Signs and Symptoms of Spyware
There are typical signs and symptoms associated with Spyware. Because Spyware is such as significant threat and because it is so widely spread, it is very important to understand what these signs and symptoms are. Even just one of these symptoms can indicate a serious Spyware infection, so it's important to address the threat immediately should any of these signs be present.

Compromised System Performance
If your computer isn't running the way it used to, if you're faced with continuous system crashes and unexplained system instability, chances are you've been infected with one or more instances of Spyware.

Browser Hijacks
Does your homepage constantly change? Are you directed to websites without having any idea whatsoever how you got there? Do your searches get routed through unknown search engines? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your computer is definitely infected with numerous instances of Spyware.

An Onslaught of Ads
Computers infected with Spyware are under constant advertising attack. Pop-up ads tend to plague Spyware-infected computers. If you can't surf the Web without running into at least one pop-up advertisement, you've been infected with a Spyware program.

Unexplained Computer Activity
Some Spyware programs allow remote influence and because of this, people whose computers are infected with Spyware sometimes experience unexplained file deletion, unauthorized downloads, disabled applications and Web server attacks. If any of these things have happened to you, there is malicious Spyware on your hard drive.

Disabling of Programs
A few Spyware programs result in the disabling of programs on your computer. If you can't operate some of the programs you used to use, a Spyware program may have disabled it. Some spyware programs can even disable your entire system, causing your computer to shut down without rhyme or reason.

Unauthorized File Downloads
If files keep downloading to your computer without your authorization, Spyware is most likely the cause of the problem. Spyware programs known as downloaders will connect to a remote server and will download unauthorized files and programs to your computer. This can prove to be especially troublesome if the files downloaded prove to be malicious programs such as Trojans, worms and/or keystroke loggers.

Makes Unauthorized Phone Calls
If a user's computer is connected to a phone line via a modem, the computer has access to telephone networks. Certain Internet threats will attempt to access a user's phone line through his or her computer. Programs called "dialers" use the infected computer to make phone calls to pay-per-minute phone services or long-distance numbers. Dialers are sometimes used to collect Web site fees, particularly fees for pay porn sites. In addition to making expensive phone calls, some dialer programs will connect you to an Internet porn site and will automatically charge you for access, with the charge appearing on your next phone bill.

Internet Connectivity Issues
If your connection to the Internet becomes disabled unexpectedly or if you experience frequent connectivity issues, Spyware is probably the culprit. The only way to restore your connection stability is to remove the Spyware threat.

Depletion of System Resources
If your computer is moving extremely slow or crashing frequently due to excessive use of system resources, chances are there's Spyware running. Spyware often uses up valuable system resources, leaving no room for other programs to operate.