Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Should I attempt adware removal myself?

Adware removal can't really be attempted if you don't know the dangers that lurk. In the global and faceless Internet environment, dangers are everywhere and they often pop up where and when least expected. Adware isn't something you want, but it can attach itself to your system like a pariah...laying in wait and unleashing its annoyances until adware removal is a success.

Just as the old adage says, nothing is free, and sometimes this even includes free software. Unfortunately, in the competitive advertising market, many so-called free software programs often come with a heavy price...adware. If you use programs such as KaZaA, Opera or GrokSter, adware removal can be virtually impossible without disabling the program itself. With other, often less popular freeware applications, your system can be completely cleaned of adware components by using a safe, effective adware removal tool such as Spyware Doctor.

Keeping your PC clean of adware and spyware can be a laborious task so the best defense might be preventing the need for adware removal in the first place. There are a few steps you can take to help protect your computer from adware and its many annoyances.

Adware Removal Tips

First, make sure your computer has all of the updates necessary to keep its operating system at optimum levels. Security patches and application updates can prevent malicious components from infiltrating your system without your knowledge. As with any unwanted virus or application, adware removal after infestation is always more difficult than preventing it. In fact, most users are completely unaware that adware is even on their system.

Second, while adware isn't really considered a virus in the popular sense of the word, you should certainly keep your virus definitions up to date and use a reliable firewall. Unlike adware removal that completely eliminates the application, this will prevent any adware from communicating with third parties and keep dangerous hackers at bay as well.

Third, be sure to read the end user license agreements that come with software applications before you install any program onto your computer system. While the language can be quite verbose, some will interlace verbiage that you give them permission to install adware onto your system and that adware removal shouldn't be attempted.

Typically, if a software program asks or grants itself permission via a licensing statement, the adware installed is relatively safe. While incredibly intrusive and annoying, it's intent isn't to be malicious. However, other programs may have adware components that are unfriendly and potentially hazardous to your operating system. Ideally, never put yourself in a position where you might need adware removal. Trusted programs such as Spyware Doctor can ensure that adware and spyware stay out of your way and off your computer. After all, adware removal won't even be an issue if it can't penetrate the watchful eye of an adware buster.