What do you do to protect your computer from spy-ware, ad-ware?

[laura888]

I've been hit by both and am looking for a way to take these off and protect from them in the future.

I'm considering purchasing Spyware Doctor.

thoughts?

[Reverend_Smitty]

1. I use firefox as my browser

and I haven't had a single spy-ware infection since September...when I installed it for the first time

[billyskank]

2. Run Linux! :p

If that isn't an option I would recommend the following:

(1) Get Firefox and never use IE again if you can avoid it, and

(2) regularly use SpyBot Search & Destroy and Lavasoft's Ad-Aware (both free).

[laura888]

6. Thanks! you guys are the greatest!

:loveya:

[Turn CO Blue]

7. Ditto, Firefox, (just say no to IE), and get Spybot and Ad-Aware n/t

[ghostsofgiants]

3. Ad-aware + Spybot Search and Destroy

Those are my favourites.

And start browsing with Firefox.

[mcscajun]

4. A laundry list...

Spybot Search & Destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
SpywareBlaster
Hijack This

All Free. All at www.download.com

Pest Patrol -- A program from Computer Associates. Not Free.

Use Firefox as your browser.

[auntAgonist]

5. I use

Spy Sweeper
Spy Stopper
SpyBot S&D

Kaspersky Anti Virus
Black Ice.

[Benhurst]

8. I use Ad-ware, Spybot and SpywareBlaster. SpywareBlaster comes

on when I boot up the computer and prevents spyware from being downloaded, as does Spybot. I run Ad-ware and Spybot checks every few days to catch any which have managed to get by SpywareBlaster and Spybot. Not much gets past them; but I like to double check nevertheless.

All three are freeware.

[Allenberg]

9. Well...

I have it wrapped in a giant condom. Works wonders.