How to Check for Tracking Software

Tracking software is any program installed on a computer with the explicit purpose of tracking where the user goes on the Internet and what information the user enters into various websites. One particular type of tracking software called a keylogger literally records every keystroke pressed, saves the information in a log file and sends the file back to the person who installed the keylogger. Tracking software can be very dangerous and should be removed immediately.

• 1

  Download and install the "SnoopFree Privacy Shield" software. After restarting the computer, "SnoopFree Privacy Shield" will automatically load with Windows XP and sit in the System Tray. This software is completely free and runs quietly in the background, watching over all the software that runs on the computer and blocking any suspicious tracking software. Upon detecting a tracking software threat, the program notifies the user and asks how the threat should be handled.

• 2

  Download and install "HijackThis," a free program designed to detect and remove any malicious changes made by tracking software installed on the computer. "HijackThis" will scan the computer's browser and operating system and generate an extremely detailed log file containing information about the current state of the computer. "HijackThis" can also remove any unwanted files from the computer that have been put there by tracking software.

• 3

  Download and install Microsoft's "Malicious Software Removal Tool." This is a free program available from the Microsoft website that checks Windows computers for specific forms of tracking software and other popular forms of malicious software. Microsoft releases a new update for the "Malicious Software Removal Tool" on the second Tuesday of every month, ensuring users will always have the most up-to-date protection available.