Malwarebyte Anti-Malware

1. Launch your Web browser and check for an unusual number of pop-ups. If you see an increase in the number of pop-ups, chances are that spyware has made its way to your computer.

2. Check your browser toolbar. If you see an unusual search bar that you did not install, then you are likely infected by malware. Malware search bars install discreetly from peer-to-peer programs and malicious websites.

3. Click the "Home" icon on your browser. If it has changed to a different page that you did not select, then your computer is likely infected with spyware. Spyware and malware usually change browser settings, and even when you revert the settings, they still return every time you restart your computer.

4. Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" together to open the Task Manager. If you receive a message saying "Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator," you could have spyware and adware. Malicious spyware and adware many times disable the Task Manager to prevent you from killing their processes.

1. Use a secure browser, such as Opera or Firefox. Less secure browsers come with security holes that allow spyware to automatically download. However, secure browsers reveal what programs are trying to self-download and whether to approve or reject these downloads. If you use Internet Explorer, use the latest version and set the security settings to high.

2. Practice safe surfing habits. Avoid file-sharing and pornographic, ad-laden and .info websites since they are notorious for harboring spyware. Do not download programs until after researching them online or on CNET.com--a popular download site. When downloading free programs, read the End User License Agreement to learn if the software installs adware as a condition of it being free.

3. Install McAfee's Site Advisor. Some forms of spyware self-download as soon as a person visits a website. With Site Advisor, red and green icons appear next to Google and Yahoo search results. Green checkmarks represent safe websites while red crosses represent dangerous websites. Clicking on the icons redirects the user to the Site Advisor website, which contains basic information about the site and what type of spyware it installs. Site Adviser does not cost anything to install.

4. Install a firewall. Firewalls serve as a buffer between a computer and the outside world. With a firewall, inbound activity, such as downloads or pings, must be authorized. Nevertheless, get a firewall that also has outbound protection, such as Zone Alarm, since it stops intruders from sending personal information to third-party websites.

1. Open a new browser window and go to malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

2. Select the free version of the software to download; save it to your desktop.

3. Double-click the installation file and follow the onscreen prompts to install the software.

4. Select the boxes for "Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware" and "Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware." Then click "Finish." Malwarebytes will update and open.

5. Choose "Perform Quick Scan" on the Scanner tab.

6. Click "Scan."

7. Select all of your computer's drives, then click "Start Scan."

8. Click "OK" when the scan is complete. Then click "Show Results."

9. Select all of the malware in the results list. Click "Remove."

1. Open a new browser window and go to free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download.

2. Click the download button for the free edition of AVG. Save the file to your desktop.

3. Double-click the installation file on your desktop; click the "Next" button when you see the AVG welcome screen.

4. Accept the AVG Software License Agreement that appears onscreen, then select "Standard Installation."

5. Click "Next." Enter a new user name.

6. Click "Next" again.

7. Click "Finish." AVG will now be installed.

8. Click "OK" when the installation is finished and click "Next" on the screen that appears.

9. Click "Check for Updates."

10. Check the box next to "Do not ask for update source next time." Then click on the "Internet" button to download updates.

11. Click "Update."

12. Click "OK" when the update is complete. Then click the "Next" button two times.

13. Click "Scan Computer." Follow the onscreen prompts to remove all of the infected files that are found.

1. Click on the "Start" button and choose "All Programs" from the list. Review the list of programs for any security-related products. Norton, Computer Associates and McAfee are common programs to look for. Many of the security suites that come with new computers include a spyware scanning program.

2. Open each anti-spyware and anti-virus program, one at a time. Make sure your software's anti-virus/anti-spyware definitions are up to date. Run a full scan with each one, since one program will often pick up a problem that another program does not.

3. Restart your computer after the last spyware scan has been performed, then rerun each scan one at a time. Some spyware and malicious software is tricky, able to hide out until the computer is restarted. Running the program again after a reboot is the best way to make sure your computer is clean.

4. Run an online scan at Housecall.TrendMicro.com. This online scan is an excellent adjunct to the anti-spyware and anti-virus programs installed on your computer.

1. Check the price. Some free programs are available, while others offer a limited-use trial before charging a subscription fee. Pay attention to what each program charges and determine if the services are worth the expense.

2. Look at the features. Viruses and spyware operate in different ways, so a program that eliminates one may do nothing with the other. You need a program for each, which means you should have two separate or one all-inclusive program. Examine how much memory each program requires. If you're low on memory, a resource-hogging antivirus program can really slow down your system.

