Spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without their knowledge. It is generally used for advertising. It is often included within freeware or shareware programs that are downloaded off the Internet.
Spyware can invade your privacy. It can monitor keystrokes, scan hard drives, read cookies, install other software, load advertisements, and constantly relay information back and forth to the author of the spyware. It can gather information about email addresses, the users’ activities on the Internet, and even passwords and credit card numbers. This information then can be passed along undetected to someone else.
Spyware robs the user of memory resources on their computer. It can make your computer system and browser unstable and cause your system or browser to crash. It can also make your system run slower. It's responsible for a third of all PC crashes.
Often the freeware or shareware contains a licensing agreement indicating that the spyware will be installed along with the software. Sometimes there is a paragraph about this practice somewhere on the software authors website. A good way to tell if you use MS Windows is to go into Add and Remove Programs in Control Panel and check if there isn't a strange new program on your installed list in addition to the program that you meant to install.
If there is an extra program, you may want to uninstall your new programs and find another freeware or shareware program to use instead of the one you just installed. However, spyware does not always install itself as a program. Sometimes it adds itself to your history file. Sometimes it shows up as new MS Explorer button.
OnGuardOnline.gov For more info; read tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
Blocking Unwanted Parasites Guide for setting up Internet Explorer Options for maximum security though not maximum use of the Internet... Microsoft's default settings are OK for most users.
Free Spyware Remover online, also has firewall test, and internet speed test.
You can use any or all the programs listed below, if you want to double-check your system. Often one program detects spyware entries that the other program missed.
Spybot Search & Destroy is freeware that will detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer-- a great backup for Adware. It features a system recovery option, in case you make a mistake. It also blocks known spyware downloads with SDHelper and spyware ActiveX controls with a feature called Immunize. Windows 9X, XP and Vista 32
Ad-aware Standard Edition is free for personal use. It scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It's the best at removing spyware. Windows XP and Vista 32. 2011 update is that Adware free version provides realtime protection while on the Internet.
Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a host file. Follow the directions for your Windows system and re-immunize after installing with Spybot.
Defender the new name for Microsoft Anti-Spywareactive, real-time spyware protection for your computer from known programs that can track your Web browsing habits or make changes to your computer settings without your consent or control. Free to registered users of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Packaged with Windows Vista. A 2011 update Microsoft has thier own antivirus software. The general wordamong reveiwers thus far is they did a pretty good job.
Spyware Blaster is freeware that prevents the installation of any spyware ActiveX controls from a webpage. It does this while not interfering with "friendly" ActiveX controls - so your browser can work correctly and you can have peace of mind. Window 9x, XP and Vista 32.
StartupMonitor a utility that runs in the background and watches for applications attempting to register themselves to run at Windows startup for Win 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista.
Win Patrol is a startup manager featuring an adorable scotty who sits on your system tray. He barks whenever there's a change added to your registry. Sometimes it's a delayed bark. I used this program before Microsoft released Defender. Scotty is still better than no protection. Windos 9x, and XP.
These programs have not been reviewed by somebody like CNET as of 2008. I ran them on my XP system and my Mom's Vista 32 system.
Emsisoft Anti-Malware( A-squared) Scan your PC for infections of Trojans, Viruses, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Bots, Keyloggers and Dialers. Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 32-bit, Windows XP Itanium 64-bit, Windows 7, Windows XP.
Super AntiSpyware A detection program I downloaded because Adaware and Spy Bot could not see my mom's Win XP RAID hardrive to check for spyware, which for some reason only installed as disk E. This one worked. Normally preforms well under Windows XP, and Vista 32. Took too much start up time load on Win XP system. Eventually in 2009, I decided it was too slow on Vista also. The solution is to change the settings so it starts manually. Like it better than Ad-aware.
Malwarebytes 2011 found one bot Super AntiSpyware missed on our Win 7 system. I don't go to dangerous spy ridden sites but I made the mistake of letting my friends use my computer who do and did.
KeyScrambler Fire Fox and IE addon that protects against key logging. 2009 update: Love this program
WOT Web of Trust: Fire Fox and IE addon that protects against vendors, spam, spyware and viruses. Much safer browsing in XP and Vista.
The more people that use a browser the more advertisers will target that browser.
Firefox built-in popup stopper, active x control, and other antispyware defenses. As of May 2008, Fox Fire 2 has way more protection add-ons than Microsoft Explorer 7. Windows XP and Vista 32.
Doxdesk website attempted to lists disreputable anti-parasite software but this was no easy task. His explanation of why is worth the read.
Spyware Warrior Rogue/Suspect Antispyware products and websites lists products of unknown, questionable, or dubious value. A good site to further research antispyware products. They compare two top rated freeware programs listed here to some commercial programs.
I removed some adware and nothing works... so I can't even connect to the internet. Run either of these utilities to completely reset your network. If you use static IP addresses, tape these settings to the side of your computer case so you can reset them if necessary. Download the appropriate utility before removing adware.
WinSock XP Fix registry repair tool if your adware removal tool wipes out your internet. Scary, but it happens even when you pay for software.
Return to Antivirus Utilities page
