10 Tips on free spyware removal system by John Moore

1. First and foremost you need to turn on Windows Automatic Updates. This will allow your computer to install any critical updates on your PC as soon as they become available from Microsoft. For the most part these updates are safe and they focus on security threats recently found in the Windows Operating System. Just by having a solid patched PC you are preventing a score of viruses, adware and spyware from the ability to execute on your system.

2. This is going to sound bias but in my humble opinion Mozilla Firefox is the best Web Browser currently available and continues to have improvements made all the time. From a security standpoint I would not be caught online without using Firefox, it will natively protect you against so many spyware driveby installs, pop-ups and other types of code that wants to execute while browsing. Internet Explorer is very good as well and if you are more comfortable with IE I would continue to use it but also install Firefox and test it out, its rock solid.

3. Keep your web browser patched and updated, this goes without saying and fortunately Firefox and Internet Explorer both update automatically but just in case always be aware and check to make sure there aren't any new updates to your Web Browser of choice.

4. Install a nifty little program called Spyware Blaster. Its free, it helps to block and prevent any Spyware from getting installed on your computer and it's easy to use.

5. Be careful what websites you visit. I see this problem a lot with children, teenagers and adults, they want to listen to some music online or play a game and they end up on an effected site that will gladly let you play that game you like or listen to some music but in the background devious things could be happening to your computer. Always always surf safe and try to use legitimate websites, if you are visit warez, porn, mp3, games, adult, or any other type of download site these are definitely the first types of sites to spread spyware, adware and viruses. Don't get me wrong this isn't to stereotype these types of websites but some of them seem to attract some bad actors so be very careful here.

6 Whenever you are surfing do not ever say yes to install anything in your web browser window if you don't know what it is, always call your cousin or neighbor who is a computer geek to verify what kind of software is trying to load on your computer.

7. Backup your data, its amazing how very few people still backup all of their files, there is a high chance that even the most paranoid security conscious computer user will be infected by a virus, spyware or adware program and having a full and current backup of all of your important data is just good common sense. Don't rely on any security measure to fully keep you protected always have a backup plan and if all else fails you can atleast have the peace of mind of knowing that all of your data is safe.

8. Do not let your teenage kid use your computer lol, I'm sorry but the way kids use computers these days they can not help but experiment and they would be the first to visit that new gaming site or download some new cool program only to find out later that it was spyware. The solution is to get them their own computer or if not, set them up with their own login on your computer and lock that account down with the most minimal of options. For example they should not be allowed to use the computer with administrator access, give them "user" or "guest" permissions so that all they can do is run the programs that are currently on the computer and surf.

9. Install a commercial or highly recommended Anti-virus progam on your computer. I am not going to name any brands everybody has one they love, but just make sure its solid and has good support options, although your Anti-Virus program is mainly going to focus on viruses they also tend to include protection from spyware and adware so this is another good layer of protection for your computer. For now I may recommend this Super spyware removal System!

or Spyware Alert System!

10. As corny as it may sound stay informed with what is going on with your computer, don't let anyone install any programs on it you did not authorize, every so often have your computer optimized and checked by a computer professional for security. Remember get a good IT professional, get references from them and check on them and if they offer good rates have them come every couple months just to share with you anything you should be doing and to verify your computer security is good. This is also a good way to find out what is new in the IT world without you having to worry about researching it yourself as most people don't have the time.

Zlob Remove - How To Get Rid Of The Zlob Trojan by Keith Adams

You have two options in the unfortunate event that your computer becomes infected with Zlob: Remove it manually or remove it by using automated software. This article will give you information for determining if your computer is infected with the Zlob trojan, and how to remove it.

The Zlob Downloader Trojan, also known as Trojan.Zlob, infects computers by disguising itself as a harmless video codec. The Zlob trojan is thought to have originated sometime around 2005, but only started to gain notoriety in 2006, when the number of infections worldwide began to rise. Once you've installed the Zlob on your computer though, the trojan wreaks havoc. It makes your computer display fake popup ads announcing that your computer is infected, and prompting you to download fake spyware programs such as Virus Heat. Downloading and installing these programs (malware), simply makes the infection worse, and can lead to the computer massivley slowing down and becoming almost unusable. In addition, the Zlob infection changes DNS router information on your computer so that it can redirect your internet searches from legitimate websites to shady or dangerous websites, possibly even leading to further infection.

Attempting to do the Zlob remove manually can cause problems, and isn't recommended because the trojan installs itself on your computer's registry, where important system files are stored. Unless you're already very skilled with navigating computer software and files, modifying the registry in an attempt at Zlob removal can damage your system or even cause it to crash.

