How do I remove spyware from my computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Imparcticle
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of spyware and viruses affecting personal computers, with participants sharing their experiences, frustrations, and suggestions for removal tools. The scope includes technical advice on software solutions and personal anecdotes regarding computer performance and security issues.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over persistent spyware and pornographic ads, questioning whether this is a virus and seeking help for removal.
  • Another suggests using AdAware as a solution for spyware removal.
  • Links to additional software, such as SpyBot Search and Destroy and SpywareBlaster, are provided by participants for comprehensive protection.
  • Some participants argue that using both AdAware and SpyBot is beneficial since each may detect different threats.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of a virus that incurs costs by connecting to a premium rate line, highlighting the urgency of finding a solution.
  • Another participant mentions their computer being infected with multiple viruses, making it nearly unusable.
  • There are suggestions to format the computer or use alternative browsers to prevent further infections, with a specific mention of avoiding Internet Explorer due to its vulnerabilities.
  • Some express dissatisfaction with Windows, describing it as resource-intensive compared to Linux.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for multiple tools to effectively combat spyware and viruses, but there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of specific software and the best practices for prevention. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to fully eliminate spyware.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various limitations in their situations, such as slow internet connections hindering downloads and the ongoing presence of spyware despite attempts at removal. There is also a lack of consensus on the most effective software solutions and methods for preventing future infections.

Imparcticle
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what is spyware??! [panic]

When ever I log on to the internet from my home computer, an ad saying that my computer is infected with spyware pops up. Even worse, porn ads keep popping up. I am getting really angry with this. Is this a virus??
I want to download as many virus scans as possible. Would that be healthy for my computer?? One more ludicrous, abhorred, obscene porn ad and I am going to freak. That is why I may be a little rude here and there in some discussion, because this sort of obscenity puts me in a bad mood. If someone can tell me how to get rid of this obstinate computer venom, I will appreciate it. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :devil: :devil: :devil: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :devil:
 
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Get a program called AdAware. Run it.

- Warren
 
Ad-aware is the greatest program ever designed by the mind of man.

When I become supreme ruler of the world, lavasoft is going to be given an island somewhere...
 
Ad Aware misses a lot of stuff that Spybot picks up... I do not think its that handy because for the Pro users they have to go to the page itself everytime they want a reflist update.
 
And SpyBot misses a lot of stuff that AdAware picks up. Hence, use them both. I just ran 'em both last night, and each picked up stuff the other missed.

cookiemonster
 
i got some crazy virus on my laptop that disconnects my computer and then tries to connect me to a premium rate line. Costed over £2 for being connected for 51 seconds. So far it has costed me £22. My main problem is that i have a 56kb connection so i can't download anything fast enough that can deal with the problem before it disconnects me. :frown:
 
My computer is now infected with 47 viruses. I can't use it (it is virtually impossible because it takes like a year to even start loading a Word Doc let alone the internet) so I'm probably not going to be around very much.
 
  • #10
Egh... Sounds like the computers at my school. =\

There are free (not "borrowed"...) virus scanners running around the internet if you don't own one.

cookiemonster
 
  • #11
Format and start from scratch...
 
  • #12
Take our computer out and beat it to death then return it to the store and say it had a psu overload. :)
 
  • #13
Okay, the Ad Aware did not work. I just installed Norton antivirus, and now there are ZERO viruses on my beloved 2001 speedy computer. [sigh] but those annoying spyware pop ups are still coming. My sister suggests downloading Adware as well. I am going to try it tomorrow. Jeez, it took me for ever to connect because the evil spyware kept disconeecting be. Is spyware something that hackers enforce or something?
 
  • #14
jimmy p said:
i got some crazy virus on my laptop that disconnects my computer and then tries to connect me to a premium rate line. Costed over £2 for being connected for 51 seconds. So far it has costed me £22. My main problem is that i have a 56kb connection so i can't download anything fast enough that can deal with the problem before it disconnects me. :frown:
Stop using Internet Explorer. Those dialer programs are installed through ActiveX, an IE only thing. If you use a browser like Opera or Mozilla, those programs are unable to install themselves.
 
  • #15
I like Ebolamonk3y's method better but I agree ShawnD. I don't use my laptop for going online any more.
 
  • #16
Windows just suxs overall... Resource hogging pos.
 
  • #17
Windows is still on par with Linux though.
Just windows ~70mb ram
Linux + KDE ~ 65mb ram
 

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