Why would I need a spyware removal program? You asked yourself this question. Well, what you need to understand is that spyware is not just any Tom, Jim and Harry looking through your stuff. Spyware mingles with your registry files. Looking for them and deleting the right files, is like looking for a needle in a haystack! It isn't that simple, right? So how do you do this exactly?

A spyware infection can be a huge problem, sucking up your time and money. Below are 5 easy steps you can take to protect yourself from a nasty spyware infection:

1) Download a spyware remover
Download a spyware remover and make sure to run regular spyware scans. Every couple of weeks should be good for the average computer user. If you download lots of programs or spend lots of time online, you might want to do a full scan every few days to make sure your computer is clean.

When choosing spyware removal software make sure to choose a reputable product. There are some spyware removal programs out there that actually contain spyware themselves. Read a few reviews online and base your choice on others users opinions and you should have no problem choosing a great product.

2) Download Firefox
Lot's of spyware and adware is targeted at Internet Explorer since that is the most common web browser. Firefox also includes a built in popup blocker and is generally more secure than Internet Explorer. This won't protect you completely but it might just help you avoid unnecessary trouble.

3) Avoid Unknown Downloads
Never download browser toolbars, plugins, or files in general from unknown websites or ones that look suspicious. If you feel uneasy about downloading a file from a site, don't do it! Common sense will go a long way in preventing spyware from making it onto your computer.

4) Use a Firewall
A software firewall program is absolutely necessary to protect yourself from spyware and computer viruses. The firewall will notify you when any programs try to make it onto your machine or try to broadcast out to the internet. Anything you don't recognize should be denied.

5) Avoid Filesharing Networks
Many fiesharing programs and networks are full of spyware. Lot's of music files and programs on these networks are actually malicious spyware in disguise. Stick to legitimate download sites and music services. You'll be much safer and will avoid downloading something you may regret later.

Spyware remover programs are often free to download and do a great job of scanning for and removing spyware on your computer. They work by scanning the files on your computer and comparing them to database of known spyware. These databases are constantly being updated with the latest spyware and security threats. Regular spyware scans and updates will ensure that you are safe from malicious programs and will keep your computer spyware free.

Many anti-spyware programs have a real time "guard" feature. The program runs quietly in the background always on the lookout for harmful files. It's a great feature to look for and works very much like an anti-virus program. One of the most widely used anti virus programs is the Norton Anti Virus (NAV), a product of Symantec Corporation. Its function is to detect and remove viruses, spyware, adware, and other potential security risks.

Major anti-virus firms such as Symantec, McAfee, and Sophos have come later adding anti-spyware features to their existing anti-virus products. Early on, anti-virus firms expressed reluctance to add anti-spyware functions, citing lawsuits brought by spyware authors against the authors of web sites and programs which described their products as "spyware". However, recent versions of these major firms' home and business anti-virus products do include anti-spyware functions, albeit treated differently from viruses. Symantec Anti-Virus, for instance, categorizes spyware programs as "extended threats" and now offers real-time protection from them (as it does for viruses).Recently, the anti-virus company Grisoft, creator of AVG Anti-Virus, acquired anti-spyware firm Ewido Networks, re-labeling their Ewido anti-spyware program as AVG Anti-Spyware Professional Edition. Zone Labs, creator of Zone Alarm Firewall has also released an anti-spyware program.