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General discussion

Spyware

Dec 17, 2003 8:29AM PST

I downloaded the Spybot-Search&Destroy about a week ago. I'm just wondering that if when I run it now, should it still be coming up with files that are "spybots" or whatever. It seems like only a day or so after I run it and fix them there are more the next time I run it. Is there anyway to get rid of them for good??

Discussion is locked

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Re:Spyware
Dec 17, 2003 10:02AM PST

The only real way to get rid of spyware is to get rid of the source. Kazaa is a great source of annoying Spyware, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express are another major source of spyware.

If all you did was just change your web browser to Mozilla/Firebird or Opera and your email client to either Thunderbird, Eudora, Incredimail, or The Bat (to name a few), you could cut put a major dent in the amount of spyware that reoccurs on your system. Making it that much easier to track down the source of that which remains.

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Re:Spyware
Dec 17, 2003 10:32AM PST
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Re:Spyware
Dec 17, 2003 11:21AM PST
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Re:Spyware
Dec 17, 2003 11:46AM PST

Odoyle,

To answer your question directly, YES, spyware programs, cookies and unwanted registry entries will continue to be placed on your computer...as long as you don't stop them somehow. Some of the entries which were "default" installed with your version of Windows probably won't return. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to help prevent their return.

The suggestions made previously will help. A different, more secure, browser will help. Simply "hardening" the settings on your current browser and e-mail program will help. Installing a program that prevents various types of spyware from being placed on the computer will help. Installing a "Hosts" file will stop the computer from visiting certain "adware/spyware" sites. Carefully choosing the sites you visit will help.

Updating your antivirus program regularly,,,,, keeping current with the Windows Update site "Critical Updates", and being vigilant when opening e-mail and when installing programs will all help. There are probably a lot more that I can't think of at the moment. The most important piece of safe computer is YOU. Check out security sites and get to know as much as you can about computer safety. Unfortunately, it's a never-ending job.

Hope this helps.

Grif