How to Free Your PC From Spyware
Use these cheap and no-cost tools to boot even really stubborn malware.
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007; 4:32 AM
I hate weasels who use deceptive Web sites and e-mail messages to foist spyware on us. But I have strategies to help remove all the junk--and outsmart anyone who tries to trick you into installing more.
Warning:Trust only antispyware programs recommended by sites such as PCWorld.com, and never touch the pop-up offers on unknown Web sites. Eric Howes's Spyware Warrior site reports on malware masquerading as antispyware applications.
Quick tip:Don't fall for the spyware trick using phony messages that pop up in your browser. Test whether a message is legit by right-clicking the image. If you see the 'Save Picture As...' option, it's likely a trap. Close your browser.
Use Restricted Zones to Stop Spyware
My system is clean and I keep it that way with three free tools. SpywareBlaster adds the URLs of risky sites to your browser's Restricted Sites list, preventing malware from installing. This program doesn't scan or work in the background; but for a $10 registration, it will automatically download Restricted Sites lists. The only downside, and it doesn't happen often, is that the tool may lock out a site you visit. To avoid this result, remove the site from SpywareBlaster's list. If you are feeling especially geeky, use ZonedOut to add IE-SPYAD's list of dangerous and annoying sites to IE's Restricted Sites.
