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To try to keep spyware from entering your computer, I recommend three techniques.
 technofile
Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

T e c h n o f i l e
Spyware in your Windows PC? Here's how to fight it


May 16, 2004


By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2004, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2004, The Post-Standard

   Tracking down spyware isn't hard, but keeping it off your Windows PC can take a lot of vigilance.
   As I explained last week, spyware -- software that installs itself secretly to snare you with pop-up ads or to track your computing habits -- has become a major problem. The typical Windows PC is likely to be infected with 30 separate spyware programs, according to experts who track computer problems.
   Some PCs are simply overcome by spyware. While I was chatting recently with the owners of Cafe.Net, a local computer shop that warns its customers about spyware and removes it as part of routine fixes, I watched a customer pick up a PC that had come in for service. The customer was speechless when the technicians explained that they had removed more than 900 spyware infections from her PC. (Cafe.net is at 4800 McDonald Road near Onondaga Community College.)
   Spyware is an exclusive Windows problem. If you have an Apple Macintosh or a Linux PC, you do not have to worry about spyware at this time. (Cleverly written spyware probably could get into Macs or Linux computers, but Windows is an easier target because it has no inherent security. The fact that there are more Windows PCs than all other kinds makes Windows an automatic target, too.)
   Combatting spyware requires two approaches. You have to remove spyware already hidden on your PC and you need to try to block it from getting in again.
   To remove spyware from your computer, I recommend either Ad-Aware or Spybot. Both are available in free versions and both do a good job. Ad-Aware has been around longer; Spybot (also called "Spybot Search & Destroy") seems to have a more enthusiastic support team.
   Find the most recent download site for either program this way: Go to the Google search engine (www.google.com) and type the name of the program and the word DOWNLOAD as your search term. (In other words, you might type AD-AWARE DOWNLOAD. Don't use quotation marks. Capitalization is ignored.)
   Be sure you read all the documentation that comes with either program. Spyware that either program finds won't be deleted or uninstalled unless you tell the program to do that. Pay close attention to all warnings and messages. If you're on the Internet a lot, run Ad-Aware or Spybot every day.
   To try to keep spyware from entering your computer, I recommend three techniques:
   Install Script Sentry, a free program that cures one of the worst security flaws in Windows. On its own, Windows allows Web sites and e-mail messages to plant small programs on your system. These scripts can allow viruses or spyware into your computer. Get Script Sentry from www.jasons-toolbox.com. (Set it to full protection.)
   Start managing Web cookies. These tiny files are sometimes very helpful (in keeping a record of your preferences when you visit your favorite sites, for example) but they are just as likely to be harmful. The best cookie manager for Windows is Cookie Pal. It's not free, but costs relatively little. Find the best download site by entering COOKIE PAL DOWNLOAD into Google.
   Cookies need to be managed, not simply deleted, and that's where Cookie Pal shines. It manages them while you are browsing.You'll find help on using Cookie Pal in my previous articles. Use the search engine on my site at technofileonline.
   Give e-mail the evil eye. Don't trust mail from anyone you don't know. Don't open attachments you didn't specifically ask for and don't reply to spam in a misguided attempt to get off a mailing list -- spammers will nail you with more spam after you give them your actual address.