If you have a computer you NEED these programs (anti virus & spyware related)

[pwaldo]

I've installed these programs with the others that I have and now I feel about as safe as you can get running Windows....

The first program is SpywareBlaster:

It has a list of all known spyware so once you install it the program BLOCKS ALL SPYWARE from getting onto your computer.

This is great because Adaware was always deleting the same stuff over and over. Since installing this I haven't gotten any spyware on my computer.

Here's where you can download it and don't forget to check for updates every once in awhile:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html


The next program is SpywareGuard:

This program runs on your computer and provides real time protection against spyware and browser hijacking. Its always running so if something is happening it will alert you and take care of the situation (where before you never would have realized what was going on).

Here's where you download it and IMPORTANT (when you install it the program won't pop up and tell you that it was installed. It will have a small red SG logo placed in your icon tray which if you click on it will open up the program). At first I thought I had a problem installing it so I just wanted to let everyone know.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html

The final program is CoolWebShredder:

I had Adware and the latest Norton AntiVirus and this thing still got installed on my computer and I couldn't get rid of it.

Here's where you can download it:

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/coolwebshredder.html

I'd recommend that everyone download these three programs (as long as you meet the requirements) and have something like Adaware and Norton on your computer as well. These programs are also easy to install and run so anybody can use them.

It seems you can never have enough of these programs that protect you.

[podstock]

nice post!! This oughtta be made a sticky post!

[Blazin Pyro]

I agree with podstock but I have a question -- if someone is reading this on this wonderful site with the well written thread, wouldn't they have a computer? Just one of those things that make you go hmmmmmmm......... LOL

[mfweiland]

I have attached links to a free hard drive cleaning tool I have been using that seems to work well. I also include another good free spy blocker. Enjoy

HDCleaner
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download1287.html

Adaware - spyware remover
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html

Spybot - spyware remover
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html

I run both spyware programs. adaware first, then spybot to pick up the rest.

[pwaldo]

Originally posted by Blazin' Pyro
I have a question -- if someone is reading this on this wonderful site with the well written thread, wouldn't they have a computer?

Yes that was the point. :D

This stuff is all FREE and helps protect your computer and harddrive from getting destroyed. It also prevents your passwords or identity from getting stolen and eliminates people monitoring where you go on the Internet.

So really there is no point in NOT DOWNLOADING this stuff since its free and easy to use.

I've seen too many people lose all their information or have to buy a new computer from stuff that was preventable.

[pwaldo]

Just to let people know that use Adaware they have a new version of it.

You can download it for free here:

http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10319876.html

It does a much DEEPER scan and searches for 5 times as much stuff as before.

So if you have the older version I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DOWNLOAD THIS to replace your old one.

[meuandthelot]

Definately a sticky!!

Very worthwhile to download.

[mfweiland]

I will check out the new version when i get home. I have been having major problems lately. Thanks for the links!!!!!!

[SilenceDoGood]

I've heard that many of the anti-spyware programs are actually created by the spyware companies, and they know ways to get around them, which is why I'm hesitant to download anything.

I was told that Ad-Aware and Spybot were the two best that didn't have ties to the spyware companies.

Oh, and spyware should be illegal, and there should be a way to enforce it.

[pwaldo]

Originally posted by SilenceDoGood
I've heard that many of the anti-spyware programs are actually created by the spyware companies, and they know ways to get around them, which is why I'm hesitant to download anything.

I was told that Ad-Aware and Spybot were the two best that didn't have ties to the spyware companies.

Oh, and spyware should be illegal, and there should be a way to enforce it.

Well I wouldn't let some bad programs take away from downloading good programs.

I have all the programs listed in here and haven't had any issues with any spyware once I put this stuff and Firefox on my computer.

Yes there are companies that make programs that do nothing (I posted that list on this site somewhere....) and I've also heard that Norton & McAfee make viruses every once in awhile so that they can "boost" sales of their antivirus programs. These companies make a living off of computers being infected so they really don't want computers to NOT get infected.