Is this program better than others?

How exactly does it work and how often should you run it?

I assume you're talking about Spybot S & D? It has additional features that, for instance, AdAware does not. Both are great; in fact, I use them both. Often, one will catch what the other doesn't. Just make sure to update them regularly.

I run mine once a week, or just after I've downloaded something.

You also might want to try Spyware Blaster after you've run a bot check and cleaned everything out. With Spyware Blaster, it will kill any downloads that contain spy/adware in the first place. You should also update this regularly.

• Spybot S & D
• AdAware
• Spyware Blaster

Hi clarebear,
Spybot Search and Destroy is in my opinion one of the best freeware programs of it`s kind. HERE it is explained exactly what Spyware is and how Spybot Search and destroy combats this threat. I run it after every online session, as I am a prolific surfer I visit many new sites and Spybot always finds something that should not be there.
I also use AdAware which is another great free spyware destroyer.The reason I use both is that on the odd occasion AdAware will find something that Spybot missed and vice versa.
As with antivirus programs it is vital to download and install the latest updates.Spyware on your system left unchecked can considerably slow down your surfing.

I just downloaded search and destroy!

I was infested with spyware! LOL

Thanks so much!

P.S. I just love this site!

I went to Adaware but I don't know which one to download.


Full install
Ad-aware 6 from Majorgeeks.com | 1.7 mb
Ad-aware 6 from FileForum | 1.7 mb
Ad-aware 6 from PcWorld | 1.7 mb
Ad-aware 6 from Tucows | 1.7 mb
Ad-aware 6 from Wyvernworks | 1.7 mb
Ad-aware 6 from Viareggiochile | 1.7 mb

Any of them is fine, clare. I'm familiar with 1, 3 and 4; I've downloaded from all three of them in the past.

You might have some programs that have spy/adware included; if you install Spyware Blaster, it will render the program inoperable. So far, I haven't found anything with spy/adware that I can't do without, so I uninstall anything that has ad/spyware. There are lots of "clean" programs out there that won't mess with your PC.

If you have any particular programs that you really want to keep, post them and I'll see if I can find alternatives.