Because new threats are made everyday, software companies are continuously working night and day to create updates for the consumer. It is one thing to know what spyware can do. It is more difficult to distinguish something real from one that is fake which has also been the fate of some people.
The best way to protect oneself is to get recommendations. These are usually reviewed in PC magazines and in certain websites. But for those who don't have time to buy or look for these on the web, here are some of the best spyware removal software in the market.
Coming at number one with more than 67 million downloads from home and corporate users is Spybots Search and Destroy. The program itself does exactly that and much more as this also prevents the threat or something similar to it from coming back.
Windows users may download Beta into the operating system to also prevent this from happening. The latest version has been renamed to Defender but so far, this is only compatible with Windows 2003 and XP. So, those using lower versions will have to start upgrading.
People have also appreciated Symantec. It has a spyware removal program that is not free but those who want to try it may use it for a month and then decide whether to continue using it by buying the package. One advantage this program has is that it will activate once the computer is switched on. A feature that some companies do not provide which should be an industry standard.
McAfee has a similar version that is already build in to its product called Virus Scan. There is no free trial period but the name it has established doesn't turn off customers to pay the price for the service it provides.
Lavasoft is quite new in the market and has not disappointed its users. The software is free and after scanning the computer, the person has the choice of how to deal with the threat.
Sometimes deleting the spyware may cause disruptions to the computer. Getting a software program that can repair the damage like the one provided by HijackThis can prevent this.
Surveys have shown 1.5 million people are happy with the performance after downloading it and this number is expected to grow as long as it continues to offer good service.
There are so many other programs available that have been proven to be just as effective as the free and paid versions mentioned. The person should just use the search engine to look for it and compare each one first before deciding to download it.
It will also be a good idea to have another one working at the same time. This backup system will be able to prevent spyware from entering if this was not scanned and detected by the first one.
The person probably spent close to a $1,000 to buy the desktop or laptop. It will probably cost $200 or even more should this have to be brought to the shop. Spyware and viruses are threats that can be prevented by having the proper software installed and running at all times.
Best Spyware Removal Software
Anti-spyware software gives real-time protection combating the installation of spyware program on your system. This type works like an anti-virus. It scans all incoming network data and blocks any threat it identifies. Another type used is for removal and detection of those spyware already in the machine.
Large anti-virus companies like Symantec, Sophos and McAfee have recently added anti-spyware features to their anti-virus software. They reverted from their reluctance to incorporate anti-spyware functions to their existing anti-virus programs. Early on, they cited lawsuits filed by spyware programmers against software and websites' authors that called their products “spyware.”
A well respected anti-virus firm Grisoft, developer of AVG Anti-Virus, recently bought anti-spyware company Ewido Networks. Ewido anti-spyware software is now relabeled by Grisoft as AVG Anti-Spyware Professional Edition. Some versions of AVG Anti-Virus products are now boosted with anti-spyware program. They even released a free edition of AVG Anti-Spyware exclusive for private and non-commercial applications. This is a good indication that anti-virus developers are now dedicated in finding solution to malware and spyware infestations.
Anti-spyware programs check the files in the Windows registry, operating system and other installed software. They get rid of entries and files that match the description of known spyware components. Real-time protection scans files at time of download and prevents the spyware from entering the computer. It can also block attempts to manipulate browser setting or install start-up files.
Most anti-spyware removal tools need to be updated regularly. Anti-spyware software authors find and evaluate the latest spyware program, creating “definitions” or “signatures” used for detection and removal. Software which is not frequently updated is of little value and sometimes rendered useless.
Spyware Doctor has already reached more than 125 million downloads and more users are downloading this anti-spyware software everyday. Testing laboratories worldwide and major PC magazines consistently awarded Spyware Doctor as Editor's Choice. It won the highly esteemed Best of the Year in 2005 and 2006. Spyware Doctor continuously receives the highest honor given by leading world's PC publications like PC Magazine, PC World, PC Plus, PC Pro, PC Authority, PC Utilities, PC Choice, PC Advisor, Computer Bild, Microdatorn and PC Answers magazine.
Spyware Doctor continually upgrades its spyware fighting capacity and it has the most advance update feature. It is automatically configured to give the highest level of security with minimal interaction. Its advance IntelliGuard technology warns user only in the event of true spyware detection.
Best anti-spyware software as rated by reviews
Spy Sweeper by Webroot, PC Tool's Spyware Doctor and CounterSpy distributed by Sunbelt are all excellent programs for spyware and adware detection and removal. Reviews said that these three products yield better protection than Internet security suites and of course better than its free counterpart.
Free anti-spyware program
Spybot Search and Destroy is a program designed to detect and remove spyware. It reconfigures Internet Explorer to deter malware from known sources. This software needs manual update and scan.
SpywareBlaster is a free ware used to block the installation of ActiveX-based adware, spyware, tracking cookies, dialers, browser hijackers and other unwanted programs. It only blocks spyware, it can not detect malware preexisting on the system, and it does come with a scanner.
Windows Defender is a non-invasive supplemental tool for other anti-spyware program. Its user interface is good and simple to operate. It can be set to run scheduled system scan and does manual scanning.
Ad-Aware (free version) makes a good supplement to primary anti-spyware software. It does not provide scheduled scans or real-time protection so it does not drain system resources. Reviews do not recommend the commercial version of this tool.
Both Jeremiah Patton & David H. Urmann are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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