Archive for the ‘Spyware’ Category
Spyware… first of all what is it? Well, this is the exact definition taken from Wikipedia:
“Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user’s interaction with the computer, without the user’s informed consent.”
So, how can it affect your pc? You may have noticed a sudden degrade in performance, a rather peculiar icon flashing on the bottom right of your task bar, or you may have gotten an obvious warning such as a wallpaper on your desktop with the radiation symbol.
No worries…. I have encountered 99% of them and have researched and found the best tools to rid your pc of such pests.
First thing you should do is print this page, hit the links to download the tools, and disconnect from the internet.
The first tool I run can be found here => SmitFraudFix
SmitFraudFix is a tool that removes Desktop Hijack malware, and was created by S!Ri. It’s available for FREE at the link listed above. As their site suggests, run this tool in safe mode.
The second tool I use to clean or rid the pc’s of spyware is found here => SDFix
This tool as well is better used in safe mode. The instuctions for this tool are very simple and can be found at this site here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com.
SdFix is similar to SmitFraudFix in that it kills the processes and does a deep search, not just within the files and folders, but the registry as well. SDFix unlike SmitFraudFix will require a reboot.
Last, but certainly not least, is the ultimate free cleaning tool. You can download it here => CCleaner
CCleaner is a very handy tool. Instructions and screen shots on how to use it can be found on their site, but it is very simple to use. When installing the program, I always make sure to read everything. In this install with CCleaner, it asks to install a Yahoo toolbar which I always uncheck. I just got rid of junk, I don’t want anymore.
On the left side of the program you see the icon of a sweeper, and once selected the middle bar then provides you with a checklist of applications and windows to choose from. You can select them all, but warning, it will delete any settings you may have configured on Windows. Settings such as remembering your passwords for certain sites, the size and even color of your windows. Minor things, but I wanted to warn ya!
After that’s done scanning and deleting all the junk files from your pc, you can then select the light blue rubik’s cube looking icon titled, “registry”. Here you would hit the button to scan for issues. Once it is done scanning, you want to hit the button to “fix selected issues”. At this point the program asks if you want to backup your registry. Select yes to backup and be aware of the filename given and where it is stored. Proceed with fixing. This will then scan your registry for any junk or empty entries and clean them out, and with it the entries left behind after we cleaned the pc with the 1st two tools.
You may have to scan the registry more then once, but this is ok. After all is said and done, proceed with a restart and plug your pc back on to the internet. This should have done the trick. It always works for me!!