University Housing at Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Spyware Scanners & Pop-up Blockers

What is Spyware?

By definition Spyware is: "Unsolicited commercial software that silently leaks information to a third party, that, when collated, might constitute an invasion of privacy" Spyware is related to Browser Hijacks which are " Unsolicited commercial software that changes browser settings to point users unexpectedly to a different site." Adware is " Unsolicited commercial software that shows advertising materials to its user."  If you are having problems with your computer (like a lot of popups) or if your web browser quit working (or you can only chat) you might need to check for spyware. Having enough Spyware can even break your internet connection completely. Ad-aware, Spybot and Microsoft AntiSpyware are tools we recommend for removal of Spyware, Hijackers, and Adware. You should install more than one of these tools but do not need to install all of them.

How Can I Avoid Spyware?

The best way to avoid spyware is not to install it. One of the most common sources of spyware are popular filesharing programs like Limewire. Spyware is installed on your computer is when it comes with common programs that are given away for free. Be wary when installing programs downloaded for free from the Internet. Read dialog boxes and "End User License Agreements (EULA)" thoroughly to avoid installing software that you don't want. Once you have spyware, which almost everyone does, it is best to remove it using Ad-aware or Spybot. If you do not remove it, then it will continue to slow your internet connection and spread personal information to unwanted sources.

Step 1: Install and update Ad-aware.

CITES provides everyone on campus with a licensed version of Ad-Aware SE Pro, for FREE.
It is available for download from CITES' Software Web Store by following these instructions:

Go to CITES' Software Web Store and log in with your NetID and password.

Click on the link marked Antivirus and other Security Tools (image shown at right).

  Virus Protection (small)

Select Secure Tools - Ad-Aware SE Professional out of the Product list.

Adaware Webstore

Click the Add to Cart button on the package description page (image shown at right).

Add to Cart

Click I Agree on the End User License Agreement page.

Click the Check Out button on the order summary page. (image shown at right).

Check Out Cart

Make sure all of the information on the Customer Information page is correct, and click Next.

Click the name of the product to bring up the download page.

Product Name

Click the Install Now button on the download page and save the file to your desktop. (image shown at right).

 Install Now

Locate the newly downloaded Ad-aware file on your desktop.

Desktop Icon

Double click on the file and follow the setup instructions. The following box will pop up.
Please following instructions given in the box and then click Next.

Adaware Install 1

Check the I accept the license agreement then click Next.

Adaware Install 2

If you already have installed Ad-aware on your computer, you will see the following box. Otherwise skip ahead 2 steps.

Adaware Install 3

Click Next after uninstall has completed

Adaware Install 4

Choose your destination folder then click Next.

Adaware Install 5

Make sure it is set to install for all users on the machine then hit Next

Adaware Install 6

Again, click Next to begin installation.

Adaware Install 7

Now that Ad-aware has finished installing, click Finish to close the installer.
If you want to begin the scan now (recommended) make sure Perform a full system scan now and
Update definition file now are checked.
Then skip ahead 3 parts in step 2, as the program will automatically open and start the update.

Adaware Install 8

Step 2: Scan your computer with Ad-aware.

If you did not just download Ad-aware, your next task is to find the Ad-aware icon on your desktop
(or in All Programs under LavaSoft).

Icon

Once the program opens, click on Check for updates now found in the bottom right-hand corner.

Adaware Update 1

Then click on Connect

Adaware Update 2

Click Ok to install new reference files.

Adaware Update 3

Then click Finish to complete the update. (Again, if you just installed Ad-aware you can skip ahead 2 parts)

Adaware Update 4

In the open Ad-aware box click on 'Start'.

Adaware Scan 1

Then hit 'Next'.

Adaware Scan 2

When the scan is complete you will see a small "bug" next to the number of the New Objects found listed in red.
Click on 'Next'.

Adaware Scan 3

Right click on the list and click on 'Select all objects'.

Adaware Scan 4

Then click on 'Next'.


Adaware Scan 5

Then click on 'OK' to delete the items.


Adaware Scan 6

Once this process is complete, you may need to restart.

Use a browser with a pop-up blocker.

To keep pop-ups from appearing while you browse the Internet, it is a good idea to usea browser with a pop-up blocker. Mozilla Firefox, an alternative to Internet Explorer, has a pop-up blocker built in.

If you have Windows XP or Windows Vista, (check your operating system here) there is a pop-up blocker already installed on your computer so long as you have the latest Service Pack update. To find out if you have it turned on follow the steps below.

  1. Open Internet Explorer
  2. In the toolbar click on Tools
  3. Then click on Internet Options

    Adaware Scan 5

  4. Go to the Privacy tab and make sure the Block pop-ups box is checked

    Adaware Scan 6

  5. Then hit OK
  6. If you use University applications such as Compass, you should configure your computer to make compass work. Click here and follow step 2 to enable university popups.

    If you do not have Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and would rather continue using Internet Explorer, try installing the Google Toolbar, which blocks pop-ups and contains an integrated browser search bar.

Getting Help:

See also:

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