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Overview
Spybot Search and Destroy is a freeware program that does
an outstanding job of killing spyware. Even though it is freeware, note that
the author does accept donations. It is a truly worthwhile cause.
You can visit the
Spybot Search and Destroy site for download information
Our experience:
Spybot is easy
to download and installs easily on most systems. There is a wizard like
feature that walks you through your first use. It suggests that you back up
your registry, download updates and immunize your system.
Once it is
installed you can scan your system. When the scan is complete, you will see
a list of suspicious items. There is a area to the right that you can click.
If you click that, clicking on any individual item will provide addition
information if it is available.
On the menu,
there is an option to turn on the advanced features. If you are technically
proficient, this will provide a wealth of information. There are tools that
will show the browser helper objects - BHO's , start pages, processes,
active X controls and a lot more about your machine. For example, the BHO
tool not only shows what is running, but will show which items it thinks are
suspicious.
There is a
memory resident mode that will catch some of the spyware attempting to enter
your computer.
We run Spybot
along with ad-aware. In addition, don't forget the basics of a firewall,
windows updates and a current antivirus program.
Advanced
Options - The tools in the advanced options are invaluable in cleaning up a
machine. However, you should be sure of what you are doing before using
them. Some of the tools we have found most useful are
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Active X
- Suspicious Active X components will be marked in yellow or red.
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Browser
Helper Objects - Again, Suspicious items are marked for you.
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IE Tweaks
- Hijackers and spyware apps will sometimes add an entry to your hosts
file to prevent you from contacting anti virus and anti spyware sites.
They can also redirect your browsing and searches. You can lock down your
hosts file to some extent here
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Hosts
file - Spybot will add a list of bad sites to your hosts file. This
will help prevent your computer from contacting those sites before or
after being infected
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Process
List - This is for very advanced users. You can view all of the
processes running on your system. By clicking on a process, you can view
the dependant processes as well. You can kill processes from here. Be
careful as that can crash the machine resulting in the need for a reboot.
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System
Internals - Scans selected areas of your registry. You should always
use caution when modifying the registry for any reason and with any tool.
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System
Startup - This is an excellent tool, especially if you enable it
before you have any problems. It will boldface any new startup items. This
will help pinpoint the source of new troubles.
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Winsock
LSPs. There are a number of applications that will mess with your LSP
Stack. This can prevent you from connecting to the internet or cause other
mischief. Legitimate items will be marked in green. However, non green
items might not be a problem. For example, we have seen entries from
Novell clients and support for an Aircard that were not marked green.
Tips
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Once in a while you will have to boot into safe mode to get rid of
some of the more stubborn scumware
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Take
advantage of the ability to back up the registry. That can never hurt.
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The newest
version of Spybot will color code your startup items. This makes
troubleshooting a lot faster.
Summary A great program.
This is a must have in your arsenal of anti spyware and parasite tools.
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