Spyware, adware, and other malware can be very difficult to detect and remove. Our top picks are easy to use and very effective at removing all but the nastiest malware (which can be removed by following detailed guides posted on community forums). We recommend downloading at least two of these anti-spyware tools to keep your system protected.
Highly recommended anti-malware tool that is fast and effective. This free app has a clean, simple interface and does an excellent job finding and removing malware without giving false positives. You can scan multiple drives or individual files and FileAssassin is included for removing locked files. Real-time protection and scheduled updates and scans require the paid version, but the free version will suffice for most users.
Fast scanning tool that quickly and efficiently finds and removes most adware, spyware, and malware. It also includes other useful features such as Immunization, which protects you against threats before they reach your system. Spybot delivers some false positives, but is a great tool that should be downloaded to compliment other security applications.
HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.
As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you're sure about what you're doing, you always should consult with knowledgeable folks before deleting anything.
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition is 100% Free and will detect and remove thousands of Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, KeyLoggers, Dialers, Hi-Jackers, and Worms. SUPERAntiSpyware features many unique and powerful technologies and removes spyware threats that other applications fail to remove.
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With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2008 can clean your system easily, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
Ad-Aware 2008 includes an improved threat detection, enhanced rootkit removal system, faster updates, Lavasoft ThreatWork to submit suspicious files for analysis, and is now compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista.
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