Rogue anti-virus and anti-spyware applications
The next two pages refer to information provided at this site:
Never download any free anti-virus or anti-spyware program that you are prompted with when online. A window usually pops up stating you are infected and provides a free download to remove the alleged infection.The vast majority of the time these are rogue anti-virii applications or anti-spyware applications that have trojan virii inserted in them. In particular, there are two making rounds around lately ( August/September 2008) that cause serious if not irreversible harm to Microsoft Windows XP or VISTA operating system.
Here is a web site that lists Rogue/suspect Anti-Spyware products
Here is a web site that lists Rogue/suspect Anti-Spyware sites
Trustworthy anti-virus / anti-Spyware Products
1. Here is a web site that lists Rogue/suspect Anti-Spyware products
2. Install a trustworthy antivirus product. Keep it updated.
- AVG is a free antivirus program that I use for individuals that are not required to use a specific program in their company or campus.
- PSU uses McAfee antivirus. (only PSU’s version of McAfee antivirus will allow access to the PSU internet on a Windows PC).
3. Scanning for spyware and ad ware isn't enough to protect your PC. effective way to prevent spyware and adware from returning is to install an anti-spyware prevention program such as: SpywareBlaster or SpywareGuard. Bothare excellent, free programs from JavaCool. Some individual install both programs. SpywareBlaster "inoculates" your Internet Explorer browser against the installation of unwanted spyware and adware from the internet. SpywareGuard actively monitors your PC and prevents spyware infestations. Both are easy to install and update.
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Make your browser more secure
Here is an article on this very topic.
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings
Is your computer already infected?
If your PC is already infested with spyware and adware, resist the temptation to succumb to impulse buys of anti-spyware products that you see on the Net, esp. those included in the "rogue/suspect" list on this page or advertised on Google. Instead, you can get help online from a corps of savvy volunteers who specialize in busting spyware.
Download and run one (or all) of these free anti-spyware scanners and remove whatever spyware and adware it finds.
Ad-aware Personal EditionSpybot Search & Destroy
AVG Anti-SpywareAVG Anti-Spyware
Windows Defender
If you don't have an anti-virus program, you can scan your computer with one of these online anti-virus scanners:
McAfee FreeScanPanda ActiveScan
Trend Micro HouseCall(ActiveX)Trend Micro Anti-Spyware for the Web
or download and run one of these free standalone virus removal tools:
McAfee AVERT StingerAVG vcleaner
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
Panda PQRemove