Spyware Removers
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There are some excellent products available to detect spyware, stop
spyware, and remove spyware from your computer. Anti spyware
software is designed to do all this plus immunize your computer against
the reinstallation of the spyware it destroys - spyware blocking.
Although spyware and adware are not considered computer viruses (because
they don't replicate themselves), anti spyware software works much like
anti virus software works.
How Does Anti Spyware Work?
Anti spyware software scans and/or monitors your computer for known
spyware and adware file characteristics and patterns. It compares
its database of spyware definitions to the files on your PC, sending a
trigger when it detects a match. Normally, anti spyware software
alerts you whenever it finds spyware or other malicious software, and lets
you know what it has found. Most good spyware removers provide you
with some detailed information about the spyware that has been found, such
as it's name, origin, and what it is designed to do. You then have a
choice to destroy the spyware or to keep it (rarely would you want to
keep it - unless it has accidentally detected a known good program that it
thinks is spyware - extremely rare).
The key to effective and efficient spyware detection and removal is in
the spyware file definitions database that is provided by the software
developer. As with anti virus software (which also requires
updated definitions), if the anti spyware definitions data is not kept
up to date, it cannot detect the newest spyware and adware. Most
good anti spyweare software includes an auto update feature, which will
automatically retrieve and install new spyware characteristics on a
regular basis. This makes the process of staying well protected
extremely easy.
Most anti spyware software is purchased as a one year license, which
assures you will get regular spyware file updates as well as product
upgrades and enhancements. Normally the initial price of the
software includes one year of updates. You can renew each year for a
lesser price. Spyware removal software is relatively inexpensive,
especially when you consider the amount of privacy protection you are
getting. Since spyware can easily steal your personal information
and send it to an unscrupulous thief on the other side of the world,
investing $30 or so for protection against spyware is a small price to pay
to stay safe.
Anti Spyware software will not protect you against computer viruses,
and anti virus software will not protect you against all spyware.
You need both an antivirus and anti spyware product to protect yourself
against both types of threats - which are very commonplace.
Free Spyware Removers
There are several good free spyware removers available for download,
but most do not include updates or are limited in features. Although
free anti spyware is good for quickly checking to see if you have spyware
that your paid anti spyware isn't catching, we don't recommend using it on
a regular basis. As the saying goes "you get what you pay for".
Free is normally never as good as something you buy. If you simply
cannot afford to purchase an anti spyware product, by all means use a free
version. Any spyware protection is better than no spyware
protection! Keep in mind that there are many unscrupulous websites
that disguise malicious software as spyware and malware (malicious
software). Whenever downloading and installing freeware of any type,
make sure you get it directly from the developers "official website".
If in doubt, don't download. We provide information and resources
for free anti spyware on our Free
Spyware Remover page.
Following are our recommendations for spyware removal software.
All of these products are well known and most have been around for awhile.
This anti spyware software is "paid" software, and will provide you will
full featured protection against spyware, adware, Trojans, and the
potential identity theft associated with these forms of malicious
software.
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SpyCop
is an outstanding product for detection and removal of dangerous
spyware and keyloggers. Unlike many other security products,
SpyCop is designed to do one thing and one thing only - detect and
remove spyware. Spy Cop will not kill adware and will not
remove viruses. What it will do is scour your system for any
instances of malicious spyware and quickly eliminate it.
SpyCop has the largest database of spyware definitions in the
world, and it auto-updates itself. Spy Cop consistently
catches more spyware than any of it's competitors, and has been
praised by numerous technical magazines as well as consumer
publications. Spycop
is available by download. It is super easy to install and
use, and can be run as an "on demand" spyware scanner or as an
"always on" defense against spyware and keyloggers that steal your
identity. |
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AD-AWARE PLUS EDITION - Lavasoft has been in the anti spyware
and anti adware business for a long time, and they offer an
excellent product for the detection and removal of spyware.
Adaware is a state of the art anti-spyware program that protects you
from malicious software, keyloggers, browser hijacking and tracking
cookies. |
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Sunbelt software's CounterSpy provides
real time protection against spyware, adware and the security
threats that malicious software causes. It also clears your
browser history and provides a secure file eraser, effectively
eliminating all traces of sensitive data that you want to delete.
