Forum: Spyware - Search & Destroy

Date: 10-31-2005 20:54

Author: McFarland, Richard

Subject Spyware - Search & Destroy

I chose this elective so that I could enhance the protection on my computer.  I had used the internet some before but not to the degree that I am now to meet the requirements of our SLM521 class.  It seemed prudent to load software on my computer that would find and remove spyware.

I decided to downloaded Spybot because I had heard of it before from friends who said it was pretty good. Plus it's free!  The version I downloaded was Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4, which took a little while to install with all the updates.  Once it was installed I read the instructions to learn how to use it.  After that I ran the Search and Destroy program which found four spyware files.  The first three I did not recognize but I think the fourth one was from Hollywood.com.  That's a site where you can lookup what movies are playing at nearby theaters and their show times.  It's disapointing to find out that a site as benign as that could put spyware on your computer.  I clicked the fix button and Spybot removed the four files.  Then I ran the program again and no spyware was found. 

It feels good to know that I have done something to protect my computer from spyware.  Spybot was easy to load and easy to use.  I especially like that Spybot provided information on where spyware came from, including the IP address.  This is important information for tracking down the source of the spyware.  I intend to run it once a week.  I'm happy I chose this useful and worthwhile elective.

Rich McFarland