Gone are the days when the biggest threat to your computer was losing your back-up floppy disk.
With pop-ups and ads becoming increasingly common fixtures on websites, the likelihood of unknowingly having malicious software on your computer is at an all time high.
Spyware, adware and malware are just a few of the unwanted things your computer can pick up -- well, anywhere.
Downloading and using software to detect and remove these programs is the first line of defense in the battle against malicious threats.
There are many free applications that can be found on the Web, but the best software removers have key features that make them stand our from the rest.
The top free malware removal tool is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
This application is known for being quick and effective with the ability to scan either multiple drives or individual files in minutes.
This application also has a feature that none of it's competitors do, FileAssassin, a tool capable of removing locked files.
The free version doesn't offer real-time protection.
In order to keep your newly restored computer from being compromised in the future, you'll need to upgrade for $24.
95 or download another free application.
SUPERAntiSpyware promises to "remove all the spyware, not just the easy ones," a promise it delivers.
It is excellent at detecting and removing most spyware, adware, malware and other malicious threats that eek their way onto your computer.
The free version is easy to use, extremely effective, offers full scanning and removal and is for people who are serious about keeping their computer and themselves protected.
The paid version may be well worth the money as it offers real-time protection and the ability to schedule scans.
An old standby in malware removal is SpyBot Search & Destroy.
It is fairly effective at scanning and removing threats, but it's Immunize feature sets it apart from the others like it.
The Immunize feature is designed to adjust the default browser settings to protect your computer from the more common types of spyware.
While it may not be top in it's class any longer, it is still an efficient and effective application that will keep you protected from the everyday threats associate with browsing the Web.
Another popular spyware remover is Ad-Aware Free Internet security.
This program scans and removes threats from your computer, but it works a little slower than the others.
For what Ad-Aware lacks in speed, it gains with the addition of anti-virus which makes it somewhat of a more complete solution.
For real-time protection and the additional features such as rootkit removal, you must download another program or purchase the upgrade.
If an all-in-one is what you truly desire, than Avira AntiVir Personal is the software remover you're looking for.
AntiVir Personal tackles viruses, spyware, malware, Trojans and offers rootkit protection.
The trade off for the package deal is having to click through some paid ads.
If you can develop a blind spot for the annoying ads, then this application is likely to be the best for you.
Additional features include the ability to customize your scans and easy removal of threats.
While any of these programs will help keep your computer protected and your files safe, take care not to test their efficacy by clicking on unknown links in emails, pop-ups or ads.
Money spent on the program upgrades is money well-spent and taking the time to download the best software remover for you is time you will be appreciative of time and time again.