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    best free spyware removers

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by TAC0BELL, Apr 26, 2005.

  1. TAC0BELL

    TAC0BELL Newbie

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    hey, what are the best free spyware removers other then lavasoft's excellent ad-aware? do all spyware removers do the same thing? generally how many spyware removers should the average pc have? thanks for the time.
     
  2. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    I use Spybot Search & Destroy, plus Webroot's Spy Sweeper. Webroot does cost $30 though, but it has several more options that Spybot. Webroot will use alot of resources when scanning, but you can set it to scan while your away from the PC. They are both user friendly and will get the job done.

    If you use the net alot, I would suggest to get at least 2. Most of the time, one program will detect spyware that the other missed.

    Amber
     
  3. titaniummd

    titaniummd Notebook Deity

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    I have Spybot. It was rated the highest by Computer Shopper magazine. It works with Firefox. I use SpySweeper which covers IE but not Firefox <strange, very strange>.

    http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10165_7-5601335.html


    Dr. Cameron: Men should grow up.
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  4. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    I like AdAware from Lavasoft

    http://www.lavasoft.com/

    and

    Spy Sweeper from WebRoot

    http://www.webroot.com/

    Brian

    www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com
     
  5. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    And the new Microsoft one seems to be an up-and comer. I've tried it and it works pretty quick.

    First PC = Vic-20, 8" 128KB Home-Brew Floppy Drive ... Current Rig = eMachines m6805 ... Quantum Leap?
     
  6. drw

    drw Notebook Consultant

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    I think windows updates have plugged a lot of holes. I only manually run a bot killer (currently have the msft one installed) once every couple months and it finds nothing.

    It's a lot faster to just delete all cookies every so often.

    -David
     
  7. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    If you want to protect yourself from spyware, use an internet browser that is not Internet Explorer. Mozilla and Opera are a couple of choices. Most of the stuff is written for Internet Explorer. I just ran Spybot after a couple of weeks, I had one bad cookie. Good Luck.






    I know things, things that could get me killed


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  8. gecko

    gecko Notebook Evangelist

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    Or u can switch to a mac or linux system.
    In any case I use Bazooka Spyware Scanner. It's not automated like the other programs, but I like its throughness, and simplicity(except for the manual removal).
     
  9. bmhome1

    bmhome1 Notebook Consultant

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    Both freewares WinPatrol and SpywareBlaster offer features to prevent spyware from ever getting the chance to install in the first place, while working in the backround.
     
  10. chandlerjea

    chandlerjea Notebook Consultant

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    Lavasoft Adaware SE @ downloads.com
    Spybot Search and Destroy @ downloads.com
    Microsoft Anti-spyware @ microsoft.com
    Webroot Spysweeper

    other suggestions

    Mozilla Firefox @ mozilla.org/products/firefox/
    CCleaner @ just search it in google
     
  11. cool99bomb

    cool99bomb Notebook Enthusiast

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    personaly i would reccomend:

    Microsoft anti-spyware

    OR

    Ad-Aware