Spyware/Adware Removal Software Resource Page

Spyware Removal Software Resource Page

What is Spyware?

According to Microsoft, spyware (and other deceptive software) conduct certain activities on your computer without notifying you and getting your permission first. These activities may include: displaying pop-up advertisements, changing Web browser settings, and collecting personal information. Some of these programs are annoying--but harmless--while others may slow your computer's performance or violate your privacy. The existence of spyware can be detected with special scanning software.

There are an estimated 78,000 spyware and adware programs that are infecting innocent Internet users, such as yourself, through downloadable games, music, screensavers, pictures, pop-ups, emails, and the list goes on and on. Spyware and Adware can cause your PC to run extremely slow and even crash, and allow hackers and advertising companies to invade your privacy whenever they wish.

How Did It Get On My Computer?

Typically, spyware--or adware as it is sometimes called--is picked up innocently enough when you are surfing the Internet. Sometimes you may intentionally download it, and other times it just attaches itself to your system when you visit certain websites.

Ten Signs Your Computer May Be Infected With Spyware/Adware

If your computer is infected with spyware, you may experience any one or more of the following symptoms:

When you start your computer, or when your computer has been idle for many minutes, your Internet browser opens to display Web site advertisements.
When you use your browser to view Web sites, other instances of your browser open to display Web site advertisements.
Your Web browser's home page unexpectedly changes.
Web pages are unexpectedly added to your Favorites folder.
New toolbars are unexpectedly added to your Web browser.
You cannot start a program.
When you click a link in a program, the link does not work.
Your Web browser suddenly closes or stops responding.
It takes a much longer time to start or to resume your computer.
Components of Windows or other programs no longer work.
(Source - Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 827315)

How Do I Prevent Spyware From Getting On My Computer?

Since you sometimes can't tell when spyware is being installed on your computer, Microsoft recommends that you do these three things:

Install a firewall.
Get the latest updates to your operating software. (Windows XP users.)
Install and use antivirus and spyware scanning software.

Getting Rid of Spyware

Some deceptive software can be removed by some antivirus programs. However, not all antivirus companies detect or remove this software because it is different from viruses. One way to detect spyware is to use software specifically designed to detect it. You could go to a store and purchase such software, but many vendors allow you to download their programs and do a free scan first, to determine if your machine is infected. Below is a list of software creators who allow free downloads.

Spyware Vendors Who Allow Free Scans

PAL Spyware Remover - RECOMMENDED
Get a free scan of your PC to see which SpyWare or Adware agents are installed on your computer and watching you RIGHT NOW.

Spyware Nuker
Scan your PC FREE of charge with Spyware Nuker to locate any spyware or adware infections!

Spyware C.O.P.
Try SpyWare C.O.P. now and see for yourself if your PC is infected.

SpyBlocs / Spyware Remover - Free Scan! - RECOMMENDED
Detect and remove dangerous Spyware and Adware from your PC with SpyBlocs 2.0. Free download.

If you know of another software vendor that allows free downloads, please drop us an e-mail and we'll be glad to add them to the list.
-

Additional Spyware Removal Resources

Spyware Info Forums (SWI)

The Center for Democracy and Technology

The GetNetWise organization

Privacy Watch at COTSE.NET

Identity Theft Resource Center

Wilders Security Forums

Spyware Warrior Forumns

CounterExploitation Discussion Boards

Spyware Weekly Newsletter (Archive)

Virus.org

PCVirus.org

Free Spyware Removal Tutorial
Our free tutorial will help you to choose spyware removal software. Remove malware, keyloggers, spyware, adware, trojans and some viruses in a couple of minutes.

Spyware Remover Download
5-star rated by CNET - killer of adware, spyware, keyloggers and hijackers. Includes Site Guard and Popup Blocker. Download now and scan your PC for free.

Kill Spyware Instantly
$19.95 - Limited Time Only. STOPzilla kills & prevents Spyware with no manual scanning necessary. Simply install and STOPzilla quietly goes to work. Download this award-winning software now.

Spyware Removal: Only $29.95 - Free Scan
Detect and remove spyware, adware and keyloggers from your PC. The built-in free Best Popup Killer(tm) eliminates all popup ads from adware - a first for all popup killers.

Get Rid of Spyware Fast and Easy -$29.95
Scan, detect and eliminate all those unwanted spyware and adware programs that are slowing down your computer. Get pop-up blocker free today. Find out who is spying on you.

Download McAfee Anti Spyware - $39.90
Automatically detect, remove and prevent all spyware, adware and identity theft attacks now. Download immediately or get CD. Authorized McAfee partner. Save $30.

2005 Win Antivirus Download $49.95
Remove spyware: download Win PRO 2005. Ultimate 4 in 1 anti-virus security solution. Includes firewall, spyware blocker, adware remover and popup blocker. Complete security package.

Free Spyware Infection Scan, $39 to Buy
Instantly Detect, remove and prevent Spyware, Adware, Browser Hi-Jacking and Id Theft attacks from your PC within minutes. Stay Protected 24 hours a day. Scan your PC now for free.

Anti-Spyware Reviews 2005
20 Anti-Spyware software products reviewed. In-depth side-by-side comparisons of features. Ad-aware, Spy Sweeper, Spyhunter and many others. Anti-Spyware Software Review 2005.

Confused about Spyware Solutions?
Read our reviews and recommendations for some of the best and worst anti-spyware programs before you download.

Guardian Monitor - Spy Software
No 1 pick Washington Post, June 2003, Guardian Monitor, hidden recording of all chats, e-mails, Ims both send and receive, Web sites, downloads and keystrokes. 30 day money back guarantee.

Spector Pro - Spy Ware Software
Spector Pro spy ware, two-time PC Magazine Editors' Choice, secretly records everything they do on the Internet. Capture emails, chats, IMs, keystrokes and more.

Spyware Removal Software - Free Download
Quickly and easily fix your computer. Eliminate the frustration of having your PC clogged with spyware and adware.

Spyware Nuker - Spy Ware/Adware Removal
Anti-spyware/adware software. Spyware Nuker will scan your PC absolutely free and let you know if you have any files that are infecting your PC. Spy ware.

Spector Pro - Spyware Software
Secretly record everything your spouse, children and employees do with Spector. Records e-mails, chats, instant messages, Web sites visited and keystrokes typed. Spectorsoft affiliate.

Spyware Removal Software - $29.95
Scan, detect and remove dangerous spyware and adware programs that are harmful to your PC. Get a 100% free scan today, then protect your PC and privacy for a one-time fee of $29.95.

Compare Spyware Removers - Free Scans
Side-by-side comparisons of leading spyware and adware removal software. Choose a favorite and scan your PC for free today.

SurfSecret PestPatrol - Spyware Removal
Detects and removes what your anti-virus software doesn't and your personal firewall can't identify - trojan horses, hacker tools, spyware and adware. 30-day free trial.

Annihilate Spyware - ZeroSpyware $29.95
Download our simple program to destroy all spyware and adware on your computer within minutes. Guard your precious privacy with ZeroSpyware. Scan your computer now for free.