How can I identify Adware?

how can I identify adaware to delete to speed up my comp. turn on.

This question was answered on May 26, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Some annoying programs can be found on a PC without much effort, just with a basic knowledge from where Windows keeps programs The truly bad spyware programs make it much more difficult, because they do everything possible to avoid being removed.

Your ought to check first in the Add/Remove Programs section of your Windows Control Panel You should also check the Windows Start-Up Folder (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu) to see if any programs have been added If you are not sure about a program, check it in the spyware databases.

Your computer registry also can give information about spyware infections However, it is not recommended that inexperienced users tinker with the registry.

One of the first things you should do if you find a Trojan or spyware on your computer is disconnect it from the Internet It is also recommendable to disconnect network and modem cables from your computer, to avoid that the program connects by itself.

The easiest way to find and remove spyware and adware is with scanning software Anti-spyware software is different than anti-virus software, although some anti-virus packages will detect some known spyware programs Fortunately, there is some good anti-spyware software free.

Anti-spyware software works in much the same way as anti-virus software It scans your computer's hard drive and looks for files associated with known spyware and adware programs After the scan, the program usually shows the potential problems, and allows the user to decide what should be removed.

Like anti-virus software, anti-spyware software relies on databases of known rogue programs that must be updated Make sure to update often your anti-spyware software, so you are always protected against the newest parasites.

The best-known anti-spyware programs are:

* SpyBot S&D - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

* Ad-aware - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

* X-Cleaner - http://www.xblock.com/download-freeware.shtml

* HiJack This - http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

* CWShredder - http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

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Posted by Johnny of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on May 26, 2005

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