Features

• The computer must be scanned before any detected spyware can be analyzed. Users can do this by pressing the scan button on the company's website. Many scans will search for spyware and viruses. It is sometimes necessary to download a small file to enable the scanning software to function effectively.
  
  

Analysis

• There are two types of spyware: advertising software that monitors surfing habits to sell products; and malicious spyware, such as Trojans, harmful programs posing as benign ones, and keyloggers, which monitor computer keystrokes in order to steal information. Having spyware analyzed online helps users determine the threat level of any spyware detected.
  
  

Benefits

• The PC World website notes that online scans can benefit people who have no security software and can also be a backup for existing anti-malware programs.
  
  

Considerations

• Only have your computer scanned by a reputable website. Some malicious websites may offer to scan and analyze computers for spyware in order to install harmful programs. Most anti-malware companies, including Trend Micro, Panda Security and BitDefender offer free online scans for spyware, viruses and other malicious files and programs.