Spyware removers

Ad-aware  - Whether you already have Ad-Aware or are trying it out for the first time, the latest version of this free spyware-removal tool is an essential component of any Windows system.

As many of us know, spyware refers to small, hidden programs that are embedded in larger applications to report information to advertisers. These programs are included in some shareware and freeware programs because, unfortunately, that's the only way some software developers can pay their bills. If you don't want any part of this--and feel that these hidden programs invade your privacy--you should definitely consider downloading Ad-Aware.

This latest version lets you scan your Registry, memory, and hard disk faster and more extensively. It features an improved interface, permanent archive caching, and a new technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. It lets you scan spanned archives and Cabinet files. Finally, the folks at Lavasoft have overhauled their help manual.

Ad-Aware is free for noncommercial use only. If you want to use it in a commercial, educational, or governmental environment, Lavasoft asks that you purchase Ad-Aware SE Plus or Ad-Aware SE Professional at its Web site.

Spybot  -  Search your hard disk for so-called spybots or adbots, the modules that are responsible for showing ads and transmitting information back to vendors. If Spybot Search and Destroy finds such modules, it will remove them or replace them with empty dummies. In most cases, the host software still runs after removing the bot. Among the adbots Spybot targets: Aureate, CLPRS, Comet Cursors, eZula HotText, Gator, GoHip, Radiate, WebHancer, and WildTangent.

Spybot also removes your usage tracks (last visited Web sites, opened files, started programs, and cookies), so even spybots that are unknown can't transmit this private information. The program supports all three major browsers: Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, and Opera.