Booting up the computer in the morning seems to be taking longer and longer. The pauses between asking for a web page and it loading increase. Suddenly, even keystrokes aren't registering on the screen as quickly as normal. Is your PC on the verge of a breakdown or has some version of spyware made a nest for itself on your machine?

The average user doesn't contemplate that the numerous websites, free offers, giveaways or games they surf in a day will damage their computer. And, nor does this average surfer believe they could be downloading potentially hazardous software that is going to cause their computer to go on the blink, eternally.

The Internet is teeming with fantastic websites, information, tools and interactive activities. Some of these cost real money and some don't. It's easy to take a freebie and feel like you got the better deal, but when a lot of freebies come packaged with spyware to infect your machine, the free price tag isn't really worth it in the long run.

Spyware is an umbrella term covering malware, adware, viruses and worms. Virtually any type of software (benign or malicious) will track, record and send your activities (online and off) back to its source. Similarly, in the beginning, adware was designed with the idea of preventing end users from being besieged by unwanted advertisements. However, those more interested in harvesting your personal data, whether it is credit card numbers or other personal information, have unfortunately warped the idea.

Prevention is the best remedy for all of these ills. Good anti-virus software, effective firewalls and reputable anti-spyware tools can save you time, money and a lot of headaches later. Most users don't think it can happen to them, yet the best viruses and worms are so insidious, you don't even realize it is happening at first.

Benign programs that just want to know the type of items for which you like to shop, can interfere with your Internet connection, overwork your CPU and even tie up valuable RAM. While it may not 'mean' harm, it will become a nuisance when left unchecked.

With the numerous anti-spyware tools available on the Internet and in your software stores, it doesn't make sense to stick your head in the sand. Ignoring problems on your computer doesn't make them go away. Because spyware can come in so many forms and be potentially fatal, it doesn't make good sense to allow it the opportunity to inflict damage before doing something about it.

Comparison-shop the various available anti-spyware tools. There are many sites that cover current information on the anti-spyware upgrades and latest problems. Educate yourself to your options so that you can invest in the type of software that will work for you.