Free Anti-Spyware Tools
From LoveToKnow Business
Be warned; the increasing numbers of virus and spyware attacks are getting more malicious, moving out of amateur hacker territory into the criminal, and requiring, at least, free anti-spyware tools to combat. Sources report that criminal elements are actively involved in spyware or malware attacks, paying hackers to convert computers into zombies used as spam relays or to steal personal financial information to be used in identity-theft. Others hack into business computer systems and demand payment for release of compromised machines and files.
Be Wary with E-mail
Nowadays, most spyware and viruses come through E-mail, as executable (EXE) code that piggybacks E-mail documents. Don’t open E-mail if you don’t know the addressee or don't have at least free anti-spyware tools installed on your computer. Once opened, the spyware or virus is released into your system. Attachments are worse. It’s just not a good idea to open them, period. If someone has a document to send, have them insert it into the body of an E-Mail.
Install Free Anti-Spyware Tools
This doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. While commercial programs are available, they are neither inexpensive nor completely reliable. In fact, no single piece of software effectively protects a computer from all spyware or virus attacks. The answer is to install several programs on your computer to create a combined defense more resistant to attack.
Install AVG
One effective anti-virus software is AVG, available from Grisoft. This is a solid product with daily updates that can be automatically downloaded. . AVG is free for individuals, and at reasonable costs for businesses. A user manual can be downloaded or viewed online. AVG checks can be scheduled to perform daily sweeps of your system, useful if you spend a lot of time online.
Install Spybot
Spybpot is a popular free anti-spyware tool that effectively removes spyware and can be configured to immunize systems from a customized menu. The program is easy to use and comes with a user manual. Read it before arbitrarily killing everything you think is spyware. Some files will be needed for system ops. Spybot effectively rids older PCs using Windows 98 of cookies that gobble up resources and slows performance. System checks with XP is very fast.
Add Ad-Aware SE
Ad-Aware SE from LavaSoft (www.lavasoft.de/) is also a free anti-spyware program that provides additional cleansing of spyware that may be missed by Spybot.
Use Windows Anti-Spyware Program
Make sure that you install Windows Anti-Spyware program, currently still free. While a beta version, it’s pretty good at blocking Spyware and issues alerts when anything attempts to change system configurations, allowing you the option of allowing or refusing access. It’s not available for older systems.
Keep Your Operating System Current
Unfortunately, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 98, but still supports ME and 2000. But as these operating systems age, it’s only matter of time before Microsoft cuts the cord. If you haven’t already done so, install Service Pack 2 (SP2) on your computer. Be careful if you have an older computer. There have been reports from users whose older PCs froze or failed after installing SP2. Most likely the lock-ups resulted from systems already infected with undetected viruses or spyware. It’s a good idea to take your PC to a shop for SP2 installation so they can check for undetected spyware or viruses. The best way to deal with spyware is prevention, since it’s very difficult to remove spyware once it infects your PC.
If You Have a Mac -- Relax
If you own a Mac, rest easy because there is no spyware or viruses for the Mac. Software hackers ignore the Macintosh operating system because it’s too hard to crack.
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Comments
Hi Julio,
It is a good idea for everyone. Thanks for visiting LoveToKnow Business and taking the time to comment.
-- Contributed by: Donna SundbladI really need this
-- Contributed by: Julio BalcacerYou're welcome dharmendra,
Thank you for reading LoveToKnow Business.
-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad> See All Comments on this article
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