SpywareBlaster Video
SpywareBlaster Video Transcript
[ Music ] ^M00:00:02
>> When most people think about security, spyware removal programs leap to mind, but what about prevention? I'm Jessica Dolcourt with CNET download.com and this is a first look at the SpyWare Blaster, a free tool that will blast dangerous ActiveX controls out of the water. For Internet Explorer, SpyWare Blaster blocks ads, tracking cookies and also ActiveX controls. For Fire fox SpyWare Blaster blocks tracking cookies and ads. When you first open the program you will need to enable protection, you can do this by going through the menu options on the top of the program one by one, or by clicking enable all protection. Let's just walk through it to get a sense of what this program is protecting you from. In the Internet Explorer tab you can prevent ActiveX controls from installing and also prevent ad and tracking cookies. If you prefer you can check and uncheck files for more customized control, the [inaudible] should be begin by blocking all of them. It's pretty much the same deal for the list of dangerous known sites and ads and tracking cookies for Fire fox. You can enable or disable files in a batch, or one by one. This next capability system snapshot is like a localized version of Windows system restore, said it and SpyWare Blaster will capture a time stamped image of your setting, so that way if anything were to happen SpyWare Blaster will simply refer to your settings and it will save you all of that setup time. Post-save works about the same way except that SpyWare Blaster will encrypt the restore point, that's because browser hijackers love hosts files, it tells you where on the network your computer sits. Flash killer is a little something that SpyWare Blaster through in for Internet Explorer users; it will kill all annoying flash-based ads which is great, right? Well yes, except that most Internet movies are also made from flash files, which mean that, you won't be able to see movies from you tube, CNETTV or CNET download.com. Flash killer will also kill this video and I know you don't want that, but you can always temporarily disable the feature, or you could watch videos from any other browser like Fire fox or Opera. The settings will hold until you change them. This is Jessica Dolcourt and we've been looking at SpyWare Blaster. ^M00:02:14 [ Music ]
Related Videos
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.
Download.com guide to Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner
Appealing to gearheads who don't mind getting their hands dirty, Bazooka scans for spyware and offers detailed instructions on how to remove it. However, many people will prefer an application that removes spyware for them. Installation is simple and the application includes an automatic updater for its spyware-reference database. After the lightning-quick scan, you must be online to access instructions on how to remove any spyware that is found. We would like to see an option for downloading all spyware-removal instructions at one time, making a trip online unnecessary. Online-access issues aside, Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner provides a nice, simple solution to keeping those nasty programs out of your hard drive.
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.
Sound Blaster Wireless System for iTunes and Receiver
The Sound Blaster Wireless System for iTunes and Receiver is a painless way to stream audio from your PC or Mac to a set of speakers or AV receiver.
First came spray cheese, then whipped cream. Now, pancake batter? Batter Blaster already has a legitimate following on blogs and YouTube, but CNET's Kara Tsuboi and Jennifer Guevin weren't convinced. Bite for bite, they taste-test this spray-on, organic batter versus real, homemade batter from scratch.
ZapRoot 013 | Formula 1 Racing Bans Gasoline
In this episode Jess focuses on Formula 1 racing banning gasoline in favor of alternative fuels, how the Batter Blaster might boost your breakfast, and holiday wrapping made from elephant dung.
See the full story
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
Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus
With Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus you get protection from both spyware and viruses in a single, easy-to-use solution.
The Hannspree Xv 32-inch LCD TV's average picture quality doesn't prevent it from being a solid choice for budget-conscious flat-panel buyers.
Download.com guide to MS Anti-Spyware
Windows AntiSpyware (beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by blocking more than 50 ways spyware can enter your PC. The worldwide SpyNet community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, which are automatically downloaded to your PC, so you stay up-to-date. This product is free of charge for licensed Windows customers. The latest beta refresh, build 1.0.615, addresses issues pertaining to how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) provides information to the user about processes running on a PC, solves an issue regarding the delivery of new anti-spyware signatures for some customers and provides new signature updates to help protect against recently identified spyware.
