Spyware

Today, I struggled with the one millionth case of spyware infecting a computer... including my own. How does one go about getting rid of spyware? Well here's a glimpse into what I do.

1. Turn on the computer.
2. Sign on to the Internet and type in www.download.com
3. Type in the word SPYBOT to search for it.
4. Click on the button DOWNLOAD next to the SPYBOT program.
5. Click RUN.
6. Install the program and follow the steps to get the updates.
7. Finally click on CHECK FOR PROBLEMS to find all of the bad spyware in the computer.
8. When it's complete, click on FIX SELECTED PROBLEMS.
9. Click YES to remove the infections.
10. REPEAT ONCE A WEEK! Yes once a week.

Sometimes, however, that's not enough. Like today!

I had a client who's spyware has not only invaded their computer but has infiltrated down into the actual startup portion of Windows XP making it start up and shutdown slower than molasses. The only real solution is to re-install Windows which is also a barrel of laughs too.

So what type of punishment would you suggest for those who create and spread spyware?