Spyware includes a variety of adware, tracking cookies, keyloggers, browser hijackers, and other malware. You can learn more about these by using the FAQ/Glossary, links there go to Wikipedia articles.
For proper protection against spyware and other malware, there are 2 freeware programs which provide the best protection from spyware and other malware.
Brief information and download links to those programs (Spywareblaster and Spybot Search & Destroy) are on this page.
Used together, these 2 programs should be all the protection you need. I've been using these programs since the days of Windows 98 and I never have spyware problems.
New versions of these programs have been released over the years to keep pace with the constantly worsening malware threats. Both programs are also supported by dedicated forums, so self help is readily available if you ever need help with the programs. I've needed help with them.
In my experience, There's only one retail program which provides better protection than that freeware combination.
That retail program is Webroot Spysweeper. Following the Spywareblaster and Spybot sections, there's some brief information on Spysweeper and a download link.
Spywareblaster prevents certain spyware from ever being installed. It does this by placing protection on registry keys where known spyware would otherwise install itself to.
Spywareblaster does not use system resources- it will not slow down your computer.
Spywareblaster is not a scanner, nor is it a removal tool. It's a preventive measure.
Spywareblaster can, and should be, used in conjunction with Spybot.
Updating is done manually, unless you buy a 1-year subscription. The subscription only enables automatic updating, there is no change to the program's functionality.
Spywareblaster also has an official forum where you can go if you ever need help with the program.
NOTE: If you do not have any Microsoft Office products installed, and if you're running an older version of Windows, you may have to download Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 runtime (VB6). It's not uncommon for programs to use VB6.
Spybot is primarily a detection and removal tool.
Spybot also has several handy system tools, including "tea timer", which protects your system settings against unauthorized changes. Use of the Tea Timer is optional.
The Tea Timer works great. Anything that gets installed on your computer and which adds any values to your system startup, will cause the Spybot Tea Timer to open a dialog box and prompt you to allow or deny the process. You can also choose whether or not to remember the decison, in case you're not sure of what action. If you don't choose to remember the decision, Tea Timer will prompt you for an action at every system start until you choose to remember the decision.
Spybot also blocks bad web pages and blocks bad downloads.
Spybot also has an "Immunize" feature which is similar to Spywareblaster's protection, only the Immunize protection database is smaller.
Spybot does not have automatic updating, however, the task of updating is merely a matter of a few mouse clicks.
Spybot can be configured to run a scan at system startup, or you can manually start the program when you want to scan.
Spybot has an official forum, so if you encounter problems at any time, help is available.
Spy Sweeper is not free, but it is the best anti-spyware product available. It costs about $40.
For the ultimate protection from spyware and other malware, Spy Sweeper can be used in conjunction with Spywareblaster and Spybot.
Spy Sweeper detects more spyware/malware than any other anti-spyware program. The scan engine can also detect keyloggers and rootkits.
Spy Sweeper can used to provide real time protection, but that will slow your computer down.
Usually it's recommended to turn real time protection off, and use the program only as a scanner/removal tool. Run a scan once weekly, or as needed if you suspect malware.
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