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Spyware
FREE Spyware Removal Programs
Compatible with all versions of Windows
Compatible with all versions of Windows
Microsoft Antispy Compatible with Windows 2000 and XP

Note: We provide these programs as a service to our customers.  Quik is NOT responsible for providing any level of support with these downloads.  Download and install at your own discretion.

What is Spyware?
Spyware is a broad term for unwanted software that infects your computer.  While Spyware is capable of pretty much anything, most Spyware programs will do one or more of the following:

  1. Unleash incessant pop-up advertising whenever you connect to the Internet

  2. Track what you do on your computer and the Internet and then send the results to advertising companies or individuals who are keeping tabs on you

  3. Replace your home page (the first page that loads when you connect to the Internet) with another page—usually a phony search engine, casino site, or porn site. 

  4. Slow down your computer by using your computer’s resources to run the Spyware in the background whenever your computer is on.

How did it get on my computer?
Spyware can get on your computer a number of ways.  The most common way is from downloading something on the Internet—usually something that is supposed to be free.  Illegal music downloading software like Kazaa and Moepheous always come nowadays bundled with four or five Spyware programs.  Many browser or email enhancement programs also come riddled with Spyware too.  Many people are tricked into downloading Spyware when they see a window like the following:z

If you accidentally click yes, your computer will soon be giving you pop-up advertisements as a punishment.

Shouldn’t there be a law?
During July of this year congresswoman Mary Bono from California proposed the SPI (Safeguard against Privacy Invasions) Act.  Right now Lawmakers are working with industry and the privacy rights community to refine the bill to avoid stunting innovation or leaving loopholes.  Yet at the moment no law prevents Spyware engineers from infecting the nations computers. 

So how do I get rid of it?
1.  Remove obvious spyware from the add/remove programs section of your control panel.  Here is a list of common programs: 

  • Date Manager

  • Precision Time

  • Newsdot.net 

  • Ncase

  • Save

  • Hotbar

  • Xupiter

  • Attune

  • B3d projector

  • Powersearch

  • XXXdial

  • coolwebsearch

  • SpyKiller

  • Internet Optimizer

  • ShopAtHomeSearch

2.  Use spyware removal tools.  Three such tools can be found at the top of this page. 

Spyware removal tools will remove most Spyware.  The above two steps may or may not remove severe infections.

If you need professional assistance removing severe infections, call Quick Computer Services at 938-1323.

How do I keep my computer safe from spyware in the future.

  1. Learn to recognize spyware so when it tries to install itself on your computer you can prevent it.

  2. Use a browser such as Mozilla Firefox that is not affected by spyware

  3. Install a program that monitors your system in real time.  If you have windows 2000 or Windows XP we recommend Microft’s antispy.  If you have windows 98 or ME we recommend Spybot’s “Tea Timer” feature which is available in the advanced section of the program.

Install all windows updates available from www.windowsupdate.com