Spyware Removal
One of the most common problems that we get called on to handle is spyware removal. We've seen some cases that were so severe that the computer was unusable for 10 to 15 minutes after bootup, and after that it was so slow that it would take a full minute to type a sentence in a word processing program. Even a mild spyware infection can be frustrating, but when it gets this bad it can make you want to toss it right out the window.
Some spyware writers try to trick you into installing the malicious software by bundling it with things that appear innocent - like animated cursors, search assistants, free screensavers, etc...
Compounding the problem is the fact that many of the programs out there claiming to remove spyware from your computer are actually adding spyware instead of removing it. Some of them offer a free trial version that will scan your PC to see if you have a spyware infection. Then comes the catch - if you want to remove the spyware that it found, you have to buy the program. The problem with that is this: How do you know they aren't just telling you that you have spyware on your PC, (when you really don't), to get you to purchase the program? You don't! In fact there are programs that do exactly that. Others may remove some spyware, but replace it with their own spyware. This type of software is called rogue software. And then there are the type of spyware removal programs that simply do not work, or simply miss too many items, and so aren't worth wasting your time.
If you do a Google or Yahoo search for spyware removal programs you will find more results than you care to look at. So how do you know which ones are good ones and which ones are rogue programs? There are other sites that list suspected or known rogue spyware programs, so I will not duplicate the lists here.
Here is one example that I found.
First of all, you should understand that spyware removal programs have not been in development as long as antivirus programs. A good antivirus program will catch and kill ALMOST ANY virus, provided you have kept the database updated. On the other hand, spyware removal programs will usually remove MOST spyware, but it is a good idea to use two (or more) removal tools to ensure complete cleaning. In fact there are a few spyware infestations that require manual removal, which can be a tedious and time consuming process. But there are a few excellent spyware removal programs that we use every day and can recommend without hesitation.
A word of caution: these programs are powerful programs and you could compromise the stability of your Operating System if you remove something that you shouldn't. If you are not sure what to remove, it may be in your best interest to call Custom Computing Services and have a certified technician help you.
This is not an all inclusive list, there are other programs that are good ones, these are just the ones that we use.
- AdAware from Lavasoft has been one of the highest rated spyware removal programs for several years now.
- Spybot Search & Destroy from Safer-Networking is another excellent program for removing spyware.
- HiJack This is not strictly a spyware removal program, but is a very powerful tool for finding and removing those stubborn bugs that the other two can't.
Computer Spyware Removal News
Security Fix Live (Washington Post)
Security Fix blogger Brian Krebs answers your questions about the latest computer security threats and offers ways to protect your personal information.
Read more...Is your computer 'bloated?' (Eureka Times-Standard)
I buy a new computer every two to three years. It seems with every purchase that more time is spent removing or cleaning up all the “free” programs that the manufacturer installs before I can even start loading up the applications I
Read more...SpyZooka: Fast and Effective Removal of AntiVirus Sentry and Other Malware (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
Blue Penguin Software recently announced that its anti-spyware program SpyZooka is effective at removing AntiVirus Sentry, among other malware.
Read more...Phishing and the Botnet 'Storm' (Law.com)
Two of the biggest threats to individual Internet users are phishing and botnets. During the 2008 Black Hat events in Las Vegas this year, the elite of the computer security community focused their efforts on a better understanding of the economics and technology behind these threats.
Read more...Liquid Technologies holds grand opening (The Shamokin News-Item)
SHAMOKIN — Liquid Technologies Pure Computer Solutions, 512 E. Sunbury St., celebrated its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday.
Read more...