Can't find what you're looking for? Google it!

Virus & Spyware Software

(All links below open in a new window)

AdAware - Run time spyware software. Regular updates. Needs to be installed.

AVG - Free resident antivirus program. Commercial version available. Grisoft have now brought out antispyware program.

CCleaner - Free software that checks the registry for errors, checks against temporary files etc. and will also check for corrupted software installations.

Hijackthis - Run time spyware software. Allows you to see what's in the registry and delete entries quickly. No install needed.

HouseCall - online virus scanner from Trend Micro. Very similar to the Panda ActiveScan. Use the Browser plugin as opposed to the Java version. Needs to be installed.

Microsoft Live Scan - Online scanner that will check for and remove viruses, trojans and spyware. Free scan.

NoAdware - Run time spyware checker. Needs to be installed.

Panda ActiveScan - Online virus scanner. Allows you to see what viruses / spyware are infecting your computer. You can't disinfect using this software. Needs various plug in installed via Internet Explorer.

SPAMFighter - Not quite a virus or spyware checker, but some of these infections can come in via SPAM emails. This free software allows you to add SPAM filters to either Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Outlook Express.

Spybot – Run time spyware program that looks for many different spyware infections. Needs to be installed.

Spysweeper - Resident commercial spyware application. Installs as a TSR and scans in real time. Free spyware scan available from the web site. Needs to be installed.

Stinger - Run time virus scanner from McAfee that checks for the latest virus threats. No install needed.

Webroot Spy Audit - Free online spyware scanner from the makers of Spysweeper. Only checks, does not remove. Needs to be installed.

Windows Defender - Resident real time anti spyware scanner from Microsoft. Very powerful and free. Download BETA 2 version. Only works with Windows XP, and will check for genuine Windows licence. Needs to be installed.

Virus & Spyware Removal Tips

Tip #1

Many trojans, viruses and spyware programs come in via the internet browser. A good start is to clear the Internet Explorer cache and remove all cookies (you may want to back up the cookies first).

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. Click on Tools >> Internet Options
3. In the centre of the window that appears, you will see two buttons, one says "Delete Cookies", the other is to "Delete Files". Click both to clear the cache and cookies

Tip #2

Another good place to remove files is to run a "Disk Cleanup".

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Right-click Local Disk C: and select Properties
3. Click the Disk Cleanup button to the right of the graphical pie chart. (NB: This may take a while to analyse the hard disk)
4. Check any options that you want to remove (usual suspects are temporary files, temporary internet files and the recycle bin)

Tip #3

Because some of the viruses and spyware applications become resident (i.e. they stay in your system RAM when you boot up the computer), the software above may not be able to remove some instances. It is a good procedure to try and run these scans in Safe Mode (any online applications will not run because you will not have internet access).