Spyware and Adware

[Timber Loftis]

I've got an annoying recurring pop-up on my computer. Yes, it's one of the "would you like to remove annoying popups like this?" ones. I'm downloading Spybot, but AFAIK that won't guarantee I kill this thing. Can someone tell me a good set or programs to make sure I kill all spyware, adware, and pop-ups?

If you have a set of programs that you personally use on your XP machine and know to work, that'd be best. Thanks.

[Ronn_Bman]

Spybot and Adaware should be used in co-ordination for best results. Also keep in mind, if you are running XP and have more than one profile you may need to run them on each.

As far as pop-ups, Zone Alarm Pro works to block them for me. It's $29.99, and it is really great software.

[ 10-22-2003, 01:46 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

[SpiritWarrior]

Isn't Zone Alarm free anymore?

[Timber Loftis]

Originally posted by Ronn_Bman: Spybot and Adaware should be used in co-ordination for best results. Also keep in mind, if you are running XP and have more than one profile you may need to run them on each. As far as pop-ups, Zone Alarm Pro works to block them for me. It's $29.99, and it is really great software.

So, you use all three?

[Sir Taliesin]

You can also download Pop-up Killer that runs while your on the internet and kills all pop-ups during the session. I use this in addition to Spybot and Adware. If you like I check the name when I get home and post it for you. It makes a gunshot sound when it kills one, but you can turn the sound off if you like.

[Timber Loftis]

Thanks, Sir T. I'd like that if'n you don't mind. My home internet usage is minimal -- and I usually only come here or to the oasis. I passed my Sony Vaio off to my wife when I got my new computer, though, and she loves to just sit and surf for hours to tons of risky sites. Ebay this, coupon hunter that, shopping, etc. -- it's going to create a nightmare if I don't protect that system.

[Ronn_Bman]

Yes, I use all three.

Ad Aware and Spybot are both excellent, but each will find things the other misses. Running both seems like alot, but I only do it once a week or so unless I'm noticing a problem.

Zone Alarm is something I've used for a couple of years as my firewall, but every since trying their pro version last year, I've been hooked. One of the cool benefits of ZAP is the privacy feature which includes pop-up/pop-under blocking, cache cleaning and more.

BTW, Zone Alarm's standard version is still free and is a fine firewall, but doesn't include any of the privacy options. You can download ZAP for a 30 day trial though.

[WillowIX]

Instead of getting ZoneAlarm (no Pro) get Kerio. Free for personal use and stops absolutely all unwanted traffic, if you know how to handle a firewall that is. Outpost is way cool as well, even cooler than ZA and Kerio since it's open source and more and more plug ins are being developed by the users, but it's not free.

And download Regcleaner and clean out your registry "manually". Look at the software tab and you'll see keys from Gator etc.

[Cloudbringer]

I use Norton Utilities and Ad Aware, Spybot and Black Ice Defender (firewall) and they find just about everything you can think of if it's put on my pc without me knowing it. Most things get blocked before they show up.

I know Nacht uses Zone Alarm and raves about that popup blocking feature, though. And it is available free, but the more bells and whistles PRO version has to be paid for.

[Ronn_Bman]

Originally posted by WillowIX: And download Regcleaner and clean out your registry "manually". Look at the software tab and you'll see keys from Gator etc.

Willow, the idea of manually cleaning my registry still makes me want to run screaming into the night. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

I used to use the jv16 registry cleaner, but it's gone to a pay service now.

Any new cleaners as simple as that one that you know of?