Posted: 6/11/2005 10:18:46 AM EDT
 At any given point there is at least one topic on the front page asking for computer help and the answer is always the same. I've decided it's time to just make a damn FAQ and hopefully put an end to it. SPYWARE/ADWARE What is Spyware/Adware? Spyware is a general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. Adware is a software application that can display advertising banners while the program is running or via some other triggering mechanism. Pop-ups are a product of Adware. Mozilla Firefox The most recommended solution if Internet Explorer is loaded with Spyware/Adware is to swith to Mozilla Firefox. It is an alternative browser packed that is much more secure and packed with useful features. Learn more and/or download it FREE HERE. If you would rather try to clean up Internet Explorer, here are some steps that will most likely take care of your problems. STEP 1 - Download Utilities 1. Get all Critical Updates from Windows Update site HERE 2. Restart computer 3. Download, install and update Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 // FREE download HERE 4. Download, install and update Spybot-S&D 1.4 // FREE download HERE 5. Download, install and update Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) // FREE download HERE 6. Download and install CWShredder 2.15 // FREE download HERE Step 2 - Scan for Problems 1. It is important to close all programs and complete this ENTIRE process before running anything, especially Internet Explorer. 2. Perform a Full System Scan with Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 3. Restart Computer 4. Perform a Full System Scan with Spybot-S&D 1.4 5. Restart Computer 6. Perform a Full System Scan with Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) 7. Restart Computer 8. Run CWShredder 2.15 9. Restart Computer 10. Open Internet Explorer, if you still have problems then learn more HERE or switch to Mozilla Firefox. I will update this FAQ when software is updated, better alternatives arise or I get suggestions from ARFCOM. I will also add more common computer problems to this FAQ if people find this useful and I have time. Feel free to add to the FAQ. I will incorporate well written responses into this post. |
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Free online virus/security/spyware scanners. TrendMicro: housecall.trendmicro.com/ Panda: www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ McAfee: us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9913 Symantec: security.symantec.com/default.asp?productid=symhome&langid=ie&venid=sym Webroot: www.webroot.com/services/spyaudit_03.htm |
| I just bought NOAdware. It cost me 30 dollars one time fee but it cleans the spyware out. Also make sure you dont have Browser Hijackers on your machine. This spyware is a program that hijacks your home page and slows your machine down. Spyware Guard is a good program and free to stop those bastard browser hijacker. Microsofts Spyware program is good but it will not clean then out if there are already on your computer. Start page guard is good also. It lets you reset your home page where you want it to be and the program is free. Look in C-Net daily downloads. |
Please explain how one does this. |
Tell you the truth bud I don't have the foggiest idea in hell how to use a computer without getting attacked these days short of never going to a new site or never hooking into a remote location. The days of spyware being only porn are long the hell gone as commercial sites invade your computer more and more frequently. This is especially true of sites that children visit. Alright I will play the game, buy the programs, and scan my computer frequently for I damn sure not going to not be able to use a $2,000 computer I paid hard earned money for because some asshole wants to sell my history file. Tj |
Just like copenhagen said - under Control Panel - Users, and create another account. XP Home only has three different types of accounts - Administrator, User, and Guest. (XP Pro has several more.) Most people just use the account that they first set up when they got the computer - in fact, it's usually the only account they use. But it has Administrator permission which means you can install anything and modify Windows all you want. Or trash Windows, even. Instead, create and use a "User" level account because then you can't install anything. Anytime you (or some spyware) tries to install a program, driver, etc., Windows will respond with a pop-up saying you don't have permission. This keeps any malware from installing. If you do have to install something or update a driver, then just "Switch User" over to your old Administrator-level account, change what you need, the switch back to the User account for general work and internet stuff. If people did this, 99% of all malware problems would disappear. |
Ain't that the truth. Letting a kid use your computer will foul it up surer than anything. |
(and you have a couple of programs I don't have yet)
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read this web page FIRST link it will tell you whats legit and whats not I use these programs everyday, use yahoo to find them adaware already posted spybot already posted ewido.net spysubtract ... includes cwshredder a squared antitrojan spysweeper hijackthis www.hijackthis.de microsoft antispyware counterspy basically same as microsfts antispyware pestpatrol download them reboot in safe mode with network support, update them and do full system scans.... I disagree on your 1. i would get rid of the spyware and THEN install your windows updates. JMO |