It's no mystery that these days you need to protect your computer from viruses and spyware if you are connected to the internet. There are a lot of different options out there - let's take a look at what you need to look for the make sure you are using the best anti-spyware program for your computer.

Spyware can cause a lot of damage to your PC. It can drastically slow down your computer and also puts your personal information at risk. It's extremely important that you protect your computer from these dangers.

Since there are so many different spyware removers available, we thought we would list a few key features you should always look for:

1) The capability to discover and destroy all types of spyware and adware

The term "spyware" consists of a lot of different types of infections. You have to look out for keyloggers, robots, browser hijackers, worms, dialers - There's far too many to list here!

Now we don't expect you know what all of these are, but it sure is important that you anti-spyware program does!

The spyware remover you use needs to have a comprehensive database of spyware infections that it can detect and eliminate from your computer.

3) Spyware Definition Automatic Updates

Unfortunately, new kinds of spyware make their way onto the internet every single day. The only way you can be safe from these new threats is if your spyware remover "updates" itself so it knows how to find these new types of spyware.

It's important that your spyware remover automatically updates itself with the new spyware definitions. This allows the program to protect your computer from any new spyware floating around the internet.

3) Automatic system scans

If there's one thing I know about myself it's that I can be very forgetful!

You want an anti-spyware program that automatically scans your computer for infections on a pre-determined schedule (I have it scan my system once a week). This let's you have the piece of mind that your computer is safe even if you forget to hit that "scan now" button.

4) Exceptional Customer Support

Now let's be realistic for a moment - spyware removers aren't something that require a lot of technical support with. They pretty much run themselves. However I like to know the option is there in case I ever need it.

I always like to see that the company that produces the anti-spyware product is available to help their customers if the need ever arises. To me, this shows that they are committed to producing a strong product and make sure their customers are satisfied.

I don't expect to have telephone support for this type of product, but I do want to have access to prompt email support.

You can use the link at the bottom of this article to read reviews on the top-ranked spyware removers out there. The reviewers looked closely at the support that each product offers. It might not neccessarilly be something you use, but it says a lot about the company behind the program.

Look for these four features in your spyware remover and you can be sure you computer will be fully protected. Not only will spyware slow down your computer, but it also puts your personal information at risk. It's worth taking a few extra minutes to make sure your system has the full protection it needs. All the best!