Tips to keep your computer free from spyware, malware, and trojan

If you realize, many of those preinstalled computer (from company such as Acer, to name a few) did not have security software fully set-up. One thing that usually lack within a normal computer is an anti-spyware tool that is mainly used to fight trojan, spyware and malware infection. So what the big deal with them?

A quick answer that we usually don’t like to hear are, they may slow down and disable our computer certain function (such as task manager).

Even we have an anti-virus installed, if our computer lacked of anti-spyware tools the evil “codes” will use the flaw to invade our system. You might did not have internet connection at home but the chance for trojan, spyware and malware infection to spread is still high via removable disk or pirated cd. We may get it from unknown software installation, screensaver, or other executable file.

Spyware, which is meant to collect personal data from a computer must be vanished as it has the ability to track improtant data such as your bank and credit card number. So to fight them we need to install a decent anti-spyware tool. You can install many tool as you want but basicly we need only three which are AdAware, Microsoft Anti Spyware, and HijackThis. I will explain in details about each software now.

Top three recommended softwares

1) AdAware Personal Edition
-This is a basic spyware-protection software from Lavasoft software inc. It has two method of scanning, smart scan and full system scan. Both are useful. It will keep the “evil program” shut up for you if you has updated it with the latest definitions. You got to track the name of the malicous program if the software has failed to clean up it later. Here is the screenshot of the program.

Publisher Description:

With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.

You can always get the removal tool from Symantec Removal Tool Database if the software can’t clean the threat. Just make sure that you have copied its name to the clipboard. I personally recommend AdAware since it’s free, reliable, and did not lag even a slow system(with 800mhz processor). Here is the guide that I’ve posted on how to optimize Ad-Aware SE’s scanning.

Download AdAware Personal Edition

2) HijackThis

-This will done you the dirty work. Though most user might not an advanced user, they can always learn how to use it. This tool help you to detect runnning processes and foreign registry keys. You can delete suspicsious item at anytime.

Publisher Information:

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 knowledgable folks before deleting anything.

Download it: HijackThis

3) Microsoft Windows Defender

Microsoft Windows Defender is formerly known as MicrosoftAniSpyware. Build for Windows Operating System(but did not work with Windows 200 anymore) by Windows OS vendor, this software should be your first defend againts spyware, trojan, and malware. To download and use it, you will need to validate your copy of Windows XP. This link will bring you to the Microsoft site to start the process. You can also update your Windows XP “genuinely” by referring to this tutorial .

Conclusion:

To get the best of three software above, you need to download their definition at least once a week. Install an anti-virus on your computer as a partner for the anti-spyware program. A good surfing habit must be practised to prevent the attack. Here are the list.

Five tips on spyware, malware, and trojan prevention:

1. Do not visit adult website trough advertisement

2. Popups advertisement should be avoided. By using Mizilla Firefox internet browser and the latest Internet Explorer 7, you can avoid pop-up easily.

3. Do not install software without scanning it with an antivirus tool first.

4. Always monitor your startup programs. Delete unknown process from the list. Go to run, type msconfig, and run the startup editor.

5. Scan your computer for spyware and virus at least one time per week.

6. Becareful when installing a shareware. Many shareware nowadays included spyware/adaware bundled in the program.