cleaned up their computers finally. One of them purchased multiple products just to find out that the free version of Malwarebytes did the job.

* Ad-Aware SE by Lavasoft Software
Click Here to Download. Free for Home Users

Supported platforms: Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit), Windows Vista, Windows XP.

* Super AntiSpyware Software
Click Here to Download.

Free for Home Users, Use Super AntiSpyware because all Malware/Spyware software seem to detect different problems.

Supported platforms: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows XP Home/Professional, Windows Server 2003, works in 32-bit mode under 64-bit versions of Windows.

* Spybot Search&Destroy Software
Click Here to Download.

Free and you can donate to the project, There seems to be a lot of people using Spybot, so I went back to it and put it back on my website.

Supported platforms: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows  Server 2003, Windows XP.