After reading lots of posts on forums asking for help with removing various types of problem software (usually lumped together under the term "malware" these days), I thought I'd put this page up as a reference. I'll try to keep it up to date, but I can't gaurentee that all the links will work all the time. Also, I should say that you follow any advice on this page at your own risk. I'm going to suggest things that have worked for me, this doesn't mean that they will work for you! Don't blame me if you end up breaking your PC ;)
The Tools:
Firstly, there are a number of tools out there to help you get rid of the most common malware problems, and protect you in the future. Unless indicated otherwise, these are all free (for personal use at least), and are known to be reputable. Be warned - there are a lot of products out there that market themselves as anti-spyware, but in fact install spyware of their own. I'm only listing programs here that I know personally to be safe.
Anti Spyware:
Lavasoft AdAware (http://www.lavasoft.com) - One of the most popular adware scanners, reliable and regularly updated.
SpyBot S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org) - Another very popular scanner, reliable, not updated as often as AdAware but still very useful.
SpywareBlaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com)
- Not a scanner, instead this protects your browser from getting
infected in the first place. Updated regularly, protects Internet
Explorer and Firefox (more on browsers later...)
Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Link too long to display)
- Another scanner. I'm in two minds about this one, it's a beta version
at the moment and is therefore free. It is based on Giant Anti Spyware,
which has a very good reputation, and it does seem to pick up things
that AdAware and Spybot miss. However... There is every
indication the MS intend charging for this once the final version is
released, and charging for updates to boot. I find this a bit rich
since it's job is to protect the system from MS' own OS problems. Update... MS announced today (16th Feb '05) that they will be offering it free. For once, I can say "nice one MS". Blimey!!! Oh
- and ignore the "verification" crap on the download page, too.
Mike's Ad Blocking Hosts File (http://everythingisnt.com/hosts.html) - This one redirects known ad-related URL's so that you don't see the ads. Simple but effective.
CWShredder (long link again)
- A tool with one purpose, to get rid of a beast called
"CoolWebSearch". Thankfully I have never had to use it, but I'm
reliably informed it's the only tool that can remove this particularly
nasty piece of malware.
HijackThis! (another long link)
- An advanced tool for figuring out what your PC is doing. Not for the
faint hearted, but very powerful. If you find yourself having to use
this, you really do have a big problem :(
General Security:
AVG Anti Virus (http://www.grisoft.com) - A good, free antivirus program that is reliable, regularly updated, and provides real time protection as well as scanning.
Outpost Firewall Free (http://www.agnitum.com/download/outpost1.html) - Basic free firewall that provides a good level of protection. Pro version also available at a cost.
ZoneAlarm Firewall (http://www.zonelabs.com) - Another free firewall, again provides good protection. Again, Pro version available at a cost.
Note
- I have only listed a few of the available security products here,
because they are the only ones that I have personally had experience
with. Also, you should only ever install ONE firewall at a time, just
choose the one you prefer and run it.
Browsing and email:
Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox) - The newest browser on the block, and my personal favourite. Fast, feature packed and highly customisable.
Opera (http://www.opera.com)
- Another "next generation" browser, again fully featured. The free
version displays ads though - pay for it and the ads disappear.
Mozilla Suite (http://www.mozilla.org/products/mozilla1.x)
- Integrated browser/email/newsgroups application, again fully
featured, but getting a bit cumbersome as it tries to be all things to
all people.
Mozilla Thunderbird (http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird) - The email companion to Firefox, a superb replacement for Outlook Express. Again, my personal recommendation.
Note
- once again, I have only listed the products I have personal
experience of. There are loads of other browsers and email clients out
there.