So you have Spy/Ad/Malware - what to do now?

[Corny]

Spy/Ad/Malware is a very re-occuring topic here. Instead of spreading all the links, advice and knowledge across multiple threads, let's create a compendium of helpful resources here.
Please do not create posts like "i agree" "i second this" etc here, they will be deleted. this thread should become a list of ressources and step by step instructions at which we can point people when they have problems.
what we could use here:
- urls to anti spy/malware software
- how to recognize whether you have been "infected"
- precautions to avoid infection
- what to do when you are infected (step by step)
- common malware remove instructions

[edit]
and NO "get a mac posts" (also no "get linux posts" if somebody wants to describe how to troubleshoot problems using a LIVE CD that would be OK though)

 

[ozguy]

I've tried all the free anti-spyware tools out there (ad-aware, spybot etc) and none even come close to Spyware Doctor. It's not free (not too expensive for a twelve month subscription, though) but it's the best and easiest anti-spyware tool I've ever used.

Spyware Doctor

 

[Corny]

I don't want to take over this thread but what if one of us takes everything and puts it together (acknowledges input) and we just make a sticky of a final agreed upon text?

that's what i had in mind

 

[neruda]

Isnt a Firefox browser still the best way to avoid being infected thogh?

 

[eastietop]

the combination of spybot and adaware worked well for me and they are both free.
microsoft windows defender beta is good too

 

[alister9669]

This link might be helpful. It gives a lot of information on How well the program works, how easy it is to use... etc...
http://anti-spyware-review.toptenreviews.com/

 

[provenlogic]

Well nolie u pretty much covered all the good antispyware tools out there. all i would add is that my faveorite is spybot search and destroy. i'll cut and paste my little how to post from the other thread later. right now i'm out roaming and using my new samsung blackjack pda phone to make this post. this thing is so cool!!! it runs windows mobile 5.0, and has 1mbps mobile broadband! anyway, sorry i hijacked for a sec.

 

[provenlogic]

Is that the i607?

Drool...I feel a hardon coming on...ahem...I mean YEAH KOOL FONE DUDE

HEHE that's the one . It was my christmas gift from my mom . I've already surfed for porn with it! it's awesome, love it. And we have 3G (mobile broadband) coverage in my area, so downloads are super fast, they even beat out landline DSL!

And the pics on the webpage don't do it justice! It's shorter than a (opened) RAZR, as thin as a (Closed) RAZR, and weighs exactly the same as a RAZR. The screen is amazing, super bright, awesome contrast, i'm even gonna install my mobile slingbox software on it so i can watch digital cable on it anywhere in the world!

 

[provenlogic]

Noelie has pretty much covered everything you could possibly need to know about spyware removal tools, including Spybot. I would just stress that whatever you choose to use, remember to keep it updated!!! And use any blocking feature the software has! Why scan and remove tons of spyware when you could have blocked it from downloading in the first place?

 

[Corny]

*any* blocking feature? hmm this could become a problem when you are using more than one. that is prone to cause trouble when two softwares block the same things and get in each others way ..