Is adaware safe?

[Guest]

I think I need an adware/spyware detection program, but I am afraid downloading one will only cause more problems. Every program I check out has some people saying its great, but others saying it messed up their computers. I found an article recommending adaware, but I am still concerned.

 

[Robert Moir]

I think I need an adware/spyware detection program, but I am afraid
downloading one will only cause more problems. Every program I check
out has some people saying its great, but others saying it messed up
their computers. I found an article recommending adaware, but I am
still concerned.

Ad Aware is a good program and you will generally be safe with it.


--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for servers & security
Website - http://www.robertmoir.co.uk
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ - http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html

Kazaa - Software update services for your Viruses and Spyware.

 

[Jerry]

I've been using LavaSoft's Ad Aware for years - no problems. Many computer
magazines also recommend it.

Pop Up Stopper www.panicware.com

Ad Aware www.lavasoftusa.com

Spy Sweeper www.webroot.com

I think I need an adware/spyware detection program, but I am afraid

downloading one will only cause more problems. Every program I check out
has some people saying its great, but others saying it messed up their
computers. I found an article recommending adaware, but I am still
concerned.

 

[Guest]

I have used it on many XP pro PCs with no problems. Its not to good at finding reg junk. Spybot does mcuch better with reg mining and has a good backup and restore feature. I often must use both when an end user has installed somthing real nasty like the latest IE highjack.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

To deal with issues caused by any sort of "adware" and/or
"spyware,"such as Gator, Comet Cursors, Smiley Central, Xupiter,
Bonzai Buddy, or KaZaA, and their remnants, that you've deliberately
(but without understanding the consequences) installed, two products
that are quite effective (at finding and removing this type of
scumware) are Ad-Aware from www.lavasoft.de and SpyBot Search &
Destroy from www.safer-networking.org/. Both have free versions.
It's even possible to use SpyBot Search & Destroy to "immunize" your
system against most future intrusions. I use both and generally
perform manual scans every week or so to clean out cookies, etc.

Additionally, manual removal instructions for the most common
varieties of scumware are available here:

PC Hell Spyware and Adware Removal Help
http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml

More information and assistance is available at these sites:

Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

The Parasite Fight
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Additionally, you should learn to practice "safe hex," to prevent
future occurrences. To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start
with these links:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

I think I need an adware/spyware detection program, but I am afraid

downloading one will only cause more problems. Every program I check
out has some people saying its great, but others saying it messed up
their computers. I found an article recommending adaware, but I am
still concerned.

 

[Scott Davis]

I think I need an adware/spyware detection program, but I am afraid downloading
one will only cause more problems. Every program I check out has some people
saying its great, but others saying it messed up their computers. I found an
article recommending adaware, but I am still concerned.

These programs are still in their infancy. That's why there's sooo much
concern -- and lack of documentation.

I can vouch for what Karl and Bruce have posted.

Ad-Aware is fine - it won't install any more crap. SpyBot (in my
experience of the past 2-3 months) will remove more crap.

To prevent (most) of it from getting installed in the future,
SpyWareBlaster is fairly effective, in my experience.


Best thing to do? Use all three -- and a really good anti-virus
regimen. (here in north america, either McAfee or Norton are common..
Sophos or F-prot can be more common in Europe..).. oh, and make SURE
that windows is patched!


-- Scott.




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Scott Davis, 45 Dunfield Av, Unit 2117
Self-Employed Toronto, ON, Canada, M4S 2H4
Tech Consultant (416) 432-4334
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