Speaking of computer issues...

[klmno]

I've ran the free anti-spyware software a couple of times and it has found and gotten rid of a bunch of adware. However, something has already gotten deeper into my computer. I can tell, because it's bogging down too much and the pop-ups keep coming, etc. I had posted about something similar months ago and people recommended various free software programs. However, now I can't find the list I printed or the thread.

Can anyone give me a couple of names of free downloads for this?

Thanks in advance! If I don't do something quick, I'll be back at the shop with another $125 out of pocket...

 

[Marcie Mac]

Its Lava Soft/Adware you can download for free.

Marcie

 

[klmno]

Thank you!!

 

[GoingNorth]

AVG is also an excellent free antivirus.

I used to be a computer geek for a living and I got so badly slammed a few months ago that I had to take MY computer in to have it professionally cleaned.

AVG is what they recommend and use. I'm very happy with it.

 

[mom_in_training]

Another is spybot search and destroy. http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

I have used both programs like the ad-aware by lavasoft and spybot and have had good results. Reason why I use two different ones (But never run at the same time) is because one or the other very well could be more updated then the other. I always make sure that they are both updated and will run each program seperately. You could have spyware that one of these programs will catch but the other does not on the same machine. I also have used AVG and for the most part due to my being vigilance have had good luck with it. What is most important is keeping it all updated. If your computer is really buggy right now though, I would go fetch yourself a 30 day trial of either nod32 http://www.eset.com/ Or do a 30 day trial with Kaspersky. http://usa.kaspersky.com/downloads/

All they ask for is an e-mail address and no other personal info. This can help you clean out your computer prior to getting AVG. You get the benefits of using a full program for 30 days verses with AVG your limited because it is free. Once the 30 days is up you can just uninstall the program and be done with it. Its also important that you uninstall your current anti-virus before you install any other anti-virus program. Just to let you know Kaspersky install is blocked if you have AVG on your computer even after you uninstall it. Just in case you if needed here is the link you will need.
AVG removal utility: http://www.grisoft.com/us.download-tools
run the file AVGREMOVER.EXE
wait until the utility finishes its work
restart your easy child
rerun installation of Kaspersky Anti-Virus version 2009

AVG and the others are decent programs if you are vigilant at keeping it up to date. Hope this helps..

 

[klmno]

I thought Spybot only detected stuff for free- but that you had to pay to get it to get rid of the virus- is that not true?

 

[mom_in_training]

Spybot will aid in cleaning out and is a free program. Use the link above for it. There are other programs that others have created that appear to be this program but are not. The link above is for the LEGIT free spybot search and destroy. The teatimer portion of the program can be a pain at times. I always disable teatimer (Hopefully they fixed it) but all in all its effective.

 

[klmno]

Thank you!!

 

[mom_in_training]

Oh forgot to mention, You don't have to even go the full 30 days, You can use either of the 30 day trials just to aid in cleaning your machine then you can uninstall and go fetch AVG if that is what you choose to do. Here is the free link just in case for AVG.

http://free.avg.com/