Using Anti-Spyware Utilities
Spyware and adware are two of the most frustrating threats for computer users today. Spyware is software that watches your activities and collects personal data without your permission. Adware displays pop-ups and other forms of unauthorized advertising. Because these programs run in the background while you use your computer, they consume system resources and can slow down your PC significantly.
IIT recommends that you use the a combination of Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search and Destroy to combat these and various other threats. Using these programs aggressively is the best thing you can do to keep your computer running efficiently. Both can be found from the companies' web sites or in the "Apps" folder on Prime.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware SE's main window appears below. Before you scan, you should click the Check for updates now item above the Start button circled in red. This will ensure that the program has information on the latest threats.
After finishing the update, you will be returned to the main window. Click Start to begin a spyware scan. At the following screen, click the Next button -- you don't need to change any options.
Then scan may take up to a half hour, depending on the speed of your computer and the number of threats on your computer. When the scan is done, Ad-Aware presents you with a summary of the items it found:
Click Next, and the following window appears:
"Critical Objects" pose a threat and should almost always be removed. Place a check next to each of the objects you wish to remove, or right click anywhere inside the list and "Select All." When you're done, click Next and Ad-Aware will remove the items for you.
Spybot - Search and Destroy
The first time you run Spybot, the program will walk you through a setup assistant. This will back-up your system in case the program accidentally deletes something important and checks for the latest updates.
Spybot's main menu appears below. Before you scan, it is recommended that you check for updates using the "Update" button on the left. After you download the available updates, click the "Check for problems" button circled in the graphic below. The scan will take up to twenty minutes, depending on the speed of your computer.
Once the scan is complete, the following window appears:
Make sure the threats are checked, and click the "Fix selected problems" button to remove them from your computer. IIT recommends that you run Spybot at least once a month to make sure your computer is protected.
Spybot - Search and Destroy also offers an Immunize feature. This function proactively protects your PC from many spyware and adware items by preventing them from installing. To enable immunization, click the "Immunize" button from the left column.
Further Assistance
If you need additional support with installing and running anti-spyware utilities, the IIT Helpdesk can assist. Call x3830 or send e-mail to helpdesk@stolaf.edu.