Unfortunately, you don't always have to make the first step to get spyware on to your PC. Most people are careful to avoid down-loading unknown email attachments and to stay away from questionable downloads all together, but this is not quite enough. There are a growing number of adware and spyware software programs on the Internet that specifically take advantage of Microsoft Windows security leaks to infect your system without you knowing about it. Known as a "drive-by-download," this type of spyware grabs onto your computer while you're browsing the web.

In this situation, a down-loader called a "Trojan" is installed on to your PC. This program in turn downloads then executes files from various locations online whenever your PC is connected to the net; all without your consent or knowledge. The down-loaded spyware files then display ads such as pop-up on your computer. The only certain way to avoid most of these spyware programs is by keeping up with the Windows security updates. Always install these Windows updates when they become available and you'll be able to avoid most adware/spyware problems that exploit the security holes within the Windows operating system.

Unfortunately, certain rogue anti-spyware and rogue registry cleaners are utilizing this type of sneaky technology to maliciously promote their own products. Once the spyware/adware has been secretly installed on your PC, a pop-up window may start appearing that is designed to scare you into down-loading some kind of fake anti-spyware or registry cleaner product.

For example, a pop-up might say you have spyware on your computer and then tries to convince you to download their anti-spyware software to rid your computer of the infection. As you might suspect, these claims are completely false. Most likely, your PC is not infected with spyware at all (or only infected with any adware originating from the company attempting to sell you their antispyware product). Rogue anti-spyware programs are disguised as real solutions for spyware problems but are actually designed to deceive victims into buying a product to fix a problem that doesn't even exist. If you don't want to be fooled into buying a fake anti-spyware software product, don't respond to this type of pop-up advertisement.

No legitimate anti-spyware product will "magically" appear on your screen telling you to buy. If this ever happens, don't buy it. Don't believe the scare tactics. We highly recommend any one of our top antispyware recommendation.