At the present, Spyware Removal Tools (SRTs) are the most effective way for removing spyware hiding on your computer. SRTs remove spyware from your computer either manually or automatically, depending on how you set up the tool, and SRTS do a decent job of assessing spyware's threat to your computer.

Threat Assessment
After an SRT identifies spyware on your computer, it will have some method of assessing the threat to your computer. Often SRTS assess threats on a numeric scale. If the threat to your computer is significant and is the likely culprit of symptoms that spyware causes, the SRT may suggest that you delete the file. Spyware not posing a threat to your system can be removed if you desire. Also, some SRTs will allow you to view information about the vendor that placed the spyware on your computer.

Remember, some programs that you download will not run without spyware installed. (such information will most likely be stated vaguely in License Agreements.)

Some SRTS have built in "immunization," which may block future attempts of spyware installation. However, SRTs cannot block everything.

What SRTs Miss
SRTs do not delete all spyware, since they often miss spyware hiding on your computer. Oftentimes spyware hide among temporary file folders and temporary internet files on your computer. See Lesson 6, "Deleting Temporary Files," to learn about deleting temporary files from your computer.

Updating your SRT
It is very important that you update your SRT to ensure that you have the updated definition file to protect your computer. Updating your SRT is usually as simple as clicking a button. Some SRTs give you the option of checking for web updates or updating the software manually.

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