First of all, what is spyware? From the name itself, it is a program designed to steal valuable information from the computer. A hacker may be able to find out one's credit card number and use this to make certain transactions, which will only come to the person's attention when the bill comes. It is also possible that the person may hack into a system using one's password to steal vital information.

Fortunately, there are different versions of spyware protection software readily available that that is designed to counter the threat. Here are some names that people can approach when it comes to protecting one's computer.

The first is called adaware. There are two kinds currently available. The person can get this for free as long as this is for personal use like for the home. Corporations will have to buy the system given that there are a lot of computers in the office and these run on a network.

Spybot Search and Destroy is another. It only has free version, which is why records show that it has been downloaded 67 million times in computers around the world. Some spyware programs will just look for red flags and eliminate it. This one goes one step further by blocking future threats from coming.

Next on the list is Skysweeper, which is very similar to Spybot. It is composed of 16 smart shields and detection tools making it very difficult for such threats to ever enter the user's system.

HijackThis is another program that has gained worldwide recognition as most than 1.5 million people are now using it. Aside from scanning and deleting potential threats, it also rectifies errors that have occurred when the program has been infected. A summary of what the program does is posted so the person will know what happened and what has been done.

Is there one free spyware program better than the others? The answer is no. Although if people look at how many times a particular software has been downloaded, there is no question as to who is number one.

Many people believe that one spyware program may not be enough to protect the computer. This is the reason that experts recommend at least downloading two so that if one makes it through the defenses, the second system will be able to catch and destroy it.

Another way to ensure the free spyware program is working is by checking for updates from the manufacturer. These things happen weekly or at least once a month because there are people in this world that are still making newer and more potential spyware that could threaten millions of computers worldwide.

Studies show that almost 90% of all computers in the world have been hit at one time or another by spyware. People are advised to take the proper precautions because this can happen at any time if the individual is not careful.

Those who not comfortable using free programs can get the paid versions. This does the same thing but if this will help the computer sleep well at night then so be it.