The other option for Zlob removal is to use any of several software programs available online that allow you to safely and automatically scan your computer's hard drive and delete any Zlob infections. This process normally takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the speed of your computer.

How Does Spyware and Adware Get on Your Computer? by DeonDup

Spyware and adware use some very stealth tactics to get onto your computer. While most experienced internet users are quite diligent, the average users are completely oblivious to the impact and magnitude of adware and spyware. Most people seem to think that constant pop ups are just a part of surfing the web and that the slowing down of their computer is just part of the computer aging.

Protecting yourself against adware and spyware is as important as locking the front door to your house. You wouldn't want just anyone top walk into your front door and look through your stuff would you? How about someone walking into your house and hiding cameras to spy on you?

Apart from invading your privacy, adware and spyware pose a very real and serious threat to personal safety. Identity theft is a major problem that's become a high priority crime and one that's receiving a lot of media attention at the moment. The fact remains that because everything is turning digital, small amounts of data can lead to big leaks. Large companies spends millions protecting their (and your) personal data, but the individual is the new target. The come computer is an untapped source for thousands of hackers looking for easy pickings.

There are many ways in which adware and spyware can get on to your computer. The most common way is through attachments in unsolicited emails. When you open the attachment, it will install itself on your computer and might give someone else access to your computer while you are connected to the internet.

In the last 5 years so-called free Freeware and Shareware software has become a big thing. Basically, software developers will offer you free software under false pretences and install adware and/or software along with the so-called free software. While you think they were just generous, they are collecting data from your computer that they can either use to steal from you or sell to someone who is willing to abuse your personal information.

With music and movies making the shift from CD's and DVD's to online downloads there's been a massive increase in the distribution of adware and spyware with these downloads. It's easy to get people to download "free" music and that's why so many people get spyware and adware on their computers. Peer to peer (P2P) download sites require you to download their software which is riddled with all kinds of adware. Special care should be taken on download sites as it's an easy way for the wrong people to get stuff unto your computer.

Although it's important to always have up to date adware and spyware software to protect your computer, you need to be diligent and aware of the threats. Don't download suspicious files and never download anything from suspicious sites. Be careful what download and if you get any suspicious emails, just delete it. Don't take any chances.

What Is Malware? A Brief Definition by M. Brandon Wilson

What is malware? It is any malicious program installed on your computer, without your consent, by an outside third party. And to say these "third parties" have less than honorable intentions is an understatement. Some of them want to steal your information. And others just think its fun to cause damage to your computer. There are many different kinds of malware, from annoying to truly destructive. And here is what you need to look out for.

Viruses

This type of malware infects your computer, much like a virus can infect the human body. Once on your work, viruses get busy causing as much damage as possible, including deleting important information and eating up system resources. If you've had a problem with your computer freezing up--or, worse, you've experienced a computer crash--it is possible that your computer has been infected by a virus.

Spyware

These malicious programs do pretty much what the name implies. They spy on your computer activities, and then transmit that information to one of those dishonorable third parties. Spyware programs are largely responsible for the identity theft epidemic that is showing no signs of letting up any time soon. The purpose of this type of malware is to steal your personal information, especially financial information. And, once someone has that, there are almost no limits to the damage they can cause before you catch on and can even stop trying to put a stop to it.

Trojan Horses

The primary job of this type of malware is to hide, whether that's hiding itself or some other malicious program. Trojan horses disguise things like viruses and spyware as something harmless, so you won't know it's there before the damage has already been done. By which time, it might already be too late.

As much as we might want it to, the malware problem isn't going to just go away. There will always be people out there with nothing better to do than design programs to harm your computer or steal your personal information. And all you can really do is learn to protect your computer from these malicious programs.

Securing Work Documents and Files by Art Gib

Computers today are very different than they were in the past. They are used for everything from keeping budgets in spreadsheets, homework and work assignments, maintaining contact information, storing pictures, blogging, music storage, burning discs, making slideshows, and the uses could continue for pages. Software helps create and store the files, but sometimes, the operating systems used by the software can become compromised. There are hackers in the world who maliciously attack computers and can cause files and information to be lost forever.

Computer security is vital to maintain a computer's integrity, as well as to protect the information it has stored on its drives. Using passwords and secure log in information is important to keep a computer safe. Also, each computer should have anti-virus software installed that updates and scans the computer for any possible viruses.

Some viruses are latent and are there to collect information such as passwords. Other viruses can destroy the hard drive or freeze the computer. No matter what it can do, there are ways to keep a computer safe. One has already been mentioned, using anti-virus software. Some can be downloaded for free, while others can be bought and installed.

Also, if a person uses the internet, have a firewall installed. If the internet has wireless router access, secure the wireless internet to assure that only people that know the password can use it. This will keep people from using the internet that should not be and will help keep personal information secure.

