Got a lot of pop-ups on your computer lately? Even when you're not surfing the web? Congratulations! You've got spyware!

Also known as spamware, adware, etc. Some come in with "free" software that really isn't (file sharing software is famous for this), or maybe you clicked on a window that said something like "Your computer is infected with spyware" or "Keep your computer's clock synchronized" or "Stop pop ups!" or "Make downloading faster" or "Searches easier" - you get the idea.

It has become a real scourge on Windows PC's - so much so that the vast majority of my home customers, and nearly half of my business customers, are infected with it.

Not strictly considered viruses for the most part (you DID click on the pop up, or download the software didn't you?) some are easy to remove, most aren't, and some are nearly impossible.

A virus can be in your computer without your knowledge - silently recording your keystrokes, or using your computer as a "zombie" to send millions of junk emails. Sometimes there are symptoms of this (lot's of bounced email you didn't write, crashing and slow response, etc.), and sometimes not.

Let us remove these nasties from your computer - unfortunately, it's quite common nowadays. You may think you just have an old computer - but it may be these things that are the problem. Save buying a new PC. Give us a call.

If you'd like to try removing them yourself, see this page for spyware removal tools, and this page for virus removal tools. You might also give Firefox a try as your web browser to replace Internet Explorer.

For some general "safe computing tips", we've prepared a PDF file for you - feel free to share it with others, especially teenaged individuals in your household - it may well save you a visit from us!