~~~ Spyware and Adware guide ~~~
By default, we have all had some sort of spyware or adware on out computer at one time or another. Any cookie could be considered so. However, there are things out there that to much more harm, and potentially could either kill your system, or steal your personal information. There are ways to safeguard yourself and your computer; however, it must be YOU who takes that initiative. Computers by themselves are very susceptible to things such as adware, spyware, and viruses. Slow computers are also a sign that there are problems on your system. Running the programs outlined below will help clear that up. Now, for the fun stuff. *** I would like to point out that if you are having issues removing something associated with spyware or adware, run your computer in SAFE MODE. This will help remove anything running while your computer is on a normal load that may be spyware or such. To do this, click start, run, then type "msconfig" without the quotation marks. When there, go to BOOT.INI, then click /SAFEBOOT. It will ask you to restart your computer, you click yes. To remove this SAFEBOOT, follow the steps, but UNCHECK /SAFEBOOT. **
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~~~ Definitions ~~~
Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.Adware or advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Some types of adware are also spyware and can be classified as privacy-invasive software.
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While there are adware and spyware programs that are free and DO protect your systems, there are also those that cause it. Below is a sample list of programs that CAUSE problems.
~~~ Fake anti-spyware programs ~~~
* AntiVirus Gold* AV System Care
* ContraVirus
* Disk Knight (spreads through USB storage devices)
* errorsafe (AKA system doctor)
* MalwareAlarm
* MagicAntiSpy
* PAL Spyware Remover
* PCSecuresystem
* Pest Trap
* PSGuard
* SecurePCcleaner
* SpyAxe
* SpywareStrike
* Spyware Quake
* Spydawn
* Spylocked
* SpyShredder
* SysProtect
* Spy Ranger
* Spy Sheriff
* Spy Wiper
* Registrycleanerxp.com
* UltimateCleaner
* Virus Protect Pro (3.1 and other number.number)
* WinAntiVirus Pro 2006
* WinFixer
* WorldAntiSpy
* Your Privacy Guard
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On the other side of the coin, there are programs that not only help protect you, but are FREE!!! Not saying that those which you need to pay for are any better or worse, it is generally accepted that these free programs are top-notch and proven to be outstanding for protection of ones computer.
[link=http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download]HiJackThis[/link] ~~~ HijackThis, sometimes abbreviated HJT, is freeware spyware-removal tool for Microsoft Windows originally created by Merijn Bellekom, and later sold to Trend Micro. The program is notable for taking a heuristic approach on detecting malware - rather than relying on a database of known spyware it quickly scans a user's computer, creates a list of differences from a known spyware-free environment and allows the user to decide what from the list needs to be removed.
[link=http://www.lavasoft.com/single/trialpay.php]Ad-Aware 2007[/link] ~~~ Ad-Aware 2007 is the latest version of Lavasoft’s anti-spyware solutions. Ad-Aware 2007 allows computer users to combat malicious spyware and malware; it protects users from spyware that takes control of a computer and can result in aggressive advertising pop-ups, sluggish computer activity and stolen private information. Ad-Aware detects hazardous content on a user's computer, identifies the threat level, and then gives the user the ability to remove unwanted content.
[link=http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html]Spybot - Search & Destroy[/link] ~~~ Spybot can fix problems with tracking cookies, system internals (Registry), Winsock LSPs, ActiveX objects, browser hijackers and BHOs, and can to some extent protect a user's privacy by deleting usage tracks. Spybot also includes an "Immunize" feature to block the installation of spyware before it occurs. Another tool included in Spybot is a file shredder, for the secure deletion of files. However, this tool was removed from version 1.5 onwards, prompting users of prior versions to request its reinstatement at the official Spybot discussion forum. Spybot is not intended to replace anti-virus programs, but it does detect some common trojans.
[link=http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx]Windows Defender[/link] ~~~ Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.
And for those who would like a FREE Anti-Virus protector, there are these:
[link=http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus/us/frt/0]AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition[/link] ~~~ AVG Free is the most popular free solution available at no cost to home users and provides the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers.
* Easy to use, low system resources
* Automatic update functionality
* Real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
* AVG’s Virus Vault for the safe handling of infected files
[link=http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-AvastHome&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlpid=10019223] avast! 4 Home Edition[/link] ~~~ Avast Home Edition is a complete ICSA & Checkmark certified antivirus. Avast includes the following components: On demand scanner with skinnable simple interface, just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the Play button; On access scanner, special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection, lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazaa, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filter all HTTP traffic; NNTP scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot time scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does.
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I hope you’ve liked my little tutorial. I am by no means an expert, but having worked on the side doing only this stuff for people, I’ve learned a lot and know a fair bit about this stuff. So, if you have any questions, please post below, so anyone who has experience with this may help you.
