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SpyWare

OBJECTIVE:

To uninstall and reduce tracking software on your system, and to stop annoying pop-ups and unwanted start-ups that interfere with your productivity and even lock up your computer. However, for these effective solutions you may need the assistance of someone whom you trust to modify your computer. Please visit the sites offered below for each solution for more information.

SOLUTIONS

MSCONFIG:

http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/

MSCONFIG is a special tool called the "Microsoft System Configuration Utility". It is designed to help you troubleshoot problems with your computer. MSCONFIG can also be used to ensure that your computer boots faster and crashes less. [ Click on START, on FIND or SEARCH, enter MSCONFIG. Unclick any entry that you know is an ad. Click on SAVE and then Reboot. You are done. ]

Ad-Aware:

http://www.webattack.com/get/adaware.shtml

Download the popular and free ad-aware from Lavasoft. It removes adware components by scanning your memory, registry, hard, and removable drives for known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It then lists the results and offers to remove or quarantine the components.

Hosts:

http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html

Explains how to and what you need to block ads and help keep you from being tracked, ...by using the Hosts file with Windows and other operating systems.

Useful websites:

http://www.spychecker.com/spyware.html

http://grc.com/optout.htm

http://www.suttondesigns.com/EnigmaBrowser/Spyware.html

http://simplythebest.net/info/spyware.html

http://www.cexx.org/adware.htm

Descriptions and legalities. Lists specific known spyware (e.g., adware, backdoor santas, homepage hijackers, foistware, and trojan horses) that appears on your PC without you knowing their true nature. Free Pop-up Killer tools.

I use: Sweeper; HDValet; Deskanker; MRU-Blaster