Several spyware products, including Lavasoft's Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com), Spybot Search and Destroy (free at www.safer-networking.org), Aluria's Spyware Eliminator, Webroot's Spy Sweeper, System Mechanic Pro (www.iolo.com), and Computer Associates' Pest Patrol have all been reviewed here. All are very good, and each has strengths and weaknesses such that many experts recommend that more than one spyware product is installed, updated, and used to compliment each other. Personally, I use in order of frequency, Spybot, Ad-Aware SE (free edition), and Pest Patrol the most, but sometimes scan with the others just for increased security and peace of mind.
It is not well known, but the free Spybot Search and Destroy has some excellent additional utilities included in its latest version 1.3 that most computer users may find very useful. If you do not have Spybot, I strongly suggest that you download the latest version from one of the links on its site at www.safer-networking.org. After downloading, install it; it will first backup your registry (a very useful activity), update itself, and then offer to immunize your PC from many of the spyware threats that can infect your machine. Run the "Search and Destroy" function and "Check for Problems". By clicking on the sideways arrows on the right side of the window an informational panel will open and close describing most of the spyware products found. Generally, any spyware found should be quarantined or deleted.
While detecting and deleting spyware, and immunizing the computer from some future infections is quite laudable, Spybot has some more interesting functions. Click on "Mode" on the menu bar, and select "Advanced". On the left, three additional selections will appear. The "Settings" icon will allow the user to customize the way Spybot works. For most users, the default settings are appropriate, but for those who like to tweak their software, this feature may be fun to try.
The "Tools" selection is really the heart of the additional functionality in Spybot. These tools are very helpful, and if properly utilized, can significantly improve the performance of most computers. Many of us produce confidential files that we would not want others to access, once we no longer need them. The "Secure Shredder" function permanently deletes files such that anyone short of the FBI cannot recover them, unwanted files can be dragged and dropped into the shredder. The default number of "chops" is five, which also removes any usage tracks to the shredded files. Be very aware that lacking any sophisticated forensic tools, files shredded with the Spybot shredder are unrecoverable by the user, and are permanently deleted.
The "System Internals" icon will check for some common registry inconsistencies. This utility will try to repair missing help files, shared DLL files, application paths, erroneous uninstall information, and broken desktop links. Spybot includes a warning that if the user is not sure about what he is doing, then it may be best not to correct these errors.
Possibly one of the best ways to improve system performance is to stop unnecessary programs from loading when the computer is booted. The System Startup utility eases this function, and makes it much more user friendly than Microsoft's "msconfig" utility. Utilizing a simple checkbox along with the side-arrows on the right side of the window, most startup entries are not just listed, but explained such that the user can make an informed decision. The supplemental information is from one of the best online resources for startup information, Paul Collins' outstanding "Startup List" at www.sysinfo.org. Almost any items listed in the startup list shown by Spybot that are not listed in the right window of "System Startup" can likely be found on the Collins Startup list, along with a note describing if the item is necessary, unnecessary, or user's choice.
Other tools are included, including a directory of uninstall information that is usually more comprehensive than Microsoft's "Add - Remove" function.
There are many useful anti-spyware programs available, some such as Spybot Search and Destroy which are free, and I recommend that all users use at least one or two of the better programs to protect their computers and personal security.
For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here