Spyware/Adware (generically called "malware" along with viruses): those nasty little buggers that certain websites, "free downloads", and other seemingly helpful things you run across on the internet put on your system sometimes with, sometimes without your knowledge or consent that pop up ads, redirect your searches (usually to porn sites!), change your home page, cause frustration, stress you out, and generally wreak havoc on an otherwise trouble-free computer.

Here at Allmedia we see LOTS of computers come through with LOTS of spyware and adware. At times, we've seen spyware and adware cause more problems and be harder to get rid of than most viruses! We've found two (FREE!) programs that are very effective at getting rid of these annoyances - Spybot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft Ad-aware.

While both programs are very good on their own, scanning a system with both (one after the other) seems to be the most effective solution. Spybot also includes several other useful utilities for users who are a little more advanced in their knowledge of the workings of computers.

Yes, there are other programs and services available to help combat "malware" in general, but these two seem to be the most effective. And be careful! There are some unscrupulous folks out there putting out software that claims to block pop-ups and stop spyware, etc.... but they are actually malware themselves and make the problem(s) worse!

Ever wonder how you got infected in the first place? Here is a great write-up about the most common causes and suggestions for keeping your system clean from CastleCops - So how did I get infected in the first place?

Allmedia Computer Center
910 SW Railroad Ave.
Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: (985) 429-1408
Fax: (985) 429-1636
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