HijackThis Video
HijackThis Video Transcript
[ Music ] ^M00:00:02
>> We all want to stick it to cyber jerks who put malicious codes onto our computers. In the best way to do that is to root out the code. I'm Jessica Dolcourt with CNETdownload.com and today we'll be taking a look at Hijack This, a powerful security utility that can help uncover hidden threats. Before you begin there are two important things to know about Hijack This, the first is that it's not actually a spy ware detection tool, if the diagnostics scanning tool. Hijack This scans your computer and creates a log of all the running processes, after that it's up to you to determine what safe and what's suspicious, which can be tough if you are unfamiliar with spotting threats. That's why most users have hijacked this creates a log and then submit that log to a forum for analysis. The second thing you should know about Hijack This is that it's fairly aggressive, so if you accidentally delete what turns out to be a critical Windows process, you may find that you permanently altered your system, better make sure you do your homework. When you launch Hijack This, you will see a simple screen with only a few choices, you can scan the system with, or without creating a log, use the miscellaneous tools, or launch an online Quick start manual. As I mentioned, most users want a Hijack This to create a log of what's running on their system, a Hijack This earns big points for comprehensive scan that takes just the few seconds to complete. The scanning results show in the main program window and the log pops up in a text editor, the results may look like gibberish at first but you will learn your way around with the help of this button labeled info on selected item. When you click it offers more information about the item type, for example 09 items represent branding and are almost always safe. When you have done your research and figured out what you need to delete, select those files and click fix checked, then reboot and run an antivirus scan to see if your system is clean. Hijack This automatically makes it back up of any item you fix, so if you mistakenly thinks something you shouldn't have, you can always restore it from the backups menu. In addition to its signature scanning, Hijack This comes with system tools that let you get deeper into the diagnostic process or delete a file upon reboot. The beta version of Hijack This includes a feature called Analyze This, clicking it takes you to trend micro site and compares the contents of your log to an overall average, so you get an idea of how many other users are running it. The idea is that a program might be regarded as safe more than 50% of the users also run it, this is a great program for learning exactly what's on your system; just make sure to handle with care. I'm Jessica Dalcourt from CNET download.com and we've been looking at Hijack This. ^M00:02:33 [ Music ]
Related Videos
Quick Tips: Permanently delete malware
Use HijackThis to make sure you've deleted a malicious file for good.
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.
Quick Tips: Hunt down hidden malware
Use HijackThis to find malware hiding in the alternate data stream.
Natali Del Conte takes an in-depth look at the new Kindle and compares it to the experience of using the first generation Kindle.
Natali Del Conte takes an in-depth look at the new Kindle and compares it to the experience of using the first generation Kindle.
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.
Battlefield 2 video review (PC)
Jason Ocampo is back from the front lines of Battlefield 2 and gives us his in-depth review.
Learn how to take back control of your hijacked browser.
Download.com guide to Spyware Blaster
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware - it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE and Mozilla/Firefox, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.
Nerd TV episode 1: Andy Hertzfeld
An in-depth conversation with Andy Hertzfeld, the first Macintosh programmer...ever
