A Look At AntiSpyware Programs
Yesterday we looked at antivirus programs. Today lets look at antispyware programs. Spyware is a big problem these days. Clicking on banner ads, downloading programs and sometimes even just loading a webpage can result in spyware infections. Spyware does exactly what it says. It tracks your surfing habits and reports back to various ad server companies, can take over your web browser, and more. Having an antispyware program is as much a must have as an antivirus program. There are several to choose from, such as Windows Defender, which comes built into the new Vista OS, Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Doctor, Spysweeper,Hijack This,and Ad-Aware SE. (Lavasoft recently released Ad-Aware 2007 but it is not compatible with Vista and has inspired a host of complaints). These are all very legit and very good programs to protect your system from spyware. (My favorite is Ad-Aware SE. It’s simple to install and use and its definitions are updated regularly-and its free).
Steer clear of any programs from the following list as they are FAKE programs designed to either rip you off or add even more spyware to your system:
errorsafe (AKA system doctor)
Pest Trap
SpyAxe
AntiVirus Gold
SpywareStrike
Spyware Quake
WorldAntiSpy
Spylocked
SysProtect
Spy Sheriff
Spy Wiper
PAL Spyware Remover
PSGuard
Malware
WinAntiVirus Pro 2006
WinFixer
Spydawn
ContraVirus
UltimateCleaner
No matter what program you decide is best for your system, you’ll have to make sure it is updated regularly in order for it to protect your system fully.
Think you don’t need one? Take a look at the below screenshot of an infected system and think again!
computers, microsoft, spyware, Windows Defender, Ad-Aware SE
August 1st, 2007 at 1:36 am
Thanks for the tip, I forgot to redownload Spybot.
It really found some nasty stuff on my PC.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Ad-Aware is also my favorite and I have recommended it to others several times.