Adware/Spyware Removal Tools

Warning - No adware/spyware filter is 100% effective, as adware and spyware technologies change on almost a daily basis. It is important to remember that these products are only as good as their last update and should be run at least once every week as adware/spyware can greatly reduce computer preformance. No matter how much protection you have, knowledge is your best defense, be very careful of what web sites you visit and what software you install. When in doubt use the internet to see what other people have to say about a program or site. When looking for adware/spyware protection be very careful as many types of adware/spyware tools are actually adware in disguise. Some of these programs will block adware/spyware except those that the developer is paid to let through.

• Ad-aware Personal SE - (Free) A trusted favorite of many people, Adware has a comprehensive approach to adware/spyware scans, even removes "most recent" lists. The free version does not run in the background and a scan must be manually intiated.
• Spybot Search and Destroy - (Free) Another trusted favorite, Spybot is the preferred choice of many people for adware/spyware protection. Spybot is developed by a team of volunteers who believe in free software and operates strictly on donations.
• Microsoft Windows Defender - (Free) Windows Defender is a low resource using, comprehensive anti- adware/spyware tool that enhances Windows Firewall (Win XP SP2). In addition to protecting against adware/spyware, Windows Defender also acts as a limited intrusion detection system. Windows Defender runs in the background and can be scheduled to run a scan.