Free spy/adware programs
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Hamster
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Free spy/adware programs
So I was surfing the net, looking at new artwork from different places when I came across this link. I wished I never clicked it. Now my computer is riddled with spyware, adware, and viruses. I was wondering what is the best free online program that can help get rid of this?
Oh, wow.
For the spyware, I've always found Lavasoft's Ad-Aware to be effective. It's free for personal (non-commercial) use.
A firewall is always a good idea. My personal favorite is ZoneLab's ZoneAlarm. Also free. The firewall will keep the viruses and spyware from sending information out over the Internet, and will ward off unauthorized access from outside (if you have a trojan, for example).
I'm assuming you were using Internet Explorer. To keep this from happening again, you can use the Firefox browser (again, free) instead of IE. IE is known for its many, many security flaws. Frankly, you should never be able to get a virus from clicking a link! GRR!
Firefox is not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than IE. It does require more customization to make it comfortable, however. But once you get it set up exactly how you like, with all your favorite extensions and themes, it's a dream come true.
As for the viruses, there are a number of anti-virus solutions out there. I don't use any of them. Most of them cost money, but there are some free ones out there. For example, there's Trend Micro's House Call. I don't remember if this one will actually get rid of them for you, though. But it does give you the names. Worse comes to worse, you can look up how to get rid of each virus on an individual basis.
Maybe someone else knows a better anti-virus solution.
Now, to tell the truth, personally, I wouldn't bother trying to fix such a horrendously compromised system. It's better if you keep it from getting infected in the first place. The following may not work for you (I have no idea how computer savvy you are), but this is what I would do:
The first thing I would do is either unplug the Internet connection or install a firewall -- if you have viruses, spyware, and trojans, the last thing you want is for them to have access to the Internet. Especially if you have the kind that keeps making pop-ups appear (those can make it nearly impossible to do anything). The second thing is to remember not to reboot -- if you have viruses, you may not be able to get back into Windows if you do.
Next, back up everything important you have on your computer to CDR/DVD -- irreplaceable things like pictures, especially. But don't back up any executable files or programs, as these may be infected now. If you have any programs that you'll need later, make sure you have access to everything you'll need to reinstall them (for example, CD keys, etc.).
Now, make absolutely sure you have everything, because the next thing I would do is reformat the entire harddrive. This will get rid of EVERYTHING, and is very permanent. You will lose everything you did not back up. After that, completely reinstall Windows (using the Windows CD or Restore CD that came with your computer). You may have to set up the BIOS so that you can boot from the CD-ROM drive.
The first thing you'll want to do after that is install the firewall I mentioned above. The second thing would be to make sure you have the latest Service Pack installed, along with all of the latest Security Updates.
Next, download Firefox and delete the IE icon from the desktop.
Finally, make fresh installations of all your old programs.
If you choose to take this route and feel you might have any difficulty with those steps, it would be a very, very good idea to get someone who really knows what they're doing to take a look at it. It's nearly impossible for me to tell you the exact steps you'll need to take.
-- Vilkacis
For the spyware, I've always found Lavasoft's Ad-Aware to be effective. It's free for personal (non-commercial) use.
A firewall is always a good idea. My personal favorite is ZoneLab's ZoneAlarm. Also free. The firewall will keep the viruses and spyware from sending information out over the Internet, and will ward off unauthorized access from outside (if you have a trojan, for example).
I'm assuming you were using Internet Explorer. To keep this from happening again, you can use the Firefox browser (again, free) instead of IE. IE is known for its many, many security flaws. Frankly, you should never be able to get a virus from clicking a link! GRR!
Firefox is not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than IE. It does require more customization to make it comfortable, however. But once you get it set up exactly how you like, with all your favorite extensions and themes, it's a dream come true.
As for the viruses, there are a number of anti-virus solutions out there. I don't use any of them. Most of them cost money, but there are some free ones out there. For example, there's Trend Micro's House Call. I don't remember if this one will actually get rid of them for you, though. But it does give you the names. Worse comes to worse, you can look up how to get rid of each virus on an individual basis.
Maybe someone else knows a better anti-virus solution.
