Spyware Advice

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Did you know that spyware is the biggest single problem affecting PC users at the moment? Note: Antivirus software does NOT detect spyware…

Did you know that every time you go on the Internet, it is likely that small programmes (spyware) are installed onto your computer without your knowledge? Programmes that “track” your habits and then try and sell you stuff, or do much worse?

(Note: at the current time (2005) Mac users need not concern themselves with Spyware)

So, what to do?

I have for a long time held off from recommending Spyware removal programmes to clients. This is because many of the companies who sell spyware programmes, market them by using spyware. I consider this hypocritical. It is a bit like creating the problem and then ALSO the solution. However, things have become SO bad with spyware, that it is one of the most common reasons for support calls. Therefore, we have chosen a "good" spyware removal tool, which does NOT use spyware for marketing. It is also (in our opinion) one of the best available. And what's more it is FREE.
Here's what you do to firstly get RID of spyware and then PROTECT yourself.

1. Download Ad-Aware Spyware removal tool to your desktop from here:

http://www.snapfiles.com/php/download.php?id=100156

You can also download it by clicking on the "Ad-aware" link in our "Essential Downloads" section over on the right hand side of this page.

Then install it by double-clicking on the Icon for the installer on your desktop, after which allow it to update itself and run a full system scan. This may take some time (between 10-45 mins.) You will know when it's finished becasue it makes an alarming "farting" sound :). You should now see a list of all the spyware components it has found. Right click on any one of them, then choose to select all objects. This is so you don't need to tick every box individually. Once they are all ticked, simply click on FINISH, and the programme will get busy quarantining the spware. In some cases, the programme may appear to freeze. But don't worry about this. If it seems still frozen after about 20 minutes, re-start your computer.

Note: You should run this about once a month, or if you think you may have picked up some Spyware. Please also note: Ad-aware is not like a virus programme, so does not run in the background to protect you. There are some spyware programmes that do this, but I do not recommend them. As ever, the least you have running in the background, the better.

You should also now, got to Control Panels; Add-Remove Programmes; and remove anything which looks like it might be an "advert" type programme. If you have any doubts about doing this, call us for advice on 020-8368 0080.

2. Then download an alternative (Firefox) Browser to Internet Explorer onto your desktop from here:

http://download.mozilla.org/?product=firefox&os=win&lang=en-GB

Once again, you can also download it by clicking on the "Firefox" link in our "Essential Downloads" section over on the right hand side of this page.

(The reason for this is that at the current time (March 2005) 99% of Spyware is aimed at Internet Explorer (on a PC). Therefore you can stop MOST of it by not using Internet Explorer.

Once again, install this programe by double clicking the installer on your desktop. Just agree with any questions it asks. Including importing favourites and cookies from Interent Explorer. Also choose to make it the default browser. Remember, from now on use Firefox to go on the Internet, NOT Internet Explorer. Although, realise that if you use Windows Update, you will HAVE to use Internet Explorer. But this can't be helped.

If you come unstuck at any stage of these proceeding, we will of course be happy to either talk you through on the phone, or book in a visit.