PopUp Adds

Does software designed to prevent popup adds work, or do they just interfere with the workings of your computer and even slow it down?

Also I have never downloaded Ad-aware because I don't know if I can figure out how to configure it, it looks complicated ( I've been to their website more than once ). Does it have default settings I could use, or can anyone provide simple setup directions? Thanks!

Mike

 

I use Popup Stopper and notice no impact on the system's speed. If you want to open a link in a new window, you do have to hold the Shift key down when clicking on the link but other than that, there is no difference when cruising the net.

AdAware is about as simple a program to use as there is.

After it's installed and opened, you merely check the boxes in the list on the left of the things on the left that you want scanned. I have "Scan Registry/Deep Scan" and "Scan Drives/C(fixed)" (one harddrive with one partition is all I have) checked. You only have to do that once, AdAware remembers your selections.

Then you click the Scan Now button on the lower right. You wait until it has finished scanning.

Click the Continue button on the lower right. Put a checkmark in the box in front of each spyware component it found (or right click anywhere on the list and select "Check All "), tell it to continue. It'll ask if you're sure you want it to get rid of the selected items, you click "yes" (or Ok, whatever it says), it deletes it all, tells you it's finished and you hit the x to close it.

 

And, you can take what Miz said to the BANK! Excellent commentary.

 

Thank you Miz,after following your instructions it was very easy. I have a few more questions though:

1. How do I customize Ad-aware, or do I need to?

2. How often should I scan? Should I have it scanning at Windows startup?

3. Should I always delete everything it detects?

4.Since it is so inexpensive, would it be worthwhile to get Ad-aware Plus which includes Adwatch?

5. If so, any particular setup instructions for Adwatch?

Many thanks in advance!

Mike

 

Well, there isn't really a need to customize Ad-aware. It's just a good software which will detect and delete all spyware left behind by certain softwares (such as Kazaa).

Well, it depends on individual. I don't think there's a need to scan at startup since it'll hog some system resource and it's a hassle, to me. Hence, I would recommend scanning at least once per week or fortnightly, depending on how often you install software.

Hmm, it's always better to delete but, there are times when you delete it, you find that the keys that you have deleted of a particular program will cause the program not able to function at all, or with errors when using it.

As for question 4 & 5, I'm not too sure about that. So, hope the above helps If there's any point I mentioned wrongly/offending, my apology (PS: we are here to learn from each other anyway )

 

Ad Aware

Anything you decide to delete can be backed up first. If you decide you want it back you can 'undo' the deletion.

To keep Ad Aware up to date you can download and install the
Refupdate at http://www.lsfileserv.com/ which will keep you reflist current. Lavasoft updates the list of spyware they scan for as they add more spyware to their list.

Alicia

 

Here's a great idea for AdAware to consider: a TSR that watches for spyware being installed on your computer or put in your registry and then stops it, just like an a/v program's realtime monitor. Does AdAware have this on their paid version, or should I write to them with this idea?

 

Everyone has been more than helpful, but can anyone answer my questions 4 & 5?

Is it worthwhile getting Ad-aware Plus since it includes Ad-watch?
And if so, any paticular settings recommended?


Mike

 

It's really kind of hard for anybody to tell you whether it's worth it or not. It's one of those personal preference things. If you think you would be more comfortable with it watching things I would say go for it (the price is certainly right). I have thought about it myself but never have bought it. I always make sure a program doesn't contain adware before I download it. Kids aren't allowed to install anything without first checking with me. So far it's worked for me. As for how to configure it, watch the screen during installtion. It will most likely give you the option to let it run at startup or not and possibly some other options. I would let it run at startup as it doesn't make much sense to have it if you aren't going to let it do it's thing. Perhaps somebody else will chime in here and give you another opinion.
For freeware without any spyware try pointing your newsreader at alt.comp.freeware and post what you're looking for there. Alternatively, you can access it here in the Google groups. Good Luck!