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Consumer Alert: Stealth Ad Invasion

Don't look now, but your computer may be harboring software that lets unwanted advertising in.

By Tom Spring, PCW Print   

How to Get Rid of Adware

Ideally, you'll keep adware off your PC by being careful about what you download. But if you've already been bitten, try these tips:

To Detect Adware

  • Open the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete. It lists the programs running in the background.

  • Visit Scumware.com. One of its applets detects Ezula TopText or Spedia SurfPlus.

  • Use a firewall like ZoneAlarm. It alerts you when any program attempts to send or receive data (such as any personal information) and lets you block or approve each attempt and find out which apps are making the requests.

To Remove the Programs

  • Open Windows' Control Panel and uninstall the software with the Add/Remove Programs applet.

  • Check the free Ad-Aware program by LavaSoft. It helps you remove programs installed surreptitiously on your PC.

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