Spyware and Malware removal?

[Exeson]

So, I've been having a few issues lately and I've come to suspect that spyware/malware (I don't even know if those two are different) is perhaps to blame.

So I turn to the playground because you guys have never let me down before... that I remember :smalltongue:

As you can guess I'm not that knowledgeable about computers but I'd really appreciate it if someone could suggest some decent detection and also removal tools with links to sites which I can trust?

Cheers.

[Ranger Mattos]

I suggest you try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org/) and SuperAntiSpyware (http://superantispyware.com/).

Run a complete scan for each. Together they should be able to detect almost anything malicious on your computer.

[Aedilred]

FYI, "malware" is a catch-all term for software on your computer that you don't want. "Spyware" is a particular type of malware that is designed to collect information about the user. Some of it is more intrusive than others but some of it can run quietly in the background and you'll never notice it unless you go looking.

I use SpyBot (http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html) for all my anti-malware needs and it seems to do a decent job. At the recommendation of a friend I have also just installed Immunet. Both of them are free.

[Phishfood]

spybot S&D and adaware between them seem to catch everything.

You can get both for free from www.filehippo.com.

failing that, here is a comprehensive if a bit dated guide.

http://jacko.demon.co.uk/spyware-cleaning.html

[Runestar]

AVG worked wonders for me. :smallsmile: