Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Let's face it: There are plenty of things that are worse than a computer infested with spyware — invasive software that surreptitiously monitors a user's computer habits — but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps to avoid it.

Spyware has numerous negative consequences, ranging from frequent pop-up ads to more serious issues such as data or identity theft. There are many ways spyware can make its way onto your computer: Most often, a user accidentally installs it by clicking a banner or pop-up ad or even by visiting the wrong Web page.

To help rid your machines of spyware — or better yet, prevent it altogether — we've collected articles, software, and other resources that will assist you in keeping your organization's computers clean.

Read TechSoup Articles on Preventing and Removing Spyware

Start by familiarizing yourself with what spyware does, how you can prevent it, and what to do if it infects your computers.

10 Tips for Avoiding Spyware
One of the only good things about spyware is that it can largely be avoided if you have the right combination of software and safe Web-surfing habits.

Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Forms of Malware
A barrage of pop-up ads, unexplained system sluggishness, and an unfamiliar browser home page can all be signs that spyware has infiltrated your computer. Learn how to remove it manually or with special software.

Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
This article explains the basics of security applications, including anti-spyware programs, firewalls, and spam filters.

Read Reviews of Anti-Spyware Programs

If you're in the market for an anti-spyware program, these product reviews may help you narrow down your choices.

CNET Top 10 Anti-Spyware Apps
Consumer technology site CNET reviews 10 commercial and free anti-spyware applications in this product roundup.

PC World Anti-Spyware Comparison Chart
Chart compares five anti-spyware applications and provides full reviews of each product.

Install Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-spyware tools often come as part of a larger suite of system utilities, as is the case with two Symantec programs available at TechSoup Stock. There are also a number of free options at your disposal. The free tools we list below can be used separately, but can also work together to help you prevent and remove most spyware.

Products Available from TechSoup Stock

Symantec Norton 360
This multipurpose PC-maintenance suite with spyware-removal, virus-detection, and anti-phishing tools is available to qualifying nonprofits at TechSoup Stock. Symantec Norton 360 is available in 3-license ($15), 15-license ($18), or 30-license ($24) packages.

Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007, which offers tools to help fight spyware, viruses, and other forms of malicious software, is available to qualifying nonprofits at TechSoup Stock. Norton Internet Security 2007 is available in single-license ($15), 5-license ($34), 10-license ($56), or 25-license ($98) packages.

Free Anti-Spyware Software

Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
This simple but effective program tracks down spyware and removes it from your computer.

BillP Studios WinPatrol
WinPatrol, designed to prevent spyware from invading your computer, acts as a system shield. However, the application offers no tools for removing pests.

Javacool EULAlyzer
End-user license agreements (EULAs) often disclose whether spyware comes bundled with another application. This tool makes it easier to wade through lengthy EULAs by pointing out suspicious words and phrases that may indicate the presence of spyware.

McAfee SiteAdvisor
Some of the sneakiest forms of spyware are automatically installed when a user does something as innocuous as visiting a Web page. McAfee's Site Advisor browser plug-in warns you when you visit a Web site that has previously displayed objectionable behavior.

TrendMicro HijackThis
TrendMicro's free HijackThis tool can help scrub out tenacious forms of spyware that take control of your Web browser and don't respond well to other removal methods. This tool should only be used by tech-savvy persons who are comfortable working with a computer's registry.

More Spyware Resources

The following Web sites feature spyware news, blogs, and user forums to help you stay one step ahead of the enemy.

TeMerc Internet Countermeasures Symptoms of Infection Page
Wondering what the warning signs of a spyware infection are? TeMerc Internet Countermeasures lists more than a dozen symptoms that could indicate a spyware problem

Spyware Guide
Spyware Guide provides a wealth of resources, including a list of top 10 spyware threats, a blog containing spyware news, and a list of known offenders with advice on removing them.

Spyware Warrior
Spyware Warrior offers discussion forums, feature comparison charts of anti-spyware programs, and a list of so-called "rogue" anti-spyware products (applications that trick users into buying them by returning false spyware scan results).

Ben Edelman's Home Page
Harvard professor Ben Edelman maintains a blog about spyware-related news and has published in-depth studies about various forms of spyware and the companies that distribute them.