How to choose a good spyware remover program ?

 

If you're connected to the internet, risk to get attacked by spyware is high. Even if you're careful, spyware could enter your machine through a process called drive-by-download, that is automatically downloading without your knowledge. Hence, a spyware remover program is a must for anyone that working online. Often, we are used to hear reviews like "this antispyware is the best" or " this one is award-winning".

But when we try that program ourselves, it is not as good as it claim to be. It shows side effect like crash down, bug inside the program, slows down the system, false positive.

 

Most disappointing, is when we have serious spyware infection, the program fail to detect that spyware. As the result, our computer remains slow, with irritating toolbar around the browser, and we surf here and there in the internet looking for solutions.

 

 

 

So, how choose a good spyware remover program ? Most importantly, what is the best program for you ? Actually, it depends on the type of user, environment, your system and your computing habit. For simple user, rarely connects to the internet, free antispyware program, such as Ad-Aware Free is just enough. Don't need to find an expensive one.

 

However, if you're an active internet user, with lots of downloads everyday, and you don't have internet security suits installed, then you'll need more protection. Your antispyware program must be able to block any spyware that tries to modify your startup programs, install itself as browser help objects (BHO).

 

Effectiveness

Let's get straight to the point and see the most important part in choosing a good spyware remover program. Since the purpose is to remove spyware, then, the number one criteria should be the effectiveness. One way to measure the effectiveness is by referring to test from trusted labs and parties, such as PC Magazine, CNet and Spyware Warrior. Then, if the spyware remover program includes antivirus, it must pass certain test by Virus Bulletin and gets the right certification - VB 100% Award.

Another factor need to be considered is the type of malware removed. There are several type of spyware these days - pick an antispyware program that capable to remove all of them. This includes adware, spyware, trojan Horse, worms dialer, hijacker, keylogger, rootkit, tracking cookie and rogue antispyware.

Protection

Unless if you turn on an internet security suit, having great protection from your antispyware program is crucial. Spyware infection today is getting worse - to infect a computer, all it needs is by having users to surf certain websites. Then, it will download itself automatically, and run, without user's knowledge. Usually, these are the parts that being targeted by spyware and malware.

Browser :

Lots of spyware today targets browser, especially Internet Explorer (IE) browser. Why ? For one thing, most users worldwide is still using IE as their default browser. Second, the vulnerability in IE browser is publicly known, compared to alternative browser, such as Firefox or Opera. Thirdly, whether victim uses Firefox, Opera or IE as their default browser, one thing for sure, is that they still having IE browser installed. IE is always included in Windows OS.

An adware that install itself in a browser, would probably be in form of activeX objects or browser help objects (BHO). The result ? Unwanted toolbar in your browser. Changes in your homepage and bookmark. The reason is simple - they want to bring more traffic to their homepage. That's just the purpose of an adware - for advertising and promoting websites.

Startup objects :

Startup objects is another favorite target for spyware. If could start as an application or services. By starting up with Windows, it can spies user's activity, and avoid from being detected by users. Also, it can connect to the internet by modifying Windows firewall settings. What happen next, is victim's privacy and sensitive data would be send to the third party. You might experience symptoms, like Windows starts slower than usual, slow internet connections and so on, since these program consume your memory usage. If you're using third party firewall, such as Kerio Personal Firewall, you'll be noticed when a malware is trying to connect. This way, you can block the access immediately and stop your data from being shared with unknown people.

Host file :

A few spyware modify host file. A host file can be modified to conduct phishing attack. Once the host file is modified, when a victim want to access a bank website, he'll be directed to a hacker server, instead of the real bank institution server. What next, victim might enter username, passwords, account numbers or credit card numbers, making his private data exposed to the hacker.

Since most spyware targets these parts, then you'll have to install a program that will defend your memory process, browser, startup objects and host file. The antispyware program must also allow be able to block suspicious objects from running automatically.

 

Good for user

For me, this part is vital. What good a spyware remover program, if the user doesn't like it. The program might receive lots of awards, has good protection, but too bad, it uses lots of resources, slows down computer or the interface is hard to understand.

Hence, checking what others say in major download sites, such as download.com, tucows.com or softpedia.com is a good way to evaluate a program. Another way, is by downloading the trial version for yourself. Just make sure that the program isn't a fake spyware remover, before you download them. I wrote an article in detail on how to check a program is fake or not.

 

Support

Maybe some people don't think this part is important. For them, installing a program is just enough. Then, all programs today are included with help files, so if they don't understand certain function, simply refer to the help file. No need for further support. However, when you're using a paid version of antispyware, good support is very important - make sure your money worth it. Some technical problems won't be described in help files. For example, some antispyware program might creates conflict with antivirus software or other programs installed in your computer. If they don't provide good technical support, how can you solve this problem ?

 

Besides, a good company won't left their customers behind. Customers should be their first priority. A good spyware remover program must come with instant support system, such as live chat or toll-free phone call. Others might be support ticket, faqs pages or forum.

 

For me, the best spyware remover program would probably have their specialist cleaning your computer, if the antispyware itself fail to do the job.