3. Read reviews. Many different computer magazines and websites offer reviews on anti-malware programs based on the experiences of their own technical teams. These insights can help you make an informed decision.

4. Speak to software store representatives and ask for recommendations. Keep in mind, they may simply try to direct you to the most expensive program, but they can also provide additional information about how a program works or problems it may have that you would, otherwise, not have found out about prior to installation.

1. Click on the "Start" menu button located to the left of Windows Toolbar.

2. Type "Defender" in the "Search Program Files and Folders" textbox located directly above the "Start" button.

3. Click on "WindowsDefender.exe" to open Windows Defender.

4. Click on the "Down" arrow located next to the "Scan" button.

5. Click on "Full Scan", then the "Scan" button to initiate the Windows Defender spyware scan.

6. Click the "Remove All" button if any spyware or malware programs are found. Restart your computer.

1. Download and install an anti-virus program if not already installed. Once installed, perform a full system scan.

2. Download and install an anti-spyware program if not already installed. Once installed, perform a full system scan.

3. Install updates to your system. Specifically, install Windows updates, Java Updates and Adobe Reader updates as non-updated versions of these programs and your OS can cause your computer to be vulnerable.

4. Download and install "CCleaner" (see Resources). Open the program and click "Run Cleaner" after it installs. Close the program once it has cleaned your computer.

5. Download a program called "GMER" and save it to your desktop (see Resources). Disconnect your computer from the Internet and disable any anti-virus or anti-spyware programs you have installed. Run the GMER program. Select the "Rootkit" tab and click "Scan." Wait for the scan to complete. Once complete, save the results of the scan as "gmer.log and exit the program.

6. Download a program called "DDS" (see Resources.) Open the program and wait until the automatic scan is complete. When scanning is complete, Notepad will open and show you the results. Click "No" to the optional scan in the on-screen prompt. Save the two logs that appear as the following: "DDS.txt" and "Attach.txt." Once you have saved the files, exit the program. Connect to the Internet and re-enable your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.

7. Open your Internet browser and navigate to a computer help site that you trust. Techspot is a good site (see Resources). Post the three files that you saved during your scans on the message boards of the computer help site and see what experienced members of the board have to say about your infections. Most likely, they will tell you what the infections are and the best way remove the infections. If they do not, go to another site.

1. Create an account password when setting up your computer. Your computer will require this password when you power it on or when it wakes up from sleep mode. Unauthorized users will not be able to access your data or communicate from your computer (without hacking) if they do not know your password. Also consider password-protecting specific files or folders.

2. Install and run a firewall on your computer. This program will block incoming connections if the operating system suspects the connection is untrustworthy. Microsoft has included a firewall with its operating system since Windows XP. Note that some firewalls may block outgoing connections by programs on your computer, so you may have to edit settings to allow these applications to run correctly.

3. Install anti-spyware or anti-malware software, such as Spybot or Ad-Aware, both of which are available for free. Perform regular scans with these programs to locate and remove tracking cookies and other spyware from your computer. Spybot also includes a real-time tracking application, called TeaTimer, which will alert you if any program attempts to modify your Windows registry (where vital configuration settings are retained).

4. Purchase or download an anti-virus program, such as Norton, Avast or Kaspersky. These programs may be part of security suites that also include a firewall or anti-spyware tools, or they may be available separately. To best protect your computer, choose a program that can scan your computer for threats in real time and always keep this function on. If the program detects a threat, take note and respond to it immediately so it can eradicate the threat.

5. Open files only from trusted sources, including attachments from emails, file transfers via messaging programs or files from websites. If possible, only download from reputable websites, such as Cnet, your computer manufacturer or Microsoft.

1. Log on to your Windows computer using an account with administrative rights. Such an account is required by Windows Defender to access all parts of the operating system.

2. Click the "Start" button, then "Control Panel." Double-click the "Windows Defender" icon to open the tool.

3. Click the green arrow next to the "Scan" button. Click "Full Scan" and a full scan of all of your system's hard disks, folders and files begins.

4. Click "Remove" when prompted to remove the Blueware Spyware file.

5. Restart your Windows system to finalize the removal process.

Protecting your computer from spyware and malware is essential in the Internet age. Even one intrusion can cause irreparable damage to your computer and potentially even result in loss of confidential information. To remain fully protected from the threats posed by even the most innocuous Web browsing, you must have frequently updated protections in place. The rapid evolution of malicious software places a premium on having nuanced security in place. That means using a multipronged approach to monitoring and removing spyware and malware.

