INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING AD-AWARE AND SPY-BOT
When done, click here to return to KCS Computers.

If you do not have these programs, they can be downloaded from Cnet's Download.com

Spy-Bot Search & Destroy 1.4
Open program.
Click on the "Check for Updates" button.
Program will find and list updates.
Click on each update listed to put a check mark in each box.
Click on "Download Updates".
Updates will download.
When done, click on "Search and Destroy" in the upper left corner.
Click on "Check for Problems" (Upper middle of screen)
Wait for scan to run.
When done scanning, click "Fix Selected Problems".
Click "Yes".
Click "OK".
You're done! Click the X in the upper right corner to close Spy-Bot.

Ad-Aware 2007 (for Windows XP and up)
Open Program
Click on blue "Update" button, middle of page.
After a "Gathering Information..." windows, You MAY see any or all of the following messages:
---The Definitions file is outdated...
---There are new software updates available...
---A new version of the Update Manager is available...
Click "Yes" or "OK" as needed.
On Update Complete window, click "OK"
A screen with many files will appear. Most will have checkmarks. Leave all as is and click "Download" button.
(Note: You may see messages from your firewall asking about access. Say ALLOW in all cases.)
Files will download and install as needed.
A window will open when updates are complete. Takes a while. Click "OK".
Click blue "Scan Now" button.
Choose Smart Scan or Full Scan.
Click "Scan" button.
When scan is complete, there will be 3 tabs across the top with scan results.
Put a checkmark in front of all Critical Objects. (Right click on 1 checkmark box and click on "Select All Objects").
Click the "Remove" button. If anything can not be removed, click the "Quarantine" button.
Select the next tab and put a checkmark in front of all Privacy Objects except "MRU object".
Click the "Remove" button.
Click the "Finish" button, and then the X in the upper right corner to close Ad-Aware.

(Note: the "Register" button is ONLY used if you want to purchase the full version.)

Ad-Aware SE will not be getting any more updates. If you have Windows 98 or ME, keep using it as is. The NEW free version is Ad-Aware 2007. (But 2007 will not work with Windows 98 or ME.)
Ad-Aware SE
Open program.
Click on "Check for Updates" (Lower right just above "Start")
Click on "Connect".
Click on "OK" to download new reference file if one is available.
When done click on "Finish".
Click "Start".
Click "Next". Wait for scan to run.
When done scanning, click "Next"
Under the heading "Scanning Results" will be several tabs.
Click on the "Critical Objects" tab.
You will see a list of items.
Right click on any one. On the menu that opens, click on "Select all Products".
Click "Next". Will quarantine and then delete everything on the list.
You're done! Click the X in the upper right corner to close Ad-Aware.

 

If either program says some problems could not be fixed and asks if you would like the program to run on next start up, say YES and then reboot your computer. The program will run while your computer is starting up before your desktop icons show up. Let it run through the scan and have it fix anything it finds.

Ways to Avoid Getting Adware, Spyware, and Malware.
The following are examples of programs that install ad based software and spyware. This list is not complete, it is only meant as a guide.

**NEW INFO**
Malware has become a bigger problem recently. There are more and more programs aimed at getting you to buy their spyware removal programs. (For a Price). They usually show up as a warning on the screen or as a popup from the system tray. They claim your computer is badly infected and warn that you could have more problems if not taken care of IMMEDIATLY! They claim to offer a solution if you just click here. These are scare tactics meant to make you think your computer is infected. And it IS infected, but the popup IS the infection. Many of them bombard you with so many messages it makes it hard just to use your computer. This is what they want! It's called HARASMENT! I've known people who PAY them just to stop the messages. DON'T GIVE IN! These programs can be removed. Using AdAware and Spybot usually does the trick. If not, there are other programs and methods to remove them. Some have been classified as trogens and can now be removed by a good Antivirus program. But others use rootkits to hide so well, it takes special software to find and eliminate them. Here is a link to a site that lists bad spyware programs to avoid and a few good programs to use. (Or call me and I will get rid of them for you.)

How do they get on your computer to start with? These rogue malware programs are loaded like many other adware and spyware programs, along with some free program. See more on this below. Others are "push loaded" on to your computer by visiting a bad site, or by clicking on a pop up ad. Some ads have places to click yes or no, but in reality, clicking ANYWHERE on an ad will be the same as clicking yes. (You should click the X in the upper right corner to close ads. For those ads that do not have an X, you may be able to close the window using the Task manager. If you accidentally misspell a website address slightly, you may get a website setup USING the misspelled name to catch those mistakes. The sites are mostly all ads and pop ups that try to get you to buy something, or try to load junk software on to your computer. Some new malware programs are loaded by older spyware already on your computer. Another tactic is to show you a link to a current popular news story or video. Could be about a tornado outbreak, a new music video, a new TV show, some new way to make money at home, or anything that will get you to click the link. ANY type of video, news or information to get your attention. Then when you try to watch the video, you get a message saying "You need the following ActiveX object to see the video. Click here to install the ActiveX control." Or something to that effect. The "ActiveX control is really a malware program called Smitfraud. Very nasty and hard to get rid of. Be safe and be very careful what you download, which downloads you accept, and the websites you visit. And always keep your windows updated with all security updates. (I leave it up to you if you want to install Internet Explorer 7. While not necessary, it has some good points, but also has some issues with Kodak software and some HP printers. It can be removed if you have a problem.)

BE CAREFULL - BE INFORMED - BE SAFE!

Toolbars of any kind. They claim to block pop ups, but they actually block competitors ads and allow their own. They also claim to help you search, but they really change your search results to display links to sites that have paid to be first on the list. The BEST matches to your search are buried down the list someplace.

Music Downloading Software. The WORST offenders by far. Kazza, Groster, Bearshare, etc. As they say- There is no free lunch. One music sharing program will load up more junk software then 5 other "free" programs.

Free Programs. Most free programs are not free, they are "Ad Supported". That means they will install software on your computer to display as many ads as possible to get you to buy something. Then they make money off your purchases. Some popular examples are Precision Time, Date Manager, Comet Curser, Bonzi Buddy, My Daily Horoscope, Weather Bug, Save Now, Bargain Buddy, Gain, Gator Password Manager, and Wild Tangent Game Channel.

Enhancer's. Any program that claims it will speed up your internet or improve your searches. Same as above. Also any program that claims to increase system memory without adding memory chips, improve memory usage by monitoring and clearing unused memory, or speed up software downloads.

Pop Up Blockers. Most blockers are "Ad Supported". (See above again) They also are selective like toolbars. Their ads get through. Even if you find one without ad software, the real problem is the adware and spyware on your computer. Instead of covering the problem with a band aid, you want to remove the adware and spyware with Ad-Aware and Spybot. On that note, I routinely find other spy removal software on the list of items to be removed by Ad-Aware and Spybot. For example, Spybuster claims to clean your computer, but instead installs even more junk. Can't trust anybody anymore, can you. But you can trust Ad-Aware and Spybot. They really do work correctly. Here is a link to a site that shows which software works and which ones do not. NOTE HOW LONG the list of bad software is!

On-Line Gaming Sites. On-line gaming sites make money from ads. Most will display ads in every window or make you watch an ad before getting to your game. This goes for all game sites including cards, casino gambling, and arcade style games. Most of the time you have to register to use the site, (personal information), other times you need to download a special "Plug In" or "Update" to use the site. That type is the worst, because the plug in or update is ad based software that allows them to install software on your computer. Some of them can be nasty. I have seen cases where after playing games, there are game icons all over the desktop and every time you start your computer, you have to cancel out of a full screen window showing you the games and ads. Very aggravating if you ask me.