Windows XP: Spyware/Adware Programs

by c3win90 - 10/8/04 5:58 PM

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Spyware/Adware Programs

by c3win90 - 10/8/04 5:58 PM

Does anyone know of any good Spyware/Adware programs besides Lavasoft's Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy? I have both of those, but I feel like I need something to boost my computer and get rid of all the junk on it. Any ideas?

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Post 2 of 10

The other: *free Spyware/Adware Programs

by R. Proffitt

- 10/8/04 6:11 PM In reply to: Spyware/Adware Programs by c3win90

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 lists about 10 of usual programs. While my shortlist is Adaware, Spybot, Cwshredder, Stinger and Housecall. Beyond that we move in an "Expert Zone" where we are looking for harder to remove pests where we use Hijackthis along with either research or expert guidance.

It's very important that you do not part with CASH for the programs listed on the link above or the programs I just listed. There are "scammers" out there that will hoodwink some to pay for a freebie.

However, if you feel like contributing to a cause like Adaware, just buy the advanced version...

Hope this helps.

Bob

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Post 3 of 10

Re: Spyware/Adware Programs

by Yew Anchors - 10/8/04 8:08 PM In reply to: Spyware/Adware Programs by c3win90

Well, one thing you can do is put a stop to new spyware being installed on your system by stopping use of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. They're responsible for probably 90% or more of all spyware infestations. So rather than constantly cleaning up after them, why not just stop using them and eliminate the source of the problem?

Personally, I like Mozilla Firefox, but there's also the Mozilla suite and Opera to consider. For email, there's dozens of good email programs out there. Find one you like and stick with it.

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Post 4 of 10

Re: Spyware/Adware Programs

by Cb21 - 10/10/04 5:35 AM In reply to: Re: Spyware/Adware Programs by Yew Anchors

Thanks for the info. Are both Outlook Express and Outlook both spyware magnents, or just Express? Thanks for your help.

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Post 5 of 10

About Outlook (all versions...)

by R. Proffitt

- 10/10/04 6:12 AM In reply to: Re: Spyware/Adware Programs by Cb21

The issue is deep so what I may write in this small space can't cover it completely. But the short story is that if you view, preview or open an email with Outlook or OLEXP then the IE viewer and it's exploitable viewer can allow malicious actions. You can mitigate the risk ("you" being the operative word here) by turning off preview and deleting all unsolicited emails.

Next the later versions have a read email in plain text feature that while boring, soundly cures most exploits. What's left is attachments which you must treat with care since if your OS is not all patched up, some exploits remain such as JPEG image and scripts/executables.

I don't consider OE and Outlook to be a "magnet", but the supplied setup can be dangerous.

Bob

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Post 6 of 10

Re: Spyware/Adware Programs

by nicknackr - 10/9/04 5:34 AM In reply to: Spyware/Adware Programs by c3win90

I've found both of those programs used together to be sufficient to keep my machine "clean."

Perhaps the "junk" you refer to is programs that you no longer use. Go to control panel>add remove programs and uninstall anything you no longer want/use (some caution is needed here).

There are registry cleaners you can download to run after uninstalling programs to remove any orphans and other problematics registry entries (RegVac is pretty good trial version).

hth

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Post 7 of 10

Re: Spyware/Adware Programs

by vpvelumd - 10/9/04 10:29 AM In reply to: Spyware/Adware Programs by c3win90

I bought Spy Sweeper from Best Buy for 30 $. Installed and ran it for a while.It just gets all the cookies. I have 3 adware program that it identified, but unable to remove it. It caused conflict with Norton Systemworks and virus update.Then it locked my computer.Also computer ran slow.I unistalled it. I removed it. These spy programs can cause lot of trouble.Is it really worth it?

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Post 8 of 10