Howard writes in with a spyware question
Q. How can I clean my pc from spyware and virus for free without buying?
A. There are a few effective utilities that you can use to check for spyware and viruses that are free. I would download and install Spybot to begin with. Spybot checks your computer for known spyware and removes it from your system. The spyware definitions are constantly updated so you can always be up to date. Spybot also offers an immunization feature which protects your PC against known spyware items. Every time you update the program it will allow you to immunize against more threats.
You should also download and install AdAware. It is similar to Spybot and may catch things that Spybot doesn't. It is also updateable. Check out our spyware page for links to download these 2 free programs.
Microsoft also offers a free antispyware utility called Windows Defender that you can download as well.
Microsoft also offers the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool which is normally downloaded with Windows Updates but can be downloaded manually.
As for virus protection there are a few online and free virus protection programs you can download. Check out these helpful links for more information on how to obtain these utilities
http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/virus/free_scans.html
http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/virus/kaspersky.html
http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/virus/mcafee.html
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