Spyware, Adware, and Pop-up ads

What programs can I use to aid in identifying and removing spyware, adware, and pop-up ads.

Spyware, Adware, and Pop-up ads.

Pop-up ads are often delivered by adware and spyware. Spyware tracks your surfing habits and reports them to a mother computer on the Internet, pop-up ads are then supposedly tailored to match your interests.

No single program seems able to catch all of the spyware you may encounter; so running more than one application is recommended. Most computer professionals run Ad-aware by Lavasoft, Spybot Search and Destroy and Google Toolbar Pop-up blocker as an absolute minimum on their computers.

There are several free programs, which can assist with identifying and removing these programs.

Spyware and Adware:

Ad-aware by Lavasoft

• For more information go to: http://www.lavasoft.com/
• To download go to http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5 or click this link.

Spybot Search and Destroy

• For more information go to http://www.safer-networking.org or click this link.
• To download go to:http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html

Google ToolBar Pop-up Blocker

• For more information go to: http://toolbar.google.com/tour/toolbar.html
• To download go to: http://toolbar.google.com/tour/toolbar2.html

Microsoft Anti-Spyware

• For more information go to: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx or click this link.

SpywareGuard located

• For more information go to: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html or click this link
• To download go to:http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sgdownload.html or click this link.

HijackThis

• This is a more advance program and is only recommended for more advance users.
• To download go to: http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10227353.html or click this link.

All programs need to be updated. No matter which program(s) you install it is critical you run them. You should run the application and search for updates at least once a week.

Other general information to help protect your computer system.

Anti-Virus: Ensure you are running an anti-virus program

• Free program
  • AVG Anti-Virus program
• Purchase programs
  • GCI Security Guard
  • Norton's
  • McAfee

Operating System: Ensure you update your computers operating system for windows see the article Steps to Update Your Microsoft Operating System.

Firewall: It is recommend to use a firewall program

• Turn on the firewall with in Windows XP
• Free program
  • ZoneAlarm
• Purchase programs
  • GCI Security Guard
  • Norton's Personal Firewall
  • McAfee Personal Firewall

• All

• Internet/Browser

GCI Technical support can not provide technical assistance for these programs. Please contact the vendor for any support.