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Spybots Search and Destroy
You need a good spyware program. This program is a free download with free
update and does a good job of identifying and removing Spyware, adware and
malware. Since not all spyware-combat tools share identical databases, we
recommend running as many tools as you can get your mitts on--and Spybot -
Search & Destroy, a time-tested and free application, should be part of
your arsenal.
Read on to get tips for using some of the program's most
important features.
Step 1: Set it up
Some anti-spyware programs aren't highly customizable, but Spybot caters to the
user by offering a number of tweaks. The app's primary screen emphasizes
scanning your machine for threats and updating spyware definitions. If you
switch from the default to the advanced mode from the Mode menu, though, you
open up a world of options. The unobtrusive Settings button, located way down in
the lower-left corner of the advanced window, contains tons of ways to fine-tune
Spybot's behavior. This screen may at first appear overwhelming, but the
Settings window lets you customize the app so it works for you.
Once you get to the Settings window, click the Settings subsection. You should
definitely spend a few moments reading through it carefully, especially the part
labeled Main Settings. In particular, you'll probably want to check all the
boxes related to backups and system-restore points. This way, if Spybot happens
to accidentally remove a key that's crucial to your PC's OS, you can easily roll
your Registry back to its pre-scan state. From this screen, you also can
configure Spybot to automatically start a scan when you launch the program or
each time you boot up your machine. Finally, you'll find check boxes that enable
Spybot to search for and download the latest updates every time you fire it up.
These automation features not only will save you time, they'll also help ensure
your computer stays safe--even if you tend to be a space cadet.
Step 2: Search and destroy
Once you've configured the program to your liking, it's time to get down to the
business of locating and removing any harmful programs that might be hiding in
the dark corners of your PC. Head back to the main screen by clicking the tab
labeled Spybot-S&D. Once you hit the "Check for Problems"
button, the program will begin scanning your machine for malware. As is the
case with many antispyware apps, Spybot may take a while to look through the
contents of a large hard drive.
When it/s finished, you'll see a list of all spyware components the program
detected on your computer. Clicking the tiny plus-sign icon next to each threat
will let you view individual infected Registry keys, but Spybot is configured to
eradicate them all by default. Move up to the top of the main window and click
the button labeled "Fix selected problems", then confirm
by answering yes to the pop-up window. Within a few moments, your computer
should be free of all malware Spybot encountered.
Step 3: Schedule your scans
If your job keeps you so busy that computer maintenance takes a backseat, you'll
appreciate the ability to schedule spyware scans daily, hourly, or even every
few minutes. To access the scheduling tool, you'll need to head back to the
Settings tab, then click the clock-shaped Scheduler icon. To begin configuring
this feature, hit Add, then Edit. On the window that pops up, browse over to the
Schedule tab and hit New again.
Step 4: Permanently delete files
You see it all the time in the movies. Detective are able to recall file that
had been deleted/ The tem deleted in misleading as they are still on your
computer. Nefarious hackers who are smart enough to get into your computer from
anywhere in the world, will have no trouble restoring the "deleted: files.
Check out Spybot's file shredder, which destroys documents once and for all. To
obliterate your private data, head to the Tools tab, then hit the Secure
Shredder button. Adding files you want to shred is a simple matter of
right-clicking in the queue and browsing your PC. Unlike specialized
data-deletion applications, Spybot's built-in tool won't let you choose from a
bunch of government-sanctioned algorithms, but you can specify how many times it
should overwrite files via a small menu item near the bottom of the interface.
Once you've taken those steps, just hit the Chop it away! button to initiate the
erasing process. If you've chosen to overwrite files 30 or 40 times, you'll be
in for a bit of a wait, but the extra peace of mind may be worth the extra time.
Remember it is free
The creator does have a link for donations that you can use to contribute if you
don't like getting a good thing for free.
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