TechServices@Campbell

Spyware

There is some confusion between what spyware is and what a virus is.  In many cases, they resemble each other in that they do things against the wishes of the user/owner of the computer, they make changes, they spread, but the method of spreading is what makes them different.

The core difference is that spyware doesn't self-replicate.  That is to say, spyware doesn't spread on it's own.  It comes with other programs, piggybacked as part of mp3 rippers or weather announcement programs.

We at Computing Services have never found a computer that did not have some form of spyware on it, even some new computers straight from the factory.  As a result, our research has led us to several tools that we recommend for helping to prevent these problems.  These are not foolproof, as nothing else is.  As new spyware comes out, the companies must play catch up to find solutions for them.  These solutions come in the form of updates, which we recommend you check for at least once a week, prior to a scan.

Windows Defender
 Though presently in a beta-test stage, Microsoft is working on an anti-spyware tool called Windows Defender.  The test version is available from their website, but we include a link below.  To download, click here.  A new window will open where you can download this software.

For instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.  The instructions without screenshots are more printer friendly.
For usage instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.

Ad-Aware SE
 The first piece of software that we recommend is Ad-Aware SE.  If you have a computer that has Ad-Aware 6 or Ad-Aware SE downloaded before July 1, 2005, please use the download link below to replace this with the more updated version.  This removal tool scans your hard drive for spyware and gives you a full list of critical and negligible objects found afterwards.

To download, click here.  A new window will open where you can download this software.
For installation instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.  The instructions without screenshots are more printer friendly.
For usage instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.

Spybot 1.4
 The second piece of software that we recommend is Spybot 1.4.  This tool scans for spyware, but also includes an Immunize function.  While not perfect, it blocks several thousand known methods for spyware to enter.  As you update Spybot, you will occasionally recieve Immunization database updates.  When you do, be sure to re-Immunize your machine so that they enact.

To download, click here.  A new window will open where you can download this software.
For instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.  The instructions without screenshots are more printer friendly.
For usage instructions, you may choose with screenshots or without screenshots.