An easy to use product with an auto update feature. Sunbelt is
a highly regarded name in computer security software. Here is
a good article on Sunbelt Counter
Spy. |
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Computer Associates eTrust Pest Patrol
Anti
Spyware product gets rid of malicious spyware that invisibly tracks
the sites you visit, the products you buy and the money you spend.
Keeps your computer free of spyware, adware and other malicious
software that is designed to spy on you. Detect and remove spyware with PestPatrol Anti-Spyware from CA
Click Here |
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Active Shield
is an ultimate heuristic screen against trojans, spyware and adware.
Don't wait while malicious programs strike roots in your computer.
Don't let them ever reach you PC with help of Active Shield!
Remember that active defense is more effective than passive. It is
your final step on the road to safety and comfort. Let professionals
guard your security and privacy while you working or entertaining
with your PC. You can
download a free
trial version of Active Shield here, and see for yourself just
how good it is! |
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P2P Doctor -
Removes spyware and adware from Kazaa Media Desktop, Morpheus, and
iMesh. Specifically designed for users of P2P (peer to peer)
file sharing programs, P2P Doctor kills adware that is installed by
Kazaa, iMesh, Morpheus, BearShare, Warez and Limewire without
rendering these P2P applications useless. A must for anyone
into peer to peer file sharing; you can still use your file sharing
apps without the security risk of spyware and adware. |
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AShampoo Anti Spyware - Provides protection against various
types of malicious software and spyware that is commonly found on
the internet. Available in several different languages,
AShampoo protects against hijackers, dialers, spyware, worms,
adware, Trojans, key loggers and even rootkits. Includes an
auto-update feature to ensure you always have the most recent
information about new spyware threats. Comes with some free
security products like a file shredder, a rootkit detector, spam pop
up blocker, and more. An excellent value for the money! |
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AVG Anti-Spyware
- From Grisoft, maker of the excellent
AVG Antivirus software
and computer security solutions.
Extremely easy to use protection against spyware, adware, dialers,
keyloggers and worms. Advanced detection methods and
state-of-the-art technology protects your data and privacy against
the new generation of threats spreading over the Internet. As
with all Grisoft products, you are free to try Ewido before you buy.
For even better protection, you can get
AVG anti-spyware plus AVG Anti-Virus bundled together. |
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X-Cleaner -
Privacy software that is so much more than just a spyware and adware
remover. This low priced software is referred to as the "Swiss
army knife", as it does so many things to protect your computer from
internet threats. In addition to providing excellent
protection against adware and spyware,
X-Cleaner Deluxe includes a
file shredder that eliminates all traces of sensitive information.
It also includes a great encryption tool, registry cleaner, opt-out
marketing tracker, and a spam stopper just to name a few things. |
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Agnitum Outpost
Pro Firewall - A powerful combination of firewall and
anti-spyware to address the latest Internet security problems.
Automatically protects you from hackers, malware, ID theft,
unwelcome connections. Controls all traffic, displays connections
status in real-time. "Outpost Firewall Pro goes on, year after
year, giving proof of its capability. It has become a multi-level
security utility, now also integrating an anti-spyware filter" –
PC Expert magazine |
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Nod32 - Try ESET’s award winning NOD32 Anti-threat System. STOPS Viruses, Worms, Trojans, SpyWare, AdWare, Phishing and other Malware. Better protection - Better performance - Better price. |
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Spyware Nuker
- This excellent product by Trek Data is very effective at finding
and destroying both adware and spyware. Spyware and adware
detection and removal is Spyware Nuker's specialty, and they work
24/7 to find all the new spyware and deliver removal updates to
subscribers. Spyware Nuker offers a free online spyware scan
too! |
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Spyware Doctor - PC Tools Spyware Doctor is an excellent product
for finding and destroying spyware and adware. It has received
numerous industry awards and is considered "best in class".
Spyware Doctor runs in the background, and protects against
malicious software in real time. The auto update feature makes
it effortless to keep your computer protected against even the
newest spyware. |
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Webroot Spysweeper - Webroot has won many awards for it's
excellent spysweeper anti spyware program. With over 10
million worldwide customers and some of the most advanced anti
spyware resources, spysweeper is a good choice. |
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Spycatcher - Tenebril software's Spycatcher detects and removes
malicious software that spyware and adware applications leave on
your computer. Blocks the reinstallation of spyware and
protects against identity theft. Spyware database is updated
daily, so your always sure to have the latest protection. |
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