"FREE" Spyware, Adware and Virus
Protection Tools

AVG FREE Anti-Virus - AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product!

Windows Defender - Free from Microsoft for Windows XP and already included with Windows Vista helps protect your computer against security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer. Windows Defender features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, minimizes interruptions, and helps you stay productive.

CCleaner - CCleaner removes temporary internet files, cookies, temp files and many other areas of you computer - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's Free! and fast!

SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster helps prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware and other potentially unwanted pests. Blocks spyware/tracking cookies and restricts the actions of potentially dangerous web sites. Regular manual updates are required to provide the best protection for the free version but a pay to use option does allow the program to update automatically for better protection.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is compiled for a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start. The Free! version does not include the Realtime Protection Module with advanced heuristic scanning technology that monitors your system to keep it safe and secure. However the Free! version does allow for manual updates, scan and removal of the bad stuff. Activating the full version unlocks realtime protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating. It is a one time fee of $24.95 (as of 11/1/2008 - Price may change, see site for details)

SpyBot S&D - will scan your computer for Adware and Spyware and allow you to remove what it finds.

Ad-aware SE Personal Edition - will scan your computer for Adware and Spyware and allow you to remove what it finds.

SUPERAntiSpyware - Their Multi-Dimensional Scanning and Process Interrogation Technology will detect spyware that other products miss! SUPERAntiSpyware will remove ALL the Spyware, NOT just the easy ones! Very Effective at removing SmitFraud, Vundo, WinFixer, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon and AntiVermins.

HijackThis - Hijack This is for advanced users only!! You should have scanned your machine with anti-spyware, virus and trojan tools before using Hijack This. Please read the tutorials before attempting to use this program.

"Pay-to-Use" Spyware and Adware
Detection and Removal Downloads

Spyware Doctor™ 3.2.2 - Spyware Doctor is a top-rated malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes and protects your PC from thousands of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and tracking threats. Download the latest "Free Trial" to scan you PC for malware & spyware. Pay and Register to remove the items it finds.

Webroot Spy Sweeper - Spy Sweeper provides a free trial for download to scan you PC for malware & spyware. Pay and Register to remove the items it finds. Webroot Spy Sweeper detects and removes many traces left behind by other scanning tools and is very effective with bad infections.

Startup Programs and Executables Listing

LAFN Startup Programs and Executables Listings - This list is derived from one of the most comprehensive lists I have found on the internet. Thanks to The Los Angeles Free-Net a volunteer non-profit organization.

Answers That Work - These pages are from their in-house database and provide guidance on the usefulness or not of startup programs and services, also includes removal procedures when recommended.

Kephyr Startup Database - More descriptions and information on common spyware, adware and hijackers.