Spyware is a disease.

Brian · 05-06-2003

And here is the Cure.

Spybot Search and Destroy

Its a free program that works somewhat like a virus scanning software but doesn't stay running in the background. What it does is scan your computer for programs called Spyware (or adware). These programs usually come piggybacked on programs like the Gator e-wallet, certian screensavers, Weatherbug, ect. They run in the background monitoring your internet activity periodically displaying popup ads and sending information about what sites you visit to a central database. Essentially, it spys on you. If that wasn't bad enough, it also uses up system resources and can cause numerous crashes, slowdowns and general system instablity. Do youself a favor and rid you system of this internet garbage.

Make sure that after installing, you run the program's built in Update to get the latest signature files so it can recognize the latest in spyware apps.

dave · 05-06-2003

Totally correct. I've been using this program for a little while now. The first scan I did picked up over 150 different "spyware" files. Some websites will puts these files on your computer just by visiting a website. Some of the main names associated with this are "Gator" and "Xupitor". Next to Norton Antivirus, this is problably the next most important protection software you can use.

dave · 05-10-2003

I added Spyware Search and Destroy to the downloads section. You can get there by clicking here or using the drop-down menu on the home page.