List of Free Anti-Spyware Applications
From HowToGeek
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Do you really want to pay to be free of Spyware? You shouldn't have to, so we've put together a list of free Anti-Spyware applications.
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Overview
There is not necessarily a right choice when it comes to these applications, but hopefully the information below can help you choose the correct one to use. Anti-Spyware tools come in two flavors: some applications protect you against spyware installations, and others only help you remove spyware once infected.
See the full Anti-Spyware for more details
Anti-Spyware Protection Utilities
These utilities will not only help you remove Spyware, but will also protect you with real-time spyware detection.
SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster is a great preventative tool to combat spyware before it infects you system. The current version of SpywareBlaster is 4.0 and can be downloaded HERE
Windows Defender
This application comes bundled with Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Windows XP and 2003. Arguably the least intrusive and takes the least system resources, but may not be the best choice for stopping spyware.
See the full Windows Defender article for more details.
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot Search and Destroy is one of the more well known anti-spyware applications and has a good reputation. Spybot Search and destroy was created by German native Patrick Michael Kolla in 2000 while he was a programming student. Spybot Search and Destoy works with Windows 95 and later. The current version is 1.6 and can be downloaded form the official website HERE.
Ad-Aware
This application has both a free and commercial version. The free version is available for home and personal use. Ad-Aware is developed by Lavasoft The current version is Ad-Aware 2008 Free and can be downloaded from the official page HERE.
AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition
The popular AVG Anti-Virus also has an anti-spyware edition. This program can be downloaded at the official Grisoft website HERE.
Spyware Removal Tools
These utilities help you remove spyware once installed.
SuperAntiSpyware
This application is reputed as one of the better applications for actually removing spyware once it's taken hold. [references?]
HijackThis
This is a freeware utility from the well-known Trend Micro brand. Rather than simply using a list of spyware, it will scan your computer for suspicious items and ask you what you would like to do. This utility should be used with caution.
RRT
RRT, or the Remove Restrictions Tool is very useful for restoring permissions when spyware has locked you out of Task manager, Regedit, or the Control Panel.
See Also
Related How-To Geek Articles
- Mysticgeek's Support of Spybot Search and Destroy
- Fix Spybot Search and Destroy annoyance
- Hidden Spybot Search and Destroy Game
- Fix Ad-aware annoyance
- Protect Your Home Computer For Free
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