December 04, 2004
Your computer is infected with Spyware aka Adware. The fix.
Millions of Computers are infected with Spyware which is also known as Adware. It's the single greatest problem facing the Internet. Perpetuated by "quick buck" companies and Webmasters. You would be wise to consider surfing the Internet a very dangerous procedure and you must take the necessary precautions to prevent the infection of your Windows computer. If you are unwilling to take these precautions, I suggest you unplug and take a long walk on the beach.
The tender traps. Let me infect you!
It's free so I download it. Let me scan your system. Surf to my site and I can't wait to infect your system. These ploys and others often infect your system with Spyware/Adware. The results can be scary or in many cases render your system unusable. These programs may open your CD drive, change your Browsers start page, splatter pop ups as you surf, send your confidential data back to the infectors website, steal your passwords, steal your credit card data, and hijack your surfing habits so you are redirected to another site you never wished to visit. Can't I just uninstall these programs? In many cases you can't using the Windows Add/Remove Control Panel. The morally and ethically reprehensible folks who create and distribute Spyware/Adware have made sure of this.
Tools of the trade to prevent infection and or clean your system. Use both!
Spybot - Search & Destroy - A free Windows application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software. Download and install the latest version. Next, run the Search for Updates to insure you have the latest data. Finally scan and clean your system. Don't forget to make a voluntary donation which insures that this valuable application will stay around and continue to be improved.
Ad-Aware SE Plus - This is not the free version. This version costs $26.95 and is worth every penny. One of it's major features is the ability to write protect system files. This prevents the infectors from altering your Registry file which is the major point of entry for all the Spyware/Adware applications. Purchase and download the latest version. Next run the check for updates and finally scan your system.
I have used both applications for years and they work. I suggest you use both since Spybot, which is Free, may catch an infection that Ad-Aware SE Plus misses and visa versa. Keep your updates current and scan your system on a regular basis. Insure that you also run the Windows Update via your Start Menu and you will be a happy camper.
You will notice dozens of other applications which tout themselves as "Anti-Spyware" and some even offer to scan your system free of charge. Just say NO to all of these applications. Some of which are designed to infect your system with a free scan. The only site in the world which I permit to scan my system is the Windows Update site. I've yet to see any other application which is better than the Spybot plus Ad-Aware SE Plus combination. No need to believe me. Carefully examine the sites of these other applications and look for a feature comparison chart with both of the applications I recommend. Don't count on a Webmaster for an honest evaluation of what works. Most don't care and are only interested in receiving a commission for the sale of another product.
Posted by Steve_S at December 4, 2004 12:39 PM