If your computer becomes infected with spyware, it's critical that you take quick action and get rid of the problem immediately. Not only can spyware lead to poor system performance but the effects it causes can become worse over time. In addition, certain spyware programs might leave your system vulnerable to other types of spyware programs, further complicating the issue. Finally, since spyware can leave your personal information or business data at risk, an immediate solution should be made priority #1.

There are numerous spyware programs available online. Unfortunately, some are bogus or worse yet, mechanisms for spreading even more spyware. But out of the good ones that are available, you have the option of choosing either a free program or a paid program. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, some obvious, some not. So let's discuss those throughout the remainder of this article.

Free programs:

There are several free spyware removers available. The good ones do a sufficient job, but don't typically come with as many features as their paid counterparts. Usually the free programs are maintained with the latest data on new spyware threats and can scan/remove spyware from your system. However you have to update these programs yourself and will have to remember to scan your system periodically. Also, free programs might be more likely to be bogus or used as means for passing on more spyware or other harmful files since it's more likely that the average computer user will opt for the free version as their first (if not only) solution.

Paid programs:

Just like their free counterparts, there are tons of paid anti-spyware programs out there as well. In fact, some are just upgraded versions of the free software. With paid spyware removers, you get all the features typically found in the free software-scan and remove spyware, adware, etc plus an updated database of new spyware programs as they're found. However, the best paid versions include features that automate a lot of these tasks. So you don't have to remember to keep the program updated or remember when your last spyware scan was. In addition, if you pay for a spyware remover, it should come with real-time protection. Having this feature means that the program will scan programs as they install or run on your system and will stop spyware before it has a chance to do any damage or compromise your system.

One other thing to keep in mind is that most of the paid software also offers a free trial version or a free scan of your system. That way, you can try it out or do a quick scan of your system. Then, if you like the software or find a lot of spyware on your computer, you can choose to pay for it. Software makers understand that there's no point in paying for software only to find out that you don't have any spyware on your computer. This way, you get to try before you buy.