If you have been online for a reasonable length of time, then you know how important it is to keep your computer protected. A firewall and an anti-virus program are a must. They are basically your first line of defense. However, there is another important software that every computer must have -- a spyware removal program. A spyware removal program is a useful tool as it can detect if there are any spyware programs lurking in your computer without your knowledge.

There are hundreds of spyware removal programs out there, but you have to be careful and selective as to which spyware removal program to download onto your system and use. There are a few good spyware removal programs, but the majority are poorly designed that they won't really do you any good. Many of the amateur-created spyware removal programs can detect and remove spyware from only a few sources, and they aren't updated on a frequent basis. They are practically useless that you may as well not have them on your computer at all.

There are spyware removal programs that disguise themselves as such, when in reality they are really spyware. These malicious programs are actually Trojan horse viruses. What these programs do is act as if they are removing spyware from your computer when in reality they are installing spyware. Unless you have considerable experience using the computer and the Internet, you should avoid downloading suspicious spyware programs onto your system. If you unknowingly download a malicious one, your data may be compromised or worse, be wiped out.

Before you install a spyware removal program, make sure that you back up your data. Make a copy of your important files (e.g., documents, mp3 files, and any other files that is vital to you) either on a CD, DVD, flash drive, external hard drive or on another computer's hard drive. This way, should something go wrong, your important data are safe. You can learn more about essential spyware removal programs at http://www.topspywareremovalsoftware.com

There are a few spyware removal programs that are good, created by reputable software companies, and free. One such example of a good and reliable spyware removal program is Ad-Aware. You can download the software's personal version for free. The Ad-Aware Professional Edition has a tag price, but for most home computer users, the free version provides adequate protection against spyware programs. Ad-Aware is frequently updated so you are always protected from the latest spyware and viruses.