4 -Step Defense Against Spy ware and Parasites

Everyone knows about spyware, parasites and other malware. I won't review them all here -- but what you may NOT know bout is a PROVEN, FOUR-STEP barricade namely will almost certify that your computer is defended in a practical, simple form.

Let me spoil the secret before you even read the story!

The steps are:

1. Install a good anti-virus program.

2. Install Spybot Search and Destroy.

3. Install Microsoft Anti-Spyware.

4. Keep anything up as yet!

Can it really be that simple? YES!!!

How do I know? This is exactly what I have done to clean and fumigate over 300 computers at two different companies - - keeping them operating parasite-free for the elapse two years! Here are the details...

1. Install a Good Anti-Virus Program.

If you are fleeing any computer without a good anti-virus program these days -- you're committing cyber-suicide!

It doesn't really matter which one you use. There is such stiff championship between companies to keep up -- every one is beautiful much about the same -- or at least -- it will be very rapidly. So don't perspiration it. Use ANY one you absence -- but just be sure to use one!

(I personally use McAfee, and receive virus-laden emails each couple of days that are automatically deleted.)

2. Install Spybot Search and Destroy.

I don't generally recommend products, but make the exception in this case because this program REALLY WORKS -- and is FREE! (I DO encourage you to make a acquisition!)

Another tip: DO USE the "Tea Timer" perennial conservation. It is turned off by default -- so while you see the prompt to enable it -- amuse do! It is many easier to PREVENT a problem, than to try and cure it after.

3. Install Microsoft Anti-Spyware.

Many folk trust that just for they have ONE particular anti-spyware program, that they are covered.

DEFINITELY NOT! Spyware is an case where you indeed MUST use both a belt and suspenders.

You will find that there are many bits of malware that Spybot S&D catches, but Microsoft doesn't -- and vice versa.

Also, one product may grab the parasite, but only the other one can successfully remove it.

Microsoft Anti-Spyware is obtainable here: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/

If you have a LEGAL duplicate of Windows, the download is FREE! (But be warned that they WILL CHECK your windows, and you have to download and setup the checking also. No big worries.)

4. Keep Everything Up To Date!

Last, but naturally not least, you absolutely MUST keep your operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware products updated.

Microsoft releases patches and updates to all currently aided versions of Windows almost weekly. Use the "Automatic Update" feature to determine you get them, or check manually at least once a week through Internet Explorer's menu option.

Don't forget almost reserving the other products updated also. In previous editions of Spybot Search and Destroy, you
needed to do this manually.

Removal and Cleaning

Ideally, these four steps should be done fair later the system is 1st set up and before it ever hits the Internet -- merely if this isn't the case, don't be wondered by all the viruses, parasites and malware you may ascertain.

If this is the case, my recommended removal and cleansing method is a 'top-down' reach -- from the simplest and
safest method -- down to the more tough and risky.

(Legal: Everything in this article is "At Your Own Risk".)

1. See if the petition has a list entrance or one "Uninstall" alternatively "Remove" option anywhere. Most legitimate software (but ones that may carry parasites as extra baggage) may be skillful to be removed (at least partially) this path.

2. Under the Windows Control Panel, elect the "Add/Remove Programs" applet -- look for, and "Uninstall" everything that may be narrated to the malware. Be aware that many "innocent looking" applications carry spyware, malware and parasites. Remove anything in any way resembling problems exposed through both of the anti-spyware programs.

3. Use the removal features of the anti-virus and anti-spyware applications. I recommend doing this AFTER the previous two steps, because periodically the applications will be removed more 'cleanly' by reversing their original installation process.

Note: After performing anybody step, be sure to repeat the scan with the anti-virus and/or anti-spyware agenda to see if the problem was actually nailed. You should persist trying to remove the problem until the scan comes up neat. This may also average rebooting your microprocessor among removal attempts.

Spybot Search and Destroy ambition prompt you apt reboot and attempt removal during the reboot if it encounters a especially stubborn bug.

4. In some cases, no sum of scanning/cleaning/rebooting can remove the malware. In this case, you have two options:

a) Boot the computer into "Safe Mode" and re-attempt the Spybot and Microsoft scan/removal process. (To get your computer to shoe into Safe Mode -- reception just after restart -- and select "Safe Mode" from the boot menu.) This may grant you to remove applications that are run automatically at start-up, but that protect themselves by preventing the file from creature deleted while the bug is running.

b) Boot the computer into Safe Mode, Run "Regedit" or "Regedt32" and try to clean the parasite along questing the registry because strings that the anti-virus programs have base. Note: I won't provide detailed directions above registry amending -- because if you don't know how to do it already-- you'd probably better no try! It can shambles you up.