Spyware/Adware

[Ace Card Jones]

I have microsoft anti spyware and AVG-Free and so far ive NEVER had any problems with viruses spyware or anything else.But id just like to know what exactly is Adware and does MS Anti-SW protect me at all from Adware?IVe assumed Adware are pop ups etc.But im probably wrong.Any tips?

[jlreich]

IVe assumed Adware are pop ups etc.
That is correct when the popups are coming from a program on your computer. Popups that are on website are just an annoying and intrusive way of advertising. But other things as well like browser hijacking, where things like your homepage is change without your allowing it, redirecting you to search engines, blocking you from getting to security sites etc.. Installing programs without your consent like suddenly you have a new icon your taskbar that prompts you to download and install a program to remove spyware from your system..... :rolleyes:


Tips?

Don't use Internet Explorer or IE based web browsers for anything except window updates. Use an alternative browser like Firefox or Opera. They are much safer and many like them much better than IE.

In addition to AdAware install

Spywareblaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)
Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html)

The first sets some rules and gets out of the way. It's the most important after an up to date AV/FW in my opinion. Just make sure you enable all protections and keep it up to date.

The second is for removing malware and is a compliment to AdAware. AdAware and Spybot search for slightly different thing so you get better coverage if both are used.

I don't use MS anti spyware myself but several members do and say it is a good program.

Don't go to shady websites. Be careful of where you download stuff.

You didn't mention a firewall. You do have an active firewall don't you?

Keep everything up to date. Do scans once week or as needed if you suspect problems.

I am sure others will pipe in with more. You can also search through the forums as this has been covered many times.

[Ace Card Jones]

Yeah ive got windows fire wall eircom fire wall and mcafee fire wall.
Microsoft Anti-SW blocks ALL pop ups online i personaly think its a great program.
I had Spybot but i was told by a lot of people its neither safe or efficient.
Is there anything free i can download thats good for anti adware like is adaware free?
And is there anything else i should be aware of and get protection for?

[Budfred]

Running 3 firewalls is NOT recommended... They are likely to conflict with each other and that can cause more problems than it prevents...

Spybot has a program called TeaTimer that runs a resident protection against malware and it is good, but you probably already have resident protection from MS AntiSpyware...

You need to read this thread and use the protections noted here... this is the biggest risk on the internet at the moment...

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43169

Here is my prevention speech for other ideas:

This is a good time to set up protection against further
attacks. Read the article linked below about "How did I
get infected". You need an antivirus that is updated, a
good firewall (a router firewall is not enough) and a
spyware blocker like SpywareBlaster and also IE-Spyads.
All of these have good free versions available... be very
cautious about any security software that advertises in
popups or other intrusive ways, they are not only usually
useless, but also often have malware in them....

http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showtopic=60955