Spyware Removal and Prevention

Article by Ed Coyne
Angelo PC

It seems that "spyware" has almost surpassed "viruses" as the major threat to personal computers, these days. We'll talk about "spyware" here. You may have noticed that your computer just doesn't run as quickly as it used to or that it seems like the hard drive is ALWAYS "working". Your computer may have been infected with spyware. Not only is it annoying and frustrating, but it may also mean that your computer is sending out information about you and your surfing habits that you don't want sent!

The first thing I check on a new client's PC is whether or not they have an updated spyware removal program installed on their computer. An anti-spyware program is of almost no use if it hasn't been updated since you installed it a year-and-a-half ago. There are a ton of programs out there claiming to have the power to rid your computer of "spyware" or "bugs". Some are legitimate and work very well. Others only infect your computer further. Here's a short checklist of things you can do that should keep your computer running smoothly:

1. Check for and install your operating system's updates regularly. I prefer using Windows XP to anything else because of the Automatic Updates feature. If you have anything older than Windows XP, chances are that your computer is "old" and you need to treat yourself to a new one anyway! (always make sure to donate your old computers to a school or other worthy charity)

2. Have a well known anti-virus program installed and updated. There are a few good ones out there that are still FREE! Grisoft's AVG Free Edition works well. They also have a BETA version of their Anti-Virus plus Firewall bundle.

3. Have an updated firewall program installed. You can use the BETA above or you can use Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm Personal.

4. Have an updated version of Spybot Search & Destroy or Computer Associates' PestPatrol installed on your computer and run a full scan about once a week. They both seem to work well separately and even better together. One usually finds something that the other doesn't find.

5. BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL! This can't be stressed enough. "Free" programs are usually the culprits. They are often bundled with other software that can include malicious code, even when they're from "reputable" companies. Peer2Peer file sharing programs are notorious for this. And I can almost bet that you have AOL's Instant Messenger installed on your computer. Did you know that AIM is bundled with WeatherBug, which is known to include spyware? You have to be very careful when you install "free" programs. They're almost never "free" (all of the programs linked to from this article are safe).

Following these steps can greatly reduce your risk of infection