Anti-Spyware Software - Free Download
Published May 24, 2003
I've just installed SpyBot Search and Destroy on my computer — and it found 150 hostile programs that were tracking my Internet movements and delivering unwanted ads. I deleted them all with one click.
The download was free, but Patrick Kolla, the German developer is asking for donations in order to keep his project running. I'm going to give it a day or so to see if I stay relatively pop-up free. I'm refering to the internally driven popups that were coming from spyware, not the garbage the NY Times and other 'reputable' sites bombard me with.
The software was easy to download and use — only took about five minutes from click to execution, with a cable modem.
Click here to read the MSNBC story.
- Anti-Spyware Software - Free Download
- Published: May 24, 2003
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- Section: Sci/Tech
- Filed Under: Sci/Tech: Internet
- Writer: Frank Giovinazzi
- Frank Giovinazzi's BC Writer page
- Frank Giovinazzi's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
some "spyware killers" include their own spyware too. Dunno about this one.
Also, you stop bothering so much very quickly. the best way to get your own back on the marketing companies is basically let them waste as much of their money as possible. If you have spyware on your computer, every so often visit a sh*tload of sites that have content that you aren't interested in one bit. The spyware will log it and the companies will think you are interested (it's their own fault for trying to be so clever and lazy)
Thanks for the feedback. Since I installed it, I've gotten very few problems.
I also installed an anti-pop-up program, and now I am running smooth. I was literally getting more than 100 pop-ups a day!
I'm curious, don't most anti-spyware programs end up removing things it shouldn't sometimes?
Yes, and that's covered in the tutorial -- I think you may be referring to what's called usage tracks.
There is a way to avoid removing these, as the programs has separate levels of 'remove' options.
But pleae check it out further, as I am new to working with the idea. I'd recommend reading the PC Mag review and comments.
I also went to www.panicware.com and downloaded the free pop-up blocker, which helped even more.
And, I ran the SpyBot again this morning and got a clean bill of health!
With regards to Comment 4. Once the program is removed, how to re-install back?
Don't forget to check out Ad-aware by Lavasoft ( www.lavasoftusa.com ). Personally I use google toolbar to block my popups. Just make sure to disable advanced features during installation. All too handy to have google search on every page. It's one toolbar thats worth having honestly.
Go to the Spyware Warrior's site to get all the info on the best software and scumware that should be avoided.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/5587)
Just a few minutes after running the program, I ran it again -- and it found three new hostile implants. Aaargh!
But I used it again, and they're gone. I suppose this type of maintenance might have to be a regularly scheduled task.