Welcome to Free Spyware - Your guide to free security tools
Free Spyware is a one-stop-shop for information on some of the best free security tools the web has to offer. To get more information about what spyware is and how to prevent spyware visit our spyware prevention page.
Free Anti-Spyware Software
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot Search and Destroy is one of the original and still one of the best free anti-spyware removal tools. Spybot not only roots out spyware but immunises Internet Explorer against future threats. With a regularly updated database, and a whole host of continuing improvements, Spybot is definitely one to put on your shortlist. For beginners, the simple and intuitive interface is easy to get to grips with, with one-click buttons to check for problems and search for updates, it couldn't be easier. For more advanced users, switching to advanced mode gives access to a secure shredder, registry scanner, IE tweaks and a whole host of advanced features.
http://www.safer-networking.org
Ad-Aware Free
Another efficient and popular free anti-spyware tool, Ad-Aware's roots can be traced back as far as 1999. With over a quarter of a billion downloads and counting you can be sure this program is no slouch at detecting and removing spyware, malware, trojans, worms and the like.
Offering free support, free software updates and a program which doesn't prove to be a resource hog, Ad-Aware is well worth the download. Added features include TrackSweep, a one-click privacy feature, making Ad-Aware a well rounded tool in your arsenal against spyware.
SUPERAntiSpyware
One of the lesser know but still one of the most thorough free anti-spyware tools SUPERAntiSpyware claims to 'remove all the spyware, not just the easy ones.' SUPERAntiSpyware detects and removes spyware, adware, malware, trojans, dialers, worms, keyloggers, hijackers and parasites to name but a few. A host of scanning options are available including quick, complete and custom scanning, which can be allocated to any drive, including removable ones.
SUPERAntiSpyware also enables you to repair broken Internet connections, won't conflict with existing anti-spyware or anti-virus software and doesn't hog system resources. If you want to thoroughly scan your system for spyware then it's worth giving SUPERAntiSpyware a try.
http://www.superantispyware.com
Spyware Terminator
Spyware terminator detects and removes spyware using a rating system, enabling you to see the level of threat each entry has before removal. Features of Spyware Terminator include automatic updates, scheduled scans, anti-virus integration with Clan anti-virus, free email support and a helpful forum. Spyware Terminator also comes with an optional web security guard feature which warns against phishing sites as you browse. For a free anti-spyware toolkit Spyware Terminator offers an exceptional breadth and depth of free features. Moreover, with free immunisation and real-time protection also included, there are many compelling reasons why it is becoming a popular security download.
http://www.spywareterminator.com
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials is an all-in-one security suite which includes anti-spyware and anti-virus software for free. Originally named Microsoft OneCare the software is only a little over a 4MB download with free automatic updates. The software quietly works in the background to provide real time protection without hogging system resources. Microsoft provides 32 bit versions for Windows XP as well as 32 and 64 bit versions for Windows Vista and Windows 7. Once installed it is advisable to download the latest updates, run a quick scan and have a look at tweaking those scheduling settings to suit your own preferences.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is another big hitter in the free anti-spyware market. One of the most popular downloads on download.com, Malwarebytes is an effective free anti-spyware software which provides scanning for multiple drives, network drives and scan-on-demand for individual files. The FileAssasin tool is also particularly useful for removing locked files and is available under the more tools menu. It is important to note that the free version does not offer real-time updates or the ability to schedule updates and scans. Malwarebytes supports Windows XP, and Windows Vista and 7, 32 and 64 bit versions. Quick scans can be performed in under 8 minutes and the tabular interface provides quick, intuitive access to most features within the program.
Spyware Prevention
SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard are both excellent programs which are dedicated to this task.
SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware such as dialers and hijackers from downloading and SpywareGuard, gives overall prevention from spyware attacks.
For more experienced users, HijackThis provides a log of all the spyware which exists on your computer. For more information on this program head over to http://www.webuser.co.uk/specials/63637.html However, you must have your log analysed properly before making any changes to your system.
IMPORTANT: It is advisable to run only one form of real-time spyware guard at any time. If you run two simultaneously this may lead to a slow down in performance of your computer. Also, make sure your spyware software is regularly updated to ensure maximum protection. One disadvantage of free spyware removers is that they often need to be updated manually.
More Anti-Spyware Articles
How to prevent spyware from infecting your computer.
The dangers of key logging software.
The security benefits of using the msconfig utility.
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