Download.com guide to Ad-aware Video
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For Ad-Aware's 10th anniversary, we get an update that includes dramatically faster boot and scan times, as well as an interface refresh and an overhaul of its real-time defenses.
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents. Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.
Download.com guide to Registry Mechanic
Although not feature rich, this simple utility checks your registry for errors that can slow down and even crash your computer. Registry Mechanic finds a wide range of defects, including references to already uninstalled programs, missing help files, broken shortcuts, virtual devices, start-up programs, fonts, and configuration files. It also can automatically repair invalid entries at Windows start-up. If removing an entry causes problems with your system, you can restore the registry from backups. Users have a choice of Quick Scan or a more comprehensive Deep Scan, as well as a custom scan option. The aesthetically appealing interface is uncomplicated and easy to use, but Registry Mechanic is a one-trick pony. It does a great job on registry maintenance, but we would like to see other features to help keep computers running smoothly. Any computer user will find Registry Mechanic easy to run and a good way of keeping Windows in tip-top shape.
Lavasoft Ad-aware SE Personal Edition
Ad-aware SE is your best option for keeping spyware and adware under control on your PC.
Download.com guide to HijackThis
If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Clicking Info on selected item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums.
The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution.
Registry Mechanic is an advanced registry cleaner for Windows that allows you to safely scan, clean, and repair registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks.
Download.com guide to Spyware Doctor
Current PC Magazine Editor's Choice Winner (June 2005), Spyware Doctor is a 5-star rated Spyware remover and provides real-time Anti-Spyware protection against Spyware, adware, Trojan horses, keyloggers, Spyware cookies, adbots, spybots, browser hijackers, phishing attacks and other Malware threats. Additionally it actively protects web browsing using Internet Explorer with a built-in popup blocker and malicious site guard. Spyware Doctor is easy to use and low on PC resources and its super fast scanning speed is delivered by multiple specialized scanners that include Windows registry, file system, processes and tasks, browser, network configuration (including LSP), cookie and an intelligent script scanner. Each scanner specializes in identification of specific traits of infections for more effective detection and removal. Almost any function of Spyware Doctor can be updated through the Live Update process and it is constantly being improved and extended to counteract the nastiest of Spyware threats. The OnGuard feature is designed to provide real time protection and deploys several tools that actively monitor and protect the PC from Spyware attacks. These include immunization, site protection, popup blocking, browser monitor and others. The Free version allows customers to perform scans and remove threats and also Live Update Spyware signatures and functionally. The registered version adds additional tools and real-time OnGuard protection
Ad-Aware has been around for nearly a decade and has been downloaded by hundreds of millions of people who want to scrub their computers clean. Check out what the latest version's got in this First Look video.
Brian Cooley shows you how to get the best scans of your negatives and old photos.
Learn about the benefits of progressive scan and the quality of your HDTV picture from Editor at Large Brian Cooley.
