Essential PC security tips Defend against spyware

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This article, Essential PC security tips, was last updated on 02 February 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.

Vista comes with a built-in anti-spyware program

Run a spyware scan with Windows Defender

Windows Defender is Vista’s built-in anti-spyware program, which can scan for and remove spyware from your computer. Spyware is malicious software that downloads to your computer without your knowledge.

It can monitor your activity and collect information about you, and can hijack your browser. If your computer becomes slow or is acting strangely, it may have spyware on it.

To access Windows Defender, go to Start > Control panel > Security center, and click on the Windows Defender link in the left-hand panel. Click Scan to scan your computer for spyware.

For more information on spyware, read our guide to security software or watch the Which? video guide to protecting your PC from spyware.