Help with Adware, spyware, and Hijacks

[majeskyb]

For me, I run the google toolbar and Zone Alarm pro. I turn the ad and pop-up blocking as high as they go, and haven't had a single pop-up in months. Also, to stop a different kind that people are starting to take advantage of, turn off your windows messenger service (different from msn messenger), through component services located in administrative tools. You'll never need it and all it does is allow people to send you unsolicited junk. For spyware, I'd just use a combo of adaware and spybot- search and destroy. Just my .02, but I DON'T have any problems with spy/adware/pop-ups

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Originally posted by andrew.brandon:
ok I know this has beendiscused before but everyone seems to be in here so I will just ask. I have the trial version of mcafee virusscan and mcafee firewall. My video card also came with a popup blocker that has never let one through. my question is since I am cheep bast***, what is the best FREE spyware and adware programs I can DL and is there a better virus protection and firewall combo for free too?

cheat *** its 7$ a year to keep your mcaffe active lol

[LD]

I personally run
AdAware
Spybot S&D
Spysweeper
Spywareblaster
SpywareGuard
Between those 5 programs (updated at least weekly)I never have a problem. Spysweeper, Spywareguard, and Spywareblaster keep stuff off before it gets on. Adware finds what gets through. SPybot has some very helpful tools in the advanced mode. I also download a trial version of regvac every once in awhile, but usually don't need it.
here are the links to download

adaware

spybot S&D

spysweeper

spywareguard

spywareblaster

I keep a CD with these programs saved on it for my buddies that freak out about why there computer sucks
I also have zonealarm on there, but that slows my comp down to much (does a good job, just don't like the slowness factor
I also use the google toolbar to block popups

google toolbar
good luck

[LD]

On the CD that I make for my buddies I have an instruction manual typed up
I have 8 programs on there with the word file
Here is what I typed
hope it helps
Before you start, I suggest you make a folder on the desktop and label it so you know what it is, and make a new folder inside it for everything that you install to make it easier to find later.

#1 is AdAware
After you install #1, the first thing you need to do is click check for updates. Download and install any updates. After installing the updates, click start in the bottom right hand corner. Click the dot to the middle selection “Use custom scanning options”. Then click “customize” Under scan settings and memory and registry make sure everything is checked with a green check. Then click the tab on the left labeled General. All the checks need to be red except for the last one, “safe mode” which needs to be green. Click proceed in the bottom right hand corner, this will bring you back to the 3 choices again. Make sure that the in depth scan is activated (green check) and the middle choice is selected and click next and scan away. After the scan is done you will have all the results displayed. To delete all of them just right click on one of the results and click select all objects. Then click next on the bottom of the screen to delete them all.

#2 is Spybot Search and Destroy
As soon as you install, click check for updates. Download and install any updates. Run your scan the same as AdAware. In the results menu you may have to click them individually to delete, but make sure they are all selected and click fix selected problems at the bottom.

#3 is spy ware blaster
This program does not need to be run very much. It is just a program that will adjust your settings then you can close it. But make sure right after the install you click updates and download any that are available. After that click the tab on the left that says protection. Towards the bottom of the screen there is a button that says enable all protection. Click that then close the program.

#4 is spy ware guard
Same thing as all the others, download any updates. Then close it. All of these programs can be closed after you are done updating and scanning. This program will remain open at the bottom of your screen and monitor the system for you. If it repeatedly gives you browser hijack errors then you may have to disable it. Click settings and unclick browser hijack protection, if it doesn’t cause problems then don’t worry about it.

#5 is Google toolbar
Just install it

#6 is Spy sweeper
This program will remain open at the bottom of the screen and monitor constantly also. But if your computer starts running slowly, you may have to go into the options of this program and have it not start up with Windows.
As soon as you install this and download the updates, you need to click options on the left. It will open a new set of options across the top. Click Active Shields. The make sure all shields have the on dot clicked. For the Home page shield, you need to pick what home page you want to be protected, type it in there and click restore default without notification. Then click min at the top of the screen.

#7 is Norton antivirus
If you don’t have an antivirus, then you need to install this download updates and scan your system. This is only a 15 day trial so you use it while you can.

#8 is Zone Alarm
This is a sweet program that blocks your computer from doing anything bad, blocks anyone else from doing anything to it, and is overall a good program. BUT it makes your computer run a little slow, so you have to decide if you want it or not.

OK you’re all set, make sure you run the program AdAware at least once per week, and update it every time you use it. Run spy sweeper about once every week or two. Run spybot s&d about once per month, and Norton once every couple days.