Anti-Spyware Toolkit

Let's face it: There are plenty of things that are worse than a computer infested with spyware — invasive software that surreptitiously monitors a user's computer habits — but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps to avoid it.

Spyware has numerous negative consequences, ranging from frequent pop-up ads to more serious issues such as data or identity theft. There are many ways spyware can make its way onto your computer: Most often, a user accidentally installs it by clicking a banner or pop-up ad or even by visiting the wrong Web page.

To help rid your machines of spyware — or better yet, prevent it altogether — we've collected articles, software, and other resources that will assist you in keeping your organization's computers clean.

Preventing and Removing Spyware

The following articles on TechSoup help you familiarizing yourself with what spyware does, how you can prevent it, and what to do if it infects your computers.

Ten Tips for Avoiding Spyware
One of the only good things about spyware is that it can largely be avoided if you have the right combination of software and safe Web-surfing habits.

Removing Spyware, Viruses, and Other Forms of Malware
A barrage of pop-up ads, unexplained system sluggishness, and an unfamiliar browser home page can all be signs that spyware has infiltrated your computer. Learn how to remove it manually or with special software.

Secure Computing: The Key Ingredients
This article explains the basics of security applications, including anti-spyware programs, firewalls, and spam filters.

Install Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-spyware tools often come as part of a larger suite of system utilities, as is the case with two Symantec programs available at TechSoup Stock. There are also a number of free options at your disposal. The free tools we list below can be used separately, but can also work together to help you prevent and remove most spyware.

Ad-Aware 2007 Free
This simple but effective program tracks down spyware and removes it from your computer.

McAfee SiteAdvisor
Some of the sneakiest forms of spyware are automatically installed when a user does something as innocuous as visiting a Web page. McAfee's Site Advisor browser plug-in warns you when you visit a Web site that has previously displayed objectionable behavior.

Norton 360
This multipurpose PC-maintenance suite with spyware-removal, virus-detection, and anti-phishing tools is available to qualifying nonprofits at TechSoup Stock. Symantec Norton 360 is available in 3-license ($15), 15-license ($18), or 30-license ($24) packages.

Norton Internet Security 2007
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007, which offers tools to help fight spyware, viruses, and other forms of malicious software, is available to qualifying nonprofits at TechSoup Stock. Norton Internet Security 2007 is available in single-license ($15), 5-license ($34), 10-license ($56), or 25-license ($98) packages.

Spybot Search and Destroy
This popular and frequently program is a fast and convenient way to locate spyware running on your computer and safely removes it.

More Spyware Resources

TeMerc Internet Countermeasures Symptoms of Infection Page
Wondering what the warning signs of a spyware infection are? TeMerc Internet Countermeasures lists more than a dozen symptoms that could indicate a spyware problem

Spyware Guide
Spyware Guide provides a wealth of resources, including a list of top 10 spyware threats, a blog containing spyware news, and a list of known offenders with advice on removing them.