When creating a password, make sure that it is unique and also memorable. It is not good to have a password that is hard to remember. Passwords should be long with a combination of numbers, words, letters or symbols. Have a secure place to keep this information so that it can be used in case a password is forgotten. In case something happens to an individual, this will help the family have access if they need it. Passwords should be kept private and sharing them should only occur when is absolutely necessary.

Keeping a computer safe and secure is vital. Regular updates should be done and computers should be scanned to assure that there are no viruses or malicious spyware installed that can be passed from computer to computer. In the end, the computer and its information is only as safe as the owner keeps it. Do what is necessary to keep personal passwords and other vital information secure.

Protect yourself from all Types of Identity Theft by Jim Rjindael

There is no magical way to protect yourself from all types of identity theft but one of the most important keys is knowledge and common sense. If you use any online service such as online banking, ebay, paypal or anything else that could be used to access your personal details then take great care on where you login to them.

Let me tell you a little story, a scenario if you like. There are thousands of ways in which identity thieves will target you. But of course they try to minimize effort and maximise their income at your expense. The easiest way an identity theft will make money is by stealing directly from you, that is accessing something like your bank, paypal or ebooker account.

So we have the target - your login details to your online bank account. How would the identity thief steal these details? Well one way the nasty guys try and steal passwords is to install a keylogger on your computer to steal your account name and password.

A keylogger is a nasty little piece of software that records every single keystroke typed into a computer. The idea is that an identity thief will attempt to get this software onto your computer to steal your details. But instead of trying to install via viruses and websites on your home computer and battling with your antivirus programs many take another route.

There are millions of computers in internet cafes, hotel lobbies, and libraries all over the world. For instance take the computers in 5 star hotel lobbies, how many people use these to check their bank accounts, paypal accounts or webmail on these? BY their very nature, people use them to quickly check such sites, even with the growth of blackberries and smartphones you'll always find them in use.

Identity Thieves target these computers to install keyloggers, many have inexperienced IT staff and little concept of IT security. They can steal thousands of account details. Believe me many have keyloggers or other software installed on them.

My advice - never, ever use such a public computer to access any secure or password protected site, you may just be handing them over to an identity thief, there's no one way to protect yourself but this is a very real type of identity theft.

The April Fool Virus - The Conficker Worm by Azwan Asmat

The April Fool's Virus is the term used generally to refer The Conficker Worm and it supposes to activate itself during the April Fool. However, it seems like it was not activated for unknown reasons. The public generally use the term virus to refer to malware. Technically, a virus is different from a worm.

Computer worm is software that infects your computer from a host within your network and takes control of it. A worm-controlled computer is called a zombie computer and used to do various malicious purposes such as the DDoS attack. A server might crashes due to the infection.

A virus on the other hand is software that can replicate itself and will infect your files depending on the virus type. It can also make your computer to become slow due to the replications that happen in the background. It doesn't need a program to cling on unlike the worm.

As you can see, both are different and act differently. The Conficker Worm is a malicious software that storms the internet today and was detected on November 2008. It has few variations released by the creator in order to close the vulnerabilities.

It's an ongoing war between the anti-malware society and the creator. The researchers found the domain name trafficconverter.biz inside the code after they reverse engineered the worm. It attempted to download the payload from the domain name. But, because the domain was suspended, it cannot do so. However, the website owner said they're not responsible for the worm and they claimed that they can prove it.

The name "Conficker" comes from the re-arrangement of few words from the domain name.

So far, the malicious software has been successful in attacking French Navy and United Kingdom Ministry of Defense computer networks.

Luckily, there are few removal tools available on the internet for free. Try the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tools or you can use third parties Conficker Removal Tool such as McAfee and Symantec.

It is crucial to remember that knowledge about computer security is something that we cannot ignore nowadays and we need to learn it in order to protect our computer and our privacy.

Tips on How to Check if Your Computer Really Requires Repair by Ilyn

While experienced computer users can easily make a correct diagnosis out of observable signs and symptoms exhibited by their PCs, the rest of us barely have a clue as to whether or not something is really wrong with our computers. Although some problems may require an expert to fix, most glitches can easily be corrected without the need for a technician. So how do you really tell if your computer really requires repair? Here are tips on how to check:

Learning to eliminate Unless you are experienced at diagnosing what ails your computer, the best thing you can do is to try to determine the problem by elimination. First, find out the symptoms and then consider the most possible causes and eliminate those that are not plausible. This will help you discover the most possible explanation for the problem. From there, you can decide whether or not your computer really requires repair.

Learning to scan Many of the problems manifested by the computer are caused by malware such as viruses, spyware and adware. As long as your computer and antivirus software are updated, you can perform a regular scan to check for any infection. In most cases, common problems are solved this way, although others may require you to download patches to correct any errors and vulnerabilities.

