Spyware or a computer parasite is something running on your computer that does
something you didn't ask for and probably wouldn't want there. They're not really
classified as viruses so an antivirus program won't always catch them. Sometime you
will hear these programs referred to as "Malware". How do you know you
have these things on your computer? Do you get pop-up ads while you're on the
internet? Does your internet browser homepage point somewhere you didn't tell it
to? Is your internet or computer much slower than it used to be? These are all
signs that you may have spyware running in the background. For a more complete
explanation go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware.
Here are some spyware cleaner programs I've used:
- Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.
Probably the most well known. It works well, but recent versions leave a resident
program running in memory. I don't care for that because my antivirus program is
already doing the same thing.
- SpyBot Search & Destroy
from Safer Networking. The next best known program. I like it and do the
custom install to disable the memory resident programs.
- Malwarebytes. This one
cleared up a problem that the first two didn't catch. Keep in mind that no single
program will catch all the bugs. You should run more than one as part of general
maintenance.
- Super AntiSpyware.
This one also caught a bug that the first two didn't.
Run these programs often and remember to download the updates
regularly.
If you use email or browse the internet, you should have an antivirus
program. Most AV's now have built in spyware protection. I am an advocate of
the stand alone antivirus programs that also have spyware protection. I do not care
for the all inclusive security suites. The 4 or 5 I've seen caused problems as often
as not. Grisoft AVG has a free
product that protects against viruses and spyware. Recently I've been using Alwil Avast with
very good results. It's also free for the home user.
Be very cautious because there are rogue programs out there. A rogue
will claim to remove problems, but is actually spyware itself. A little web
research will tell you if the program you select is good.
Some of you may be receiving spam via the Windows Messenger Service. This is a
feature that allows network administrators send messages to people on their network.
And of course it's been compromised because the internet is really just one big
network. The service is enabled by default. I've been an administrator for
years and don't ever really needing the Messenger Service because it's easier to send an
email. Turning it off will prevent the junk messages and will make your computer run
a fraction faster. For directions on how to turn off Windows Messenger
Service, click here.
On a somewhat related subject. I've been using Google's search bar. The
search bar becomes part of your browser at the top of your screen. When you want to
look for something, you don't have to go to their website first. The neat thing is
that it has a pop-up blocker that works really well. Click here to find the utility at Google's website.
Like I always advocate, make sure you have backups of
your data before you do anything. You should be doing backups
anyway. If you don't know how to do backups make it a project and priority to figure
it out.