Now, to tell the truth, personally, I wouldn't bother trying to fix such a horrendously compromised system. It's better if you keep it from getting infected in the first place. The following may not work for you (I have no idea how computer savvy you are), but this is what I would do:
The first thing I would do is either unplug the Internet connection or install a firewall -- if you have viruses, spyware, and trojans, the last thing you want is for them to have access to the Internet. Especially if you have the kind that keeps making pop-ups appear (those can make it nearly impossible to do anything). The second thing is to remember not to reboot -- if you have viruses, you may not be able to get back into Windows if you do.
Next, back up everything important you have on your computer to CDR/DVD -- irreplaceable things like pictures, especially. But don't back up any executable files or programs, as these may be infected now. If you have any programs that you'll need later, make sure you have access to everything you'll need to reinstall them (for example, CD keys, etc.).
Now, make absolutely sure you have everything, because the next thing I would do is reformat the entire harddrive. This will get rid of EVERYTHING, and is very permanent. You will lose everything you did not back up. After that, completely reinstall Windows (using the Windows CD or Restore CD that came with your computer). You may have to set up the BIOS so that you can boot from the CD-ROM drive.
The first thing you'll want to do after that is install the firewall I mentioned above. The second thing would be to make sure you have the latest Service Pack installed, along with all of the latest Security Updates.
Next, download Firefox and delete the IE icon from the desktop.
Finally, make fresh installations of all your old programs.
If you choose to take this route and feel you might have any difficulty with those steps, it would be a very, very good idea to get someone who really knows what they're doing to take a look at it. It's nearly impossible for me to tell you the exact steps you'll need to take.
-- Vilkacis
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Hamster
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How do I reformat my computer (using windows XP). I misplaced the CDs that came with the computer a long time ago.Vilkacis wrote: Now, make absolutely sure you have everything, because the next thing I would do is reformat the entire harddrive. This will get rid of EVERYTHING, and is very permanent. You will lose everything you did not back up. After that, completely reinstall Windows (using the Windows CD or Restore CD that came with your computer). You may have to set up the BIOS so that you can boot from the CD-ROM drive.
If that's the situation, then you might be best served by making due with trying to clean the system. Chances are, though, you won't be able to get it back exactly the way it was before. I'm not sure how severe your problem is. I would say to try the free solutions, and if they don't work it might be worth it to invest in some high-quality anti-virus software to clean things up. Hopefully the viruses have not done any permanent damage.Hamster wrote:How do I reformat my computer (using windows XP). I misplaced the CDs that came with the computer a long time ago.
In any case, doing the backups I mentioned is a good idea.
You could always try Linux ^_^
Anyway, hopefully those programs I mentioned will be helpful.
-- Vilkacis
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
is what i use it's good and is updated frequently and it's free
is what i use it's good and is updated frequently and it's free
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NarnianWolfen
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- Location: TX, USA
We use freebie versions of Spyware Begone, ZoneAlarm, and AVG. They work REALLY well for clearing all that mess off.
~Kate
"She should not lock the open door (run away run away run away!), full moon is on the sky and he's not a man anymore...sees the change in him but can't (run away run away run away) see what became out of her man...full moon!"
"She should not lock the open door (run away run away run away!), full moon is on the sky and he's not a man anymore...sees the change in him but can't (run away run away run away) see what became out of her man...full moon!"
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Scott Gardener
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You can also set your browser's preferences so that rather than running scripts or programs automatically, it will ask your permission first. When something pops up asking whether or not to run a program you didn't have in mind, you can deny it.
I've been using Zone Alarm Pro myself, because it also includes ad and cookie blocking. But, if you run it, be sure to turn back on animations, otherwise you'll lose the effects of animated .gifs like all our wolf smiley emoticons here. Pro is different from the free version; it costs money, and you have to do a product activation, much like with Microsoft.
By the way, my ISP gave out to subscribers EZ Armor, which includs a firewall and antivirus. The firewall's interface looks exactly the same as Zone Alarm Pro. So, I saved myself some money when I built my new upstairs desktop system.
I've been using Zone Alarm Pro myself, because it also includes ad and cookie blocking. But, if you run it, be sure to turn back on animations, otherwise you'll lose the effects of animated .gifs like all our wolf smiley emoticons here. Pro is different from the free version; it costs money, and you have to do a product activation, much like with Microsoft.
By the way, my ISP gave out to subscribers EZ Armor, which includs a firewall and antivirus. The firewall's interface looks exactly the same as Zone Alarm Pro. So, I saved myself some money when I built my new upstairs desktop system.
Taking a Gestalt approach, since it's the "in" thing...