|
| |
Jump to side-by-side
comparison.
Helping you get the best PC performance possible.
What is Spyware and Adware?
Simply put, Spyware is malicious software that, when loaded onto your
computer, can record your personal information without you even knowing it and
transmit that information to 3rd parties who either use it themselves or sell it
to yet someone else. Passwords and usernames, email addresses, credit card
numbers and PINS, surfing history even keyboard keystrokes are all valuable
personal information that someone is willing to steal. Perhaps even worse,
some Spyware programs can "hi-jack" your browser's homepage and even
install and run other programs on your computer. And Spyware is the tool
they use to do it.
Similarly, Adware is malicious software that display unwanted advertisements
either in your browser window or in separate pop-ups. Though usually not
as threatening as Spyware, Adware is often more annoying and both will
compromise your computer's performance as well as use up memory and disk space.
How can my machine become infected?
Spyware and Adware are most often encountered when various freeware
applications such as games, file-sharing programs, screensavers, media players,
toolbar ad-ins and the like are downloaded and installed. What most people
don't know, is that when you download this software, you may be getting
additional Adware or Spyware "bundled" in with the software you're
trying to download. If you never ever download and install any of
these, you probably don't have too much to worry about. The problem is,
there are lots of really fun and useful programs out there and most of us want
to get them. That's ok as long as you try to protect yourself.
First, when you're installing the software, don't just ignore the End User
Licensing Agreement (EULA). Too many people just click "Agree"
and then install. If the developers of the software are "nice",
they will declare in the EULA that there are other programs bundled in with
their software, so when you click "Agree" you are actually giving them
permission to install this other software on your computer. If you don't
want it, don't click "Agree"! Of course, other developers aren't
so nice, so they don't always declare bundled software in the EULA. That's
why you need specialized Anti-Spyware software. It will help you detect
and remove unwanted Spyware and Adware. Of course, keep in mind, that if
the bundled software is declared in the EULA, and you try to remove it, the good
software that you wanted may no longer function. That's part of the
agreement in the EULA.
How do I protect myself?
Collectively, Spyware, Adware, viruses, trojans and worms are sometimes
called "Malware." As each of these threats become increasingly
more specialized, tools to combat them must adapt and specialize as well.
Though many Anti-Virus programs will attempt to clean Spyware and Adware from
your computer, Anti-Spyware tools have begun to develop their own distinct
capabilities and are generally more effective in combating these threats.
This suggests that to protect your computer, you will want to defend yourself on
several different fronts. The following elements are essential to
protecting your computer from Malware:
- Anti-Spyware - This is software specifically designed to detect and remove
many different kinds of Spyware and Adware. But be cautious
here. There are lots of free Anti-Spyware products that are either
completely ineffective, or they try to trick you into buying the
"full" version by 'detecting' non-existent threats (false
positives) and some even are bundled with Spyware and Adware themselves
which they actually install onto your computer. Make sure you own a
trusted and effective product. Though it can be a little expensive, it
is better to own two different kinds since as with Anti-Virus Software, no
package will eradicate all threats. These will generally charge an
initial license fee which you pay to purchase and download the software and
an annual update which keeps it current against the newest threats.
- Anti-Virus - Another essential is a good Anti-Virus software
package. Anytime you browse someone's website you may come in contact
with different viruses. Of course, 'safe browsing' (keeping your
internet security levels high and visiting only trusted sites) helps, but
internet file-sharing sites and even opening emails can be risky.
Never open files with .zip, .exe, .pif, .com, .bat, .vbs, or .scr
extensions unless you know where they came from and you trust that
source. There are many Anti-Virus programs out on the market
today. And many will attempt to offer some form of Anti-Spyware
capability as well, however as stated above, modern Spyware has evolved to
become increasingly more difficult to remove and thus specialized Anti-Spyware
software is a must.
- Firewall - A Firewall is not too unlike a locked front door with a
peephole in it. You can look outside, but no-one can come in unless
you unlock it and open it. Firewalls can be implemented in either
hardware or software. The basic idea is to allow you to surf and
communicate on the internet, without letting anyone else in without
permission. This is especially important as more and more people have
cable modems, DSL or Satellite internet access so their computer is on while
they're not home or asleep. Your Firewall keeps the door locked and
unwanted intruders out.
- Don't download free stuff - Beware of free offers. Almost no one on the
internet wants to help you for free. In case you missed that, I'll say
it again. Almost no one on the
internet wants to help you for free. In the interest of full
disclosure, I get a small
commission if you purchase one of the products linked to from my website.
I think that's fair. I provide you with information to assist you in
making informed purchasing decisions, and I refer you to legitimate merchants
who offer quality products that you may purchase. So I should receive a
small fee for helping both you and the seller. That's the American
way! But again, almost no one wants to help you for free. Free
software is usually "bundled" with Adware and Spyware, that's why they
give it to you for free!. Even some
free Anti-Spyware is bundled with Spyware. If you must have a specific
freeware application, be prepared to live with the consequences.
- Keep Current - As the threats are constantly becoming more sophisticated
and new vulnerabilities are identified and exploited, it is imperative that
you keep yourself informed and keep your computer software current.
Microsoft regularly develops critical patches for its operating systems
which protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities and you must
regularly download and install these patches to keep Malware from exploiting
them. In addition, Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software must be
periodically updated with new signature files and algorithms to combat the
latest threats.
Anti-Spyware Tools
As noted above, there are many different Anti-Spyware products on the
market. The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of some of
the most popular and most effective. Links to purchase the products are
also included. As I mentioned above,
I am an affiliate for each of the products compared below (as well as many
others). That means that if you buy one of these products, I will get a
small commission. But as I explained above, I believe that is fair recompense
for the service I am providing. Compare these side-by-side and decide
which is best for you.
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Scheduled Scans |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Real-time Download Blocking |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Customizable Scanning |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Backup and Restore/Undo |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Automated Updates |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Customized Fixes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Vaccination |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Host Blocking |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Platforms |
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP |
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista |
Windows 2000, XP |
Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista |
| Price |
$39.95 |
$39.90 |
$29.95 |
$37.00 |
$19.95 |
| Buy This Product |
Adware
BOT |
XoftSpySE |
SpyNoMore |
NoAdware |
AdWareALERT |
| |
|
