3.13. Task 3.13: Running an Antispyware Scan

Although not quite as malicious in intent as viruses and similar to spam in email vernacular, spyware, which was created as a marketing tool, is an increasingly prevalent class of often unwanted Internet fare. Spyware is the toilet paper on the shoe of the casual Internet browser. Without defenses in place, which can lead to issues during browsing, spyware is free to install itself and eventually clog the main arteries of the operating system. In some cases, spyware inhibits the successful execution of legitimate programs, making it more like an unintentional virus.

The market is replete with antispyware utilities of varying caliber. Counterintuitively, some of the best ones are free. Others are free ...

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