Spyware & Malware Monitoring Software

The first line of defense for your computer is real-time monitoring software that can analyze network and computer activity for potential threats. These software applications run as system processes all the time. A good antivirus program is the first step to establishing a monitoring system that can keep your computer safe, but antivirus alone will not protect your computer completely. Programs like Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy include real-time monitoring modules that connect directly the your Web browser to prevent malicious attacks. Moreover, programs like Spware Blaster can make preemptive adjustments to settings in your Web browser to keep your Internet activity safe.

Spyware & Malware Removal Software

Real-time protection is not foolproof, and sometimes newer, unidentified spyware and malware can make its way into your system. It's important to have a thorough scanning and removal regimen in place for your system. These programs should be set to examine your computer according to a regular schedule. The more frequently these scans are done, the more effective they are at removing infections before they do any real damage. If possible, set up scanning schedules for your antivirus and anti-spyware software to perform daily scans when you are not using your computer. In particular, programs like Microsoft Security Essentials, Ad-Aware and Spyware Terminator offer excellent and frequently updated scanning software that can be set to a schedule.

Web Browser Protection

One of the best ways to prevent spyware and malware intrusions is to use a safe and secure Web browser. Older Web browsers are prone to security breaches, so be sure to upgrade your preferred browser to the newest version available. Take browser protections a step further by installing add-ons that can analyze and identify potentially unsafe links and websites before you even visit the sites.

Manual Protection from Spyware and Malware

Manual monitoring can fill in gaps left by antivirus programs and other protections. Familiarize yourself with the startup processes for your computer's operating system and the number of tasks normally running on your computer. Simply understanding which processes are supposed to be running can help you catch possible intrusions before they do significant damage. If you spot something suspicious, you can target that possible threat and eliminate it with far greater efficiency.

Malware removal software is an essential tool that you need to keep your computer clean and running effectively. Spyware specifically are programs that websites and other Internet-based applications leave on your computer to track your Internet usage, log statistics of your Internet usage, and track personal information.There are many safe and well-known options you can consider for spyware removal tools to protect your personal information.

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware

Lavasoft's Adaware anti-virus software is a common spyware and malware removal tool. In addition to its paid software, Lavasoft offers a free version of adware software, "Ad-aware Free." Ad-aware Free scans and protects a computer system from spyware, Trojan viruses and many other forms of malware software. Ad-Aware Free also comes with an email scanner to protect your computer from email-based computer infections.

Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft provides a free malware removal tool, the "Malicious Software Removal Tool" for Windows-based computers. The tool scans the computer to detect any potential problems, removes any issues found, and displays a report to you after the process is completed. The Malicious Software Removal tool is updated the second Tuesday of each month as security issues and new malware is developed. You can download the Malicious Software Removal Tool from the Microsoft Download Center and get frequent updates through the Microsoft Update tool.

Spybot Search and Destroy

The Spybot Search and Destroy software tool is another free malware removal tool that removes adware, spyware, keyloggers and Trojans from your computer. As another layer of protection, Spybot blocks programs on your computer that are trying to track your usage and Internet patterns. You can also un-block specific programs that Spybot may have blocked. You can manually perform computer system scans with Spybot, or set up Spybot to scan your computer system at a specific frequency.

SuperAntiSpyware

SuperAntiSpyware has a free version and a professional version that you can purchase to provide protection to your computer. The free version of SuperAntiSpyware can scan hard drives, removable drives, computer memory and the registry for spyware, adware, malware, Trojans, worms and other potential infectious computer programs. SuperAntiSpyware lets you exclude folders from scans as well. There is also basic support for repairing problematic Internet connections and registry editing through SuperAntiSpyware's "repair system."

Malware--short for "malicious software"--is a problem that plagues all computers in use today. Malware and spyware--software designed to track your activities or find other personal information--can be damaging to the health of your computer and, depending on the purpose of the software, to your finances as well. Because of the prevalence of malware, many programs exist to help remove it and secure the computer to make repeated infections less likely. Whether you are a novice computer user or an expert, you should have software installed to protect your computer from these threats. Although it would be impossible to list every computer security tool, learning how some of the major products compare can help you make a more informed decision.

Symantec Norton AntiVirus

Having been sold for decades, the Norton brand name is one of the best known in computer security. Symantec Norton AntiVirus offers removal of malicious software as well as real-time scanning of files before they have the chance to enter your computer. Symantec Norton AntiVirus was ranked the second-best anti-virus program of 2010 by PC World, and was called the "rootkit removal king" by PC Magazine. Symantec Norton AntiVirus costs $39.99 as of 2010 for a one-year subscription.

Microsoft Security Essentials

A new player in the vast field of computer security software, Microsoft Security Essentials is a free product for customers with valid Windows licenses. In 2010, independent authority AV Comparatives noted that while Microsoft Security Essentials ranked slightly below average in its ability to detect threats, it was among the leaders in avoiding false alarms. Additionally, if your Windows-based computer is updated automatically, already have the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool installed. It detects and removes many of the most common malware infections and is updated monthly. However, contains no routines for detecting malicious software that is previously unknown.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the programs taking advantage of the new trend toward "cloud computing." Computers protected by Kaspersky Anti-Virus report new programs to Kaspersky's servers and if you run a program on your computer that is unknown, the servers are queried before the program is executed to confirm that it is safe. Kaspersky Anti-Virus costs $59.95 for a one-year license as of 2010. The license allows Kaspersky Anti-Virus to be used on three computers simultaneously.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Praised by tech radio host Leo Laporte, NOD32 Antivirus is designed to consume as little of the system's resources as possible. ESET claims that the high-speed malware scanning capability of NOD32 Antivirus can reduce the time spent waiting for downloaded files to be scanned by 30 percent. Additionally, NOD32 Antivirus automatically scans removable storage devices such as flash drives when they are inserted in the computer. NOD32 Antivirus costs $39.99 for a one-year license as of 2010.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is one of the better-known free computer security programs available and it has been recommended by both PC Pro and CNET. However, AVG Anti-Virus was ranked slightly below average in terms of successful detections and false alarms by AV Comparatives in its 2010 comparison.

McAfee AntiVirus Plus

Available since the late 1980s, McAfee AntiVirus is among the longest-running series of computer security products. McAfee claims having one of the highest virus and malware detection rates, a claim verified by AV Comparatives in its 2010 comparison. McAfee ranked near the top of the field in detected threats. However, it also ranked near the bottom in false alarms, reporting more threats incorrectly than most other products tested. McAfee AntiVirus Plus features a streamlined user interface designed with the inexperienced user in mind and costs $39.99 for a one-year subscription as of 2010.

Bundled Products

Many computer manufacturers bundle malware, spyware and virus removal tools with their products, as do some Internet Service Providers. If your computer includes a malware removal tool, you can likely find it pre-installed. However, if you do not typically use your provider's online portal or web-based e-mail, you may be unaware of services they provide. Check with your provider to see if a license to download a malware removal tool is included.

Protecting your computer from malicious spyware or malware (software which threatens to infiltrate a computer) is a necessity in today's Internet world where viruses spread rapidly and unprotected machines can quickly be brought down. There are many free spyware programs available, but it is true that you get what you pay for in this case. Ask anyone who's been the victim of spyware, however, and they'll tell you it's worth every cent.

McAfee Internet Security

McAfee Internet Security (rated #1 in malware detection by ComputerBid Magazine 10/26/09) detects viruses, spyware and other malware. Scans quickly and seamlessly with no interruptions and can be conveniently scheduled for when the computer's not in use. Package in 2010 is $44.99, plus $12.95 for a back-up CD and provides protection for one computer for one full year. Check to see if McAfee Internet Security comes bundled with your Internet Service Provider.

Norton Antivirus from Symantec

Norton Antivirus 2010 provides antivirus, anti spyware, bot protection and more for $39.99 for a one year download for one computer. Norton Internet Security 2010 provides antivirus, anti rootkit, botnet protecion and more for $69.99 for a one year download for up to three computers in 2010. Check to see if Norton Antivirus comes bundled with your Internet Service Provider.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky Internet Security 20101 claims to have "the world's most advanced PC security," and provides protection against viruses, spy ware hackers and spam. It also includes identity theft and phishing protection. It is $59.95 for a one year download for up to three computers in 2010.

Microsoft Windows Defender

Windows Defender is free and included in all versions of Window Vista. It can also be downloaded for Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, and Windows Server 2003 Server Pack 1 or later. Windows Defender detects spyware and removes it from the computer. It also protects against other threats createatd by spyware, as well as pop-ups and slow performance issues.

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Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Computers running Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 all come with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool for free. It checks for viruses from the most common malicious software, which includes; Mydoom, Sasser, and Blaster. It removes any infections that it locates. A report is then shown which tells if any malicious software was detected and removed.