No power If your computer won't turn on, don't immediately assume you'll need professional help. Check if it's connected to a power outlet and then check if there is power. Next, check the power button and the connections for the cables. If using a battery to run a laptop, determine if the battery has been sufficiently charged. Only when you've checked all possible scenarios and still failed should you consider having your computer repaired.

Slowpoke computer A slow computer may not always be a sign that it really requires repair. It may be because you're running a lot of programs that may be too much of a burden for the amount of memory your computer has. Try to close programs you don't need and delete stuff you have no use for. Empty your recycle bin right after. Defrag your system to re-organize your files.

If these steps still don't fix your problem, it may either be because you need more memory or that there's something in your system that requires a checkup from the professionals.

Missing drivers This usually comes as a surprise, when your computer shows a message indicating that a device is missing. If you are quite sure that drivers for hardware you're using have already been installed, try to re-install them using the appropriate CDs. In minor cases, that should fix the problem. If the problem continues or if your computer exhibits even stranger symptoms, that's a clear sign that you really need to have it repaired.

The need to reboot now and then Frequent rebooting is often the result of a system freezing or hanging up. This is when the computer screen just simply stops reacting to what you do and nothing you can do to the keyboard or the mouse seems to work. The only way to make the system work again is to press the reboot button. If this happens, then it's a sign that you shouldn't try to fix it yourself because your computer really requires repair.

Why Are Ads Popping Up on My Computer? How Do I Stop These Things? by Roger Edwards

If you've used your computer for any measurable amount of time, you've probably wound up with a bunch of advertisements that show up periodically. Nobody likes being barraged with ads, so you probably want to remove them.

First, it's important to understand what causes popup advertisements. Generally they're included with free software on the internet (this is how free software stays free). If you've ever wondered why installing some program asked you to install a toolbar or something of the like, that's why. Some of the less aggressive stuff just asks you if it can install itself. Most computer users will just happily hit next until what they want is installed anyway.

Sometimes they are installed maliciously when you download music or watch videos on the computer in the form of viruses. Some people on peer to peer networks disguise adware as valid music and video files to trick people into downloading and watching them.

Whatever the reason, they're ridiculously annoying. They're even more annoying when you think about the fact that someone out there is making money off of you pulling your hair out. I'm balding just from thinking about it.

Of course, the question of the day is, "How do you remove them?" Simple, you'll need a way to identify which adware software you have on your system, and a way of removing them. Most anti-adware software packages on the web do both of those things. I firmly believe that every computer that is being used on the internet should have anti-adware software installed just to prevent these sort of things from ever gaining a foothold on those computers.

How to remove autorun virus from your flash drives and any hard disk drives by chiblinx

Have you at one time or the other used your flash drive in someone else computer and try to use it on your own computer and you discover that when you click on your drive to open, it opens in a new window? Do you always see a notepad file with the name BOOTEX.LOG inside your flash drive?

This is a sign that you have autorun virus in your flash drive. Autorun virus is transferred through flash and storage disk from an infected computer to a none infected one. When an infected flash drive is inserted into a none infected computer the virus uses autorun.inf to execute the virus on the system. The virus is always resident in the root directory of the flash drive and other storage devices. It has file extensions like .bat, .exe, .com, .BKK and file name like autorun.inf, o1.com, etc.

Sometimes even when you scan your computer, some antivirus does not remove it. To remove this autorun virus from your flash drive or any other drive, you have to check if your flash has autorun virus or any root directory virus.

To check your flash drive, click start in your task bar, click run, inside the dialog box type cmd when the command prompt opens, change to your flash drive directory. To change to your flash directory type you drive location and semi column (e.g. K :) and press enter. Then type dir /ah (i.e. dir space forward slash ah) this will display all the files in the root directory of the flash. If there is no virus it will some thing like the screen short below or it will write file not found. If you see any file with .com, .exe, .bkk, .inf, .exe extension on the flash drive. That means you have a virus in the flash. To delete the virus Type del /ah /f (i.e. del space forward slash ah space forward slash f) followed by the file name and press enter to delete the virus Like the screen short above I know that BOOT.BKK is a virus in my Hard drive I will type del /ah /f BOOT.BKK to delete it. if i had more virus on my drive i will delete them one by one until there is none left. Note: you have to type the name of the virus the way you see it because it is case sensitive. After you have removed the files, type dir /ah to confirm if the virus has been remove.

If you followed through and took the steps as I have outlined then you will not see the virus files again that means that the virus has been removed. To remove autorun virus from your hard drives, follow the same procedure above to remove the virus. Then restart your computer and the virus is gone