Don't trust ads for anti-spyware programs

In my spare time, I decided to click on one oif the many ads out on the internet that claimed they would scan my computer for spyware/adware free. I downloaded the program, called spyware nuker or something like that, and installed it. I did a full scan and the program found one item that it claimed to be adware, but that program was a legit program I downloaded (I also have spyware/adware protection from McAfee). I then proceeded to the remove step and selected remove, but I got a message saying that the program only scans for spyware/adware and that you have to purchace it to remove it. The point is that you shouldn't trust programs that advertise on other web pages, you should trust something like MS antispyware that is free and is from a trusted publisher. Software writers that charge money will take many different steps to make thier software look necessary to inexperienced users.

matt.modica,

That might help someone, here is a list of great removal tools...

Ad-aware
Spybot
Pest Patrol
Spy Sweeper
Counter Spy
Hijack this

With those, you can take care of all your spyware pretty dang good.

Also add Microsoft Anti-Spyware.

matt.modica,

I do like MS Anti Spyware, and it's cousins Giant and Counter Spy, but I never recommend Beta software as a general rule. When they finish it, and Microsoft gets to keep it's own definitions, it's going to be a great program.

Actually that is a good rule especially when a company is testing a type of software that it has never writen before.