George Fox University | Offices and Services | Institutional Technology | Adware and Spyware

Adware and spyware are programs that sneak onto your computer, often with no action on your part other than viewing a web page or installing software. Adware programs try to hijack your web browser and/or pop up ads on your computer. Spyware programs watch what you do and then send a report to someone. The worst of these programs watch for credit card numbers or other personal information to steal. If you haven't checked for these programs, chances are you have several already just from browsing the web or installing extra software.

General Prevention

To keep adware and spyware from getting on your computer:

• Avoid installing extra software on your computer. You may think you're just getting a cute screen picture or fast access to the weather, but almost every time what you're also getting is adware and spyware. Included in extra software are programs like KaZaa, LimeWire, and WebShots that are known to add other software during their installs.
• If a website pops up a request to install software, hit alt-F4 (this is better than saying No, because sometimes no is yesâ?¦). If you really, really think you need the software, contact the Service Desk to double-check the title before installing.
• Use pop-up blocking. Pop-up blockers need to be told to trust georgefox.edu sites or they will shut down web access to Foxmail and some features of Bruindata.

Microsoft AntiSpyware

Microsoft has released a free (for now) program that works like antivirus but for adware and spyware. This program is always on watching and blocking install attempts as you surf the web or install software. To install you will need your Windows license number (on the CD and often on a sticker on your computer). The link for this software is below. If you are unable to install Microsoft AntiSpyware, or if you want to do additional scans (about 1 in 20 programs that Microsoft doesn't catch AdAware will catch) install AdAware from the link below. AdAware has to be run manually - the free version only scans on command - but is still worth installing and having on hand.

• Microsoft AntiSpyware
• AdAware SE

These programs will usually remove what they find, though sometimes a restart and rescan are required. Also, like antivirus, these programs need to have their definition files updated. Use the links presented on the main screens to update before scanning.

If you have any problems removing adware or spyware, or any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Service Desk.