How to Detect Adware
Adware is a type of malicious program that can infect a computer and cause various problems and annoyances such as random advertisement pop-ups and program glitches. Adware is often disguised as a legitimate program, and may even be unwittingly installed by the computer user. Learn how to detect adware and protect your computer with these steps.
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Instructions
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Have an updated antivirus program running at all times. Antivirus programs are the first line of defense against malicious programs. If you don't have antivirus, AVG free, Avira AntiVir and Avast are popular free programs that offer good protection.
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Use a firewall. Firewalls block internet ports and reduce the chances that a computer will contract viruses and adware. Always have Windows Firewall turned on unless you have your own firewall program. If you are connected through a wireless router, you should also be protected by the router's firewall.
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Use your antivirus program to conduct a full-system scan. If you suspect you have come under attack by adware, your antivirus program should be your first stop for scanning your computer.
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Run Windows Defender. Windows Defender is an adware and spyware removal and detection tool that can help block and detect adware. Vista users will all have Windows Defender, and XP users can download it for free from Microsoft. To run it click "Start," "Control Panel," "Windows Defender," then "Scan."
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Download Spybot Search and Destroy and conduct a full-system scan. Spybot is a well-known spyware and adware removal tool that can help detect adware that other programs missed.
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Download Ad Adware and conduct a full-system scan. Similar to Spybot, Ad Adware is another free downloadable program that is popular for detecting adware.
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Tips & Warnings
Many adware programs disguise themselves as tools that will actually help remove adware and spyware. Be extremely careful when installing any program that claims to be able to remove adware--Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad Adware are two well-established programs that work well.
