Internet spy-ware detection

Ad-aware
License-freeware

Publisher: Lavasoft

Description
Ad-aware scans your system for ad-supported software components such as Adware, Alexa, Aureate, Comet Cursor, Cydoor, Doubleclick, DSSAgent, EverAd, Flyswat, Gator, Gratisware, HotBar, NewDotNet, OnFlow, TimeSink, Web3000, and Webhancer and lets you remove them safely. Where does it come from? Most likely this spyware parasites was installed with some free software or when you visited some web sites without you even noticing. While producers of spyware claim its purpose is merely to collect information about Internet habits in order to deliver ads tailored to a surfer's interests, privacy advocates are concerned about the potential misuse of this data. Using updateable "reflists," which are sort of like antivirus DAT files, Ad-aware scours your system, including Registry and temporary Internet files, and looks for traces of recognized adware modules. When it's finished searching, it displays a list of what it found and lets you select the items you'd like to remove from your system. And when coupled with its companion program, RefUpdate, you're always assured of using the most comprehensive list of adware to search for. The main drawback is that some ad-supported programs, such as GoZilla Free, will no longer function if you remove their ad modules. If privacy is your main concern, Ad-aware will help keep you anonymous on the Web.

Don't forget to download and install Lavasoft RefUpdate utility, that lets you automatically update the list of spyware.

For more info and free download go to developer site Lavasoft