Due to the increasing amount of Spyware, Adware, Viruses and other Internet security threats, PCHELP has decided to offer you access to some free tips and tools to keep your computer running clean and well protected.

Some common symptoms of spyware on your computer are sluggish performance, uncontrollable popups, frequent crashing or freezing and new programs showing up wihtout your knowledge of downloading them.

Spyware is everywhere and no computer is immune to getting it, the most common causes of contracting these nasty headaches are file sharing programs(yes kids, downloading music), online gaming, instant messaging, frequent visitation of adult websites and unfortunately just regular web surfing. It should be noted that users with broadband Internet service should be especially concerned since they are always connected to the Internet.
 
 
 

These free programs are used to find and remove spyware and viruses from your system. Click each link to download.

LAVASOFT AdAware - Spyware/Adware scanner

SpyBot Search & Destroy - Spyware/Adware scanner

Windows Defender (Beta Version - but works well!)- Spyware/Adware scanner


Try downloading one from the above list and from the bottom list.


AVG - Virus Scanner

Avast! Antivirus - Antivirus Software

Follow the links to download each program to your computer:

- After downloading, install the program and make sure to check for updates. This will allow you to find the most currently known spyware threats.

-Once you've updated the program, run a scan of you computer. The programs should create a backup of your system registry before they begin, this will protect you from any adverse effects after removal.

- When the scan finishes it will display a list of spyware found on your computer. Follow the recommended removal instructions for each threat listed. When in doubt, quarantine the threat.

- Make sure you restart your computer after removing any threats. It is recommended you scan with at least two of the programs listed above. If you are still experiencing problems and poor performance give PCHELP a call at 446-4001

All of the programs listed above also have capabilities for preventing future infections. This is done by letting the program run in the background and monitor your system continuously. It is a good idea to have one of these spyware tools, an antivirus program and a firewall all active and running in the background. In order to enable these features make sure you enable real-time protection. If you are unsure how to do this refer to the help documentation of each program.

If you are running Windows XP, make sure you have the latest updates and Service Pack 2. Select to Start->Windows Update to connect to Microsoft and download the latest updates. At a minumum, enable the Windows firewall. Another good tool to have is ZoneAlarm. This is a firewall program that blocks incoming and outgoing unauthorized Internet activity.

Click the following link to download:

ZoneAlarm - Firewall protection

 

 

 

Helpful Articles:

Spyware And Your PC: Keeping It Out, Getting Rid Of It, Ross Greenberg, Security Pipeline, January 24, 2005

How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware