Spyware/adware cleaning programs

Spyware/adware Cleaning Programs

Of the two, spyware and adware, adware is almost certain to infect your computer, in the form of cookies, every time you surf the web. Spyware infections are not as common. Nevertheless, keeping your computer clean is virtually impossible if you try it yourself. You don't have the expertise and you don't have the time. In addition, since the effect of this software on your computer is not usually catastrophic, you don't want to put out the effort. Adware and spyware cleaning programs are your only option.

As test after test has proven, no single program can remove every instance of adware or spyware. That is why it is recommended that you always use two. One strategy is to use a free program in conjunction with a commercial one.

Features of adware and spyware cleaning programs that are important

Easy updates of adware and spyware information
With new adware and spyware arriving daily, you will need to keep your definition files updated. Automatically going to the Internet and retrieving the file is ideal.

The option to run the adware and spyware checking program in different modes is useful. Some programs will install themselves in the computer's memory and provide protection continuously. Although this may be the highest level of protection, it can also lead to sluggish performance for your computer and instability. A second mode provides automatic, scheduled scans. Scheduling a scan at a time when you aren't at your computer makes sense. A third mode is manual. Start the scan at your convenience. However, while a scan is in progress, your computer may have sluggish performance and be unusable. In addition, scans probably won't be done on a regular basis.

Well known adware and spyware removal software

Free adware and spyware removal software
[Ad-Aware Personal][Spybot S&D] [Windows Defender]

Commercial adware and spyware removal programs
[Spyware Doctor][Spy Sweeper] [Counterspy][McAfee AntiSpyware]
[Norton Internet Security][Zone Alarm]

Free adware and spyware removal software

Ad-Aware Personal
This software is a capable adware and spyware removal program. It consistently scores in the middle of the pack in terms of effectiveness. Unfortunately, this free software is missing a crucial feature, the ability to schedule your scans. In addition, you can't set it to remain in memory to monitor your system. In order to get these features, you must upgrade to the paid version. The company hopes to make money by selling the Professional or corporate editions of their software. Nevertheless, the free version can be run manually and provide a "second opinion" of the state of your computer. Download the software from the company web site at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot Search and Destroy is the other free adware and spyware removal program. It is also reasonably competent at doing its job. It does however have one advantage over Ad-Aware. It can be scheduled to do a scan when you are not using your computer. Because of its scheduling capability, Spybot S&D is one of the two removal programs you will probably want on your system. Download it from http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html

Microsoft Windows Defender
Microsoft has introduced a free program to defend your computer against malicious software, which includes spyware and adware. It is called Windows Defender and is based on software Microsoft acquired by buying Giant Software Company. The original program has been re-written for better features and performance. The final version may not be available when you go to download; it may still be a beta version. An interesting aspect of the download is that Microsoft will scan your computer to make sure that it is "genuine Windows". Check out the fun at the Microsoft downloads page, http://www.microsoft.com/downloads.

Commercial adware and spyware removal programs

There is a large variety of commercial software available for removing adware and spyware. No single program stands head and shoulders above the others. All of the programs on the following list have received favorable reviews. Almost all Spyware Removal tools offer free scans but all require payment to actually remove the spyware and adware that they find. If there is a trial version, download it and try it out. Otherwise, do a search for a review on-line.

Spyware Doctor
This program gets consistently good reviews and is very popular. A trial is available. Download from http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor

Spy Sweeper
Spy Sweeper is near the top of the heap although it is not considered quite as good as Spyware Doctor. Download from http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeper/

Counterspy
Found at http://www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy.cfm.

McAfee AntiSpyware
If you are using McAfee's security products, consider using McAfee for your adware and spyware removal as well. http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=206

Norton Internet Security
The Norton Internet Security software has a module that can protect you against adware and spyware.

Zone Alarm Pro
Many people use the popular and free Zone Alarm personal firewall to protect their computers. Zone Alarm Pro includes spyware and adware protection. This will require an upgrade which costs US$39.95.

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