|
|
|
|
||||
One of the hazards of surfing the Internet is becoming a victim of "spyware" and "adware." Sometimes referred to collectively as "scumware," these two types of files can secretly bury themselves deeply into a computer without the user's consent or knowledge.
By definition "Spyware" refers to files that are downloaded with an application frequently without the consent or knowledge of the user for the purpose of reporting information back to the application's creator or some third party. The idea behind "spyware" is that your surfing habits, computer habits and who knows what else, is sent over the Internet to be seen by someone else for marketing purposes or other less than ethical reasons. Riding piggy back with legitimate programs at times, "spyware" is difficult to locate, and works in the background.
"Adware" works like spyware in that it transmits information to another person, persons or group. With adware you are sent advertisements based on your surfing habits. Adware can come bundled with legitimate programs and services on the Net. Like spyware, both are difficult to locate and operate covertly.
Unlike viruses, anti-virus programs cannot locate these intrusions. Since spyware and adware are not technically viruses, and they do operate in different manners, they go undetected by these applications. The same holds true for firewalls. They cannot stop this type of software either.
The only effective relatively easy way to remove sypware and adware from your system is through the use of an application specifically designed to address the issue. Fortunately, help is out there.
Ad-aware 6 is the latest rendition of a long time highly regarded application. Available in several flavors, free, plus and professional, there is enough know how under the hood to make the removal of spyware and adware effortless.
Simply open the program, run it and bam, you are in business quickly. While the free version does effectively remove spyware and the like, special features like Ad Watch and plug-ins do require that you purchase the software.
When you take into account the stability, ease of use and such, Ad-aware takes a lot of the struggle out of removing pesky difficult to remove files from your system. In addition, Ad-Aware comes with an easy upgrade feature that allows you to update reference files simply.
Ad-aware is an elegant sophisticated tool for removing spying programs from your PC. For newbies, this application makes the process simple. While Spybot Search and Destroy is also an excellent application, and is free as is one rendition of Ad-aware, this program could be too complex for those fresh to computing. As well executed as it is, you may want to do some homework before utilizing this ad removal software.
Ad-aware is the hands down choice for newbies who are new to computing and need protection quickly. If this is not enough, it is one of the few applications, and they are becoming more rare everyday, that runs on Windows 95 and 98.
For power users, those seeking more customization, there is much to be said about the advantages of Lavasoft's latest application. Plus, it is the most aesthetically pleasing spy removal application on the planet. It is well worth checking out, and it is a small download as well.
Talk to Kurt in Graphics Unleashed Forums
Lexar Jump Drive and Platinum II SDHC Card · IRISNotes 2 Executive · IOGEAR Spill-Resistant Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo · Logitech Z623 Computer Speakers · Gateway FX 6860-UR21P: An All-Purpose Desktop PC · Ridiculously Easy Backup From Rebit · The IOGear GPEN300 · A Review of the 5 inch EZReader Pocket Pro From Astak · A Review of the Barnes and Noble Color Nook · A Review of the Dell XPS 8100 · The Kobo eBook Reader, Just About Reading · The Best Ergonomic Mouse? The Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse · Sage Act 2010 · Microsoft Windows 7 · Adobe Creative Suite CS2 · Adobe Photoshop CS2 · SwissMemory Victorinox rubyRED Swiss Army Knife/Flash Drive · Tapwave Zodiac 2 · Stardock Object Desktop · Acrobat 7 Professional · Maximizer 8 · QuarkXPress 6.5 · McAfee's 2005 Product Line · Logitech io Personal Digital Pen 2 · IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC · Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Flash Drive · Microsoft Wireless Comfort Keyboard · Maxon Cinema 4D 9 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 · Norton SystemWorks 2005 Premier · Verbatim Store N' Go 2.1 GB Hard Drive · Corel Painter IX · Paint Shop Photo Album 5 · Adobe Video Collection Professional 2.5 · Alien Skin Eye Candy 5: Textures · Techsmith SnagIt 7.0 · Ulead Media Studio Pro 7 · Xara Webstyle 4 · Maxon BodyPaint 3D Release 2 · Eovia Carrara Studio 3 · AV Bros. Puzzle Pro 2 · AutoFX Mystical Tint Tone and Color · Andromeda Screens, Cutline and Etchtone Plug-In Filters · Macromedia Studio MX 2004 · Microsoft FrontPage 2003 · AutoFX AutoEye 2.0 · Adobe Premiere Pro · Adobe Audition · Amapi Designer 7 · Alien Skin Splat! · Alien Skin Eye Candy 4000 · Alien Skin Image Doctor · Canvas 9 · nik Dfine · Xenofex 2 · QuarkXpress 6 · Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 · Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional · Corel Painter 8 · Nik Color Efex Pro · Caligari TrueSpace 6.5 · Macromedia Contribute · Maxon Cinema 4D · Sonic Foundry Sound Forge 6.0 · nik Sharpener Pro · Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album 4 · Xara Menu Maker 1 · Curious Labs Poser 5 · Macromedia Freehand MX · Adobe Illustrator 10 · Ulead Photoimpact 8 · Xara 3D 5 · Xara X · Microsoft Publisher 2002 · Creature House Expression 3 · CorelDRAW 11 Graphics Suite · Procreate Painter 7 · QuarkXpress 5 · Adobe Pagemaker 7 · Adobe Photoshop 7
Copyright © 1995–2013 Unleashed Productions, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
