Are popups driving you crazy? Don’t blame the web site. You may have loaded software on your machine that creates these popups every time you connect to a different Internet address.
   However, Spyware and Adware no longer seem to ask for permission in most cases. We have seen many cases of Spyware and Adware software appearing on computers that would never have permitted this type of intrusion. It appears that the "gloves are off". We believe that all Spyware and Adware should be treated in the same category as Viruses, but as "Commercial Software" they have always received the benefit of the doubt from anti-virus writers. This gentlemanly distinction should be removed- We are seeing a great many machines TAKEN OUT of action by Spyware infestations, ignored by their otherwise excellent anti-virus software.
   The most severe type of problem is when the Spyware/Adware software takes over the interface between a network connection and the operating system, processing all traffic in and out of the network through it's code. It can use this to redirect users to different websites than they called for, to insert advertisements into web pages, to generate popups, and to track all forms of Internet communication. Removal of this software can be very difficult. It cannot be done manually without sophisticated tools, and both SpyBot and AdAware may or may not be able to successfully resolve the problem. As commercial software, Sypware and Adware are "mutating" rapidly, and the anti-Spyware tools are not always 100%.
   In extreme cases, replacement of the network card or re-installation of the operating system may be required to restore normal services to the network card. (NOTE that Windows operating systems can be safely installed over an existing copy in a Repair mode; this should not damage any program settings. You should immediately run all Windows Update updates after re-running Windows Setup to repair problems on your computer.)

We are now recommending the donation-supported program Spybot Search & Destroy as the most effective tool for removing Spyware and Adware. Free downloads are available from www.safer-networking.org.
   NOW UPDATED for SpyBotSD ver 1.3:
   We even wrote a custom User's Guide; download a copy here.
   Every user should consider running Spyware/Adware scanning software on a regular basis to keep their PC’s “Spy Free.”
Other free and effective spyware removal tools include Ad-aware (from lavasoftusa.com) and Browser Hijack Blaster (an anti-popup tool, along with strong spyware blocking.) HijackThis, from http://www.merijn.org, is an excellent tool for examining your system for possible rogue software. Another option is a registry inserter that uses Internet Explorer's Restricted Sites list to block spyware, adware, and pornware. A free tool, SPYAD.EXE, is available from http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm.
   What about my fancy Virus protection? Spyware and Adware are NOT viruses. They are Commercial Software, produced by a company to generate a profit. Anti-virus vendors have always taken a dim view of a program that deletes another company's program as a prime function, and thus have ignored most Adware and Spyware infestations. THIS MUST CHANGE. This type of software is just as out of line as Virus software. It will break your machine if you don't take measures to stop it. In the past, Spyware and Adware used systems where a user had to CHOOSE to install them yourself, and there was a formal user's agreement that is implied when you accept the installation. Nowadays, this "formal users agreement" may be a statement on a website that is linked many pages down, and the website you connect to will AUTOMATICALLY install the Spyware or Adware without any notice or warning.
   In addition, SoftProse Technology, Inc. is suspicious of some Spyware and Adware infestations that appeared to have propogated over a shared network drive, similar to the SirCam virus. If this is true, and these devious tricks become commonplace, the battle against Spyware and Adware will become a war. Corporate America is slowly bottling itself up behind complex intelligent routers that strip certain software from the Internet data stream before it can reach their desktops, but hundreds of thousands of smaller businesses have not yet been able to employ this type of protection.
   When the last software you accepted from the Internet was downloaded, did you read the user's agreement? Did you see where it said that you will permit the company to record your Internet activity and then report it back to the company? We didn't think so. If it did this without permission, we believe that it should truly be considered a virus.
   Note that the “Add Remove Software” function in the Control Panel will NOT fully or correctly remove many of these programs. “Add/Remove Software” uses a system provided by each software’s creator. Although it may seem to remove the offending program, often important program elements are left behind and are merely disguised. Software such as SpyBot S&D and Ad-aware are your best tools for removing Adware and Spyware correctly and forever.

Run SpyBot Automatically?
This is simpler than it sounds. The Scheduled Tasks Control Panel can be set to run a given task at any time you choose, and can also wake a computer up in the middle of the night to accomplish this. (Wake from Sleep is not the same as "Turn On"; the computer must be running...) The below string should work in most cases:
SpyBot can be set to run automatically every day with this command:
"C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe" /taskbarhide /autoupdate /autoimmunize
/autocheck /autofix /autoclose
Use the "Scheduled Tasks" Control Panel item to automate this.

The “Usual Suspects” Include:
Form-filling software from GATOR (GAIN - Gator Advertising Information Network) is offered at many web sites for downloading with a single click. GATOR is a classic Spyware software, tracking Internet activity.

“Alexa” is free toolbar software from Amazon.com. (Surprised?) The program transmits a unique ID code, which Amazon now says they no longer use to track users. However, this software remains listed as low-risk Spyware.

CometCursor is a “fun” browser add-in that can show custom cursors on websites where the webmaster has enabled support. However, the CometCursor is also spyware, reporting back websites you visit. Remove with Spybot Search & Destroy.

Some sort of “Pornware” software has been raising havoc with clients who have machines open to casual use. Once loaded, this software will force your computer to show pornography “gateway” sites, along with taking over the Home Page setting. (It resets the Home Page automatically so it cannot be changed back.)
Remove with Spybot Search & Destroy.

Windows Messenger Service can be difficult to supress or remove, yet is a type of Spyware. Also, adware and undesirable messages can be sent directly to your desktop when Messenger is installed.
A free removal tool is available from Doug Knox, at:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_mess_disable.htm

RealPlayer (and associated programs such as RealDownload and RealJukebox) assembles information about the use of the program on your computer. Real corporation has said they will not use this information, but the program still collects it. Real's software contains many spyware elements, which the company says are currently inactive. RealPlayer is very popular, and can be difficult to do without. What is your privacy worth?
Windows Media Player keeps a log file on the disk of CD’s and DVD’s that it plays. This log file may or may not be used by Microsoft in the future, and it is there for viewing by others who have access to your computer. Over 17 million Windows XP computers have Media Player installed.
Netscape’s SmartDownload is no longer being used as Spyware by Netscape after an injunction was won by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. Radiate’s GoZilla, formerly listed as Spyware, is no longer associated with this function. Note that installed versions of this software may still collect information, but the companies have agreed to stop recording and using this data.

America Online tracks user's habits and relays this information to vendors. AOL users must be aware of this and seem to tolerate it with little complaint. See the AOL Privacy Policy statement at http://www.aol.com/info/privacy.adp.

Adware and Viruses Certain viruses, such as the SoBig virus, had the effect of creating "fleets" of thousands of computers that can be taken over by hackers and used to run software of the hacker's choice. These "zombie" computers are known to be used to send SPAM emailings, and may also serve in other unpleasant roles. Cable modem connections or DSL connections are especially vulnerable to this type of exploitation. Of course, anti-virus software is a must but we strongly recommend installing a small ROUTER (such as the inexpensive Netgear products or any of the excellent SMC Barricade line) on all Cable Modem and DSL connections to protect your computer from any unfortunate influences from the Internet. These Routers all use NAT addressing, which is a break-proof firewall- a complete "glass wall" to hackers who may try to connect to your machine from the Internet. Routers- More than just a good idea.

It's Your Choice.
Remember- Most Adware or Spyware software will only be installed if a user APPROVES it’s installation. DO NOT accept the download of a “plug-in” unless you know exactly what it is going to do to your machine! Common “safe” plug-ins include updates from Microsoft, and software from Macromedia (Flash, ShockWave, Cold Fusion, etc.)
   As many system administrators of Windows XP Professional networks have discovered, the user privileges on desktop machines can be set at the Power User level. This eliminates the ability of these users to install software, including Adware and Spyware. (Another reason Window XP Professional is desirable?)

Some helpful Internet Resources:
Free powerful Removal Tool:
SpyBot Search and Destroy from http://www.safer-networking.org/
We wrote a SpyBot User's Guide (Acrobat format) download here.

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Free Anti-Virus  Phishing- Email Con

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Free Anti-Virus  Phishing- Email Con

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Phishing- Email Con

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Free Anti-Virus  Phishing- Email Con

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Free Anti-Virus  Phishing- Email Con

Virus Defenses  Anti-Virus Proposal  Virus Alert  Virus Hoax?  Free Anti-Virus  Phishing- Email Con