Computer techs - HEEEEELLLPPP!

[Sis]

Our puter is running really slowly, which spyware eraser (Or whatever you call it) is the best to use?

[rootbeer]

I downloaded Spybot, then I had to download the updates to make it work, but I can't tell that my 'puter is any faster.

[LarryTheCucumber]

SpyBot Search+Destroy is the best in my opinion, but there are several others that rank right up there--  A-Squared works great, and if it wasn't for the fact that it costs money, I might rank it higher than Spybot 

[Scott]

I use both AdAware and Spybot

I find that what Adaware misses, Spybot catches and what Spybot misses, Adaware catches.

[MelodyB]

are they really worth downloading them...I mean how much danger am I in with not using anything?

(Im a computer idiot)

[Scott]

are they really worth downloading them...I mean how much danger am I in with not using anything?

(Im a computer idiot)

Both of them have cleared up many problems on my computer at home and at work. Yes they are worth it.

[MelodyB]

I dont know of any problems that I have at the moment. My computer is fairly new.

[Niki]

I like Spybot, Adaware, AVG, Spyware Blaster and A-squared (I have a free version that I downloaded off the internet).

[Nerd]

Spybot, Adaware, AVG, Spyware Blaster

All good ones. I use Avast instead of AVG, but it's kinda either/or.

It's all here... www.download.com

[Backseat Radio]

I've got all kinds of anti this that or the other programs on my comptuer mainly cause my dad has put several on it.  Here's some free ones I use...

Spybot Search and Destroy 
http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html

Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Windows Defender 
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

AVG Free
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/21/us/crp/0

Ad-Aware SE Personal
(not seeming to be able to find the download on the site)
http://www.lavasoft.com/index.php

I also use some that have to be paid for...

xoftspy SE personal and RegCure both available here...
http://www.paretologic.com/downloads/index.aspx


Spyware Doctor
http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor/

[RandyWayne]

I don't use ANY anti virus software on my PC's but I do have Zone alarm installed on all.

I would also suggest that you A) Run the latest version of Firefox and B) Install NoScript as a plug-in.  Go to Tools then select Add-ons. Then click on the blue colored Get Extensions at the bottom of the box.

But perhaps the biggest thing you can do to protect yourself in alter your computing behavior.  Meaning, never click on email attachments unless you KNOW that someone meant to send you something.  Confirm it on the phone!  Most spy-ware and Trojan software still gets on the computer by the user making an effort to install it without knowing what they are installing.

[Sis]

We know enough not to do that. As a matter of fact, if you send me a forward, I'll throw it away without opening it at all. They're a waste of time. This whole thing started after I had googled some names. No doubt I picked something up doing that. I also wonder if I picked something up searching in Myspace.

[mini]

I would also recommend using CCleaner.  http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

Its not a spyware cleaner, but after you download that, run the issue cleaner and it will make your system much faster.

[darlaj2]

I also wonder if I picked something up searching in Myspace.

My husband started having LOADS of problems after using Myspace.  Don't know if there is a connection, but I refuse to even look at Myspace for fear of having problems with my computer.

[RandyWayne]

Myspace had a HUGE problem with virus/trojans based on the Animated Cursor exploit that MS patched a few short weeks ago.  In order to become infected, the exploit simply used an animated cursor or even animated GIF file on the web site itself to introduce code.  No anti-virus or anti-spyware software could have done anything to prevent it.

Click on the link to here an excellent description of the problem.
http://media.grc.com/sn/SN-085a.mp3