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Free Tools
In
this case, the freeware options are not necessarily the best tools to use. I will show you an excellent
shareware utility later that I highly recommend over any of these tools.
However, if you're one that simply refuses to pay for this kind of software,
then these select freeware applications are highly recommended.
Spybot - Search & Destroy, is by far, the best
freeware spyware removal tool on the web. I've personally been using it
for quite some time now and highly recommend it to users of all levels.
It does a fairly good job of detecting and removing spyware and a select few
hijackers. Let's take a closer look at the application...
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**click to enlarge** |
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Like
a majority of the anti-spyware options available, the software has to be user-friendly
considering a majority may not be advanced computer users. Spybot has a simple interface and is quite easy to use. However, what I
have found most neglect to do, is to update the definitions prior to scanning.
Like Anti-Virus software, you must keep definitions up to date in order to
protect yourself against the latest threats.
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**click to enlarge** |
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If
you're a Windows XP user, and have system restore enabled, Spybot will create
a restore point prior to removal of detected threats. A recovery option
is also available. What's nice about Spybot, is its optional Immunize function. This feature, while not
perfect, is there
as an added protection and will actually help prevent Spyware while you surf
the web.
HijackThis
HijackThis is a
simple standalone executable that will detect and remove hijackers that most
spyware tools just can't properly remove. This is a program I tend to
use when I encounter a more serious hijacker that requires much more work in
order to properly remove it.
**click to enlarge**
I
find this program should only be used by advanced users. The reason I
say this is because the potential threats it detects are not always bad and
most should not be removed. Fortunately, for those unfamiliar with its
findings, there is an info button that will provide some information on a
particular item it has detected.
CWShredder One of the worst
hijackers a user can get is the infamous CoolWebSearch Assistant. I've
personally battled this hijacker from the very beginning. In fact, when
this particular hijacker first made its rounds on the web, it was practically
impossible to remove without having to reformat and install your Operating
System from scratch. This particular hijacker is so well designed, that
there are numerous 20 page instructions on how to properly remove it from your
system published around the web. However, I've found that these still don't work quite as well.
Fortunately, since its release, many have done quite a bit of research to find exactly how
this threat takes control of your system in order to provide the right method
of removal. For one, there is a
utility available now that is designed primarily to remove all traces of this
rather annoying hijacker.
Its
quite easy to get this hijacker if you are not careful. If you do happen
to get it, I recommend you use this simple utility along with your spyware software
to properly get rid of it.
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