Ad aware: Eliminate web bugs & parasites
Written: Nov 16 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Spyware detection
Cons: N/A
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| psugrowler's Full Review: AD-Aware |
Sometimes they ask permission, sometimes they don’t. The invasion of your privacy I am speaking of. Unsolicited visitors, phone calls, faxes, and e-mails are downright annoying. What’s worse is spyware! Internet services track your online habits, unbeknownst to you, by placing files or folders on your hard drive. Also being utilized are web bugs, clear gif’s embedded on web pages, that transmit information back to these companies. These companies then tailor specific ads toward you, based on your compiled surfing habits, the next time you access their site. Not only is your information being utilized but chances are it is being sold to a list of others.
AD aware is a simple, freeware tool that scans your memory, hard drive and registry for traces of adware servers, from culprit parasitic, companies, and quickly erases them. The 258k self-extracting file took seconds to download and I was anxious to see what would turn up on my system.
AD aware, per their website, detects and deletes the following types of spyware: Web3000, Gator, Cydoor, Radiate/Aureate, Flyswat, and Conducent/TimeSink as well as the non-adware Comet Cursor. Did I just hear a rounds of cheers after that last reference?
Software advertising has become hot because you can be subjected to advertisements even when you are not connected to the Internet.
The spy tactics used by these companies are very clever. Listed are the following spyware companies and some important things you ought to know:
Radiate/Aureate tracks your usage in real time, noting habits, demographics and other useful intangibles.
Conducent/Timesink also initializes software into your desktop that can be used at any time. Surveys, reports, usage frequencies and click through’s are measured and reported back to these companies.
CyDoor tracks and attacks users with customized content that can be viewed while you are on or offline.
Comet Systems references cookies, IP’s and other user information.
Web3000 not only delights you with banner ads but tracks your internet usage also.
These six companies have infiltrated a growing list of common software applications:
Calypso e-mail, Cute FTP, FreeSubmit, LapLink FTP, NetCaptor, Free Solitaire, Trade Trakker, Sonic Mail, PK Zip, Human Click, Free Tetris and more . . . The list is very extensive.
AD aware runs a scan searching for spyware modules from these six companies. The AD aware logfile revealed the following results:
The scan on my memory yielded 14 modules. None were embedded with spyware.
The scan on my registry yielded 4 spywares. Gator and Comet Cursor were among the offenders.
The scan on my bootdrive yielded 4 spywares also.
A CyDoor cache folder was detected in my Eudora mail program.
Once again Gator and Comet Cursor were found. Here’s a surprise . . . AD aware even revealed cookies from DoubleClick!!
AD aware eliminated all types of spyware instantly. No more DoubleClick cookies or those unsightly Comet Cursors . . . for now. Use AD aware to tune up