spamware/adware

[Michael1]

I know there are some very useful programs that can detect
and remove this junk, but if you are not sure what is safe
to remove and not to remove, is it worth having? I don't
know much in this area and just need some advice on it.
If it helps, I have my antivirus program up to date along
with my firewall up to date. I also have a windows
cleaning program that removes internet junk and cookies
and alot of junk files as well. With those things, do I
really need a spamware/adware removal program? I did try
adaware, but did not like it because it kept locking up
the first time I tried as with other freeware utilities
for this that I have read about and I'm hesitant with the
freeware stuff. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Phil \(a.k.a. purplehaz\)]

Yes you need adware / spyware removal programs and you should run them at
least once a week if you surf alot.
When you run one, just delete EVERYTHING it says to. These programs only
detect bad things. They never remove anything you need and if by some chance
it did, there is a recovery section to put the file back if needed.
Run these tools weekly
spybot -- http://www.safer-networking.org/
ad-aware -- http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Michael it is always advisable to have some form of spamware/adware software
and, as you will see from other posts on the newsgroup, the two most
popular are Adaware (which you have already tried) and Spybot. Both are
excellent applications and, in fact, should both really be installed. The
one complimenting the other. I use the 'freeware' version of both ad-aware
and spybot and have never had any problems. Admittedly, the spybot
application is somewhat more complex than ad-aware. Anti virus and firewall
alone will not stop spamware that is why you really need these applications.

Ad-aware is available from www.lavasoft.com
Spybot is available from www.safer-networking.org

 

[Michael1]

Thanks for the advice from all of you and I will look into
a program to run. I think I meant to say spyware not
spamware. Personally, adaware was too confusing and the
help section on it was just as confusing and do not plan
to try it again. The others like spybot S&D I will look
into. I've heard some good things about webroot, I think
that is the name, and may try it or something else.

 

[Plato]

I know there are some very useful programs that can detect
and remove this junk, but if you are not sure what is safe
to remove and not to remove, is it worth having? I don't

If using Ad-Aware or Spybot it's safe to remove all they find.

 

[Gregg Cattanach]

Thanks for the advice from all of you and I will look into
a program to run. I think I meant to say spyware not
spamware. Personally, adaware was too confusing and the
help section on it was just as confusing and do not plan
to try it again. The others like spybot S&D I will look
into. I've heard some good things about webroot, I think
that is the name, and may try it or something else.

I'd check out Ad-aware again. The new version 6.0 is extremely simple to
use. Just have it check for the new signature file to download and the run
it. Perhaps you are remembering an older version. I also recommend using
both Ad-aware and Spybot S&D.

Gregg C.

 

[Jeff]

That is not true. I have Zone Alarm and it is excellent. But I still get
spyware which Spybot and Adaware (I use both) regularly find and remove.
They both work well and with no problems. You need both because
occasionally, one will find something the other did not.

--

Jeff McPherson
Email address deliberately false to avoid spam
(e-mail address removed)
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free by AVG

Try installing and running Zone Alarm. You can get a free version or pay

and get the pro version which I have. Since installing it I have had no
adware- spyware to get in. I have spyware and adware programs I run about
once a week just to check, but they are not up and running to prevent or
catch any of this material. Zone Alarm Pro keeps it all out so far.

 

[Steve Nielsen]

You're correct. The reason why a firewall will not block all
spyware/adware is because most of that junk comes in as cookies from
websites vistited. The only way to keep from getting them is to not
accept any cookies at all and that renders an awful lot of websites
useless. Either that or have the firewall block port 80 and do without
websites entirely

Steve

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'd check out Ad-aware again. The new version 6.0 is extremely simple to
use. Just have it check for the new signature file to download and the run
it.

One point that makes it easier. When you get to the point where it
offers a whole slew of things to select and check, *right* click any
one, and use 'Select All' Then Next and it will remove them all