George Fox University | Offices and Services | Institutional Technology | Adaware

Adaware

Ad-aware can be found in our downloads section. What exactly does Ad-aware do? It searches your computer for what is known as 'spyware' or 'adware.' Spyware/adware in very simple non technical terms is bad. More technically, it can be anything from popups to bits and pieces that webpages or programs such as KaZaa and other miscellaneous internet programs put on your computer which can spy on you. Spyware/adware can also clutter up and slow down computers - sometimes even making them inoperable. It is usually a good idea to run an anti-spyware program such as Ad-aware fairly often such as once a month.

To start Ad-aware, double click this icon on your desktop after installing the program.

1. Updating Ad-Aware Definitions

Just like Norton Anti-virus, Ad-aware comes out with updates which can catch new spyware/adware. To update your Ad-aware 'refrence file,' after going online, click on the Web Updates button on the upper right side of the window seen in 1. A screen will pop up in which you click on the 'Connect' button. Ad-aware will then download any updates available then you can click on the 'Finish' button to go back to the main screen.

2. Scan computer

To scan your computer, click on the Start button as seen on 2. Click the button labled 'Next' to begin. Ad-aware will now search though your computer for spyware which can take any amount of time depending on how fast your computer is or the number of files you have. After the program scans your computer, it brings up a list of spyware/adware found. Click on all of the check boxes of the spyware/adware to remove and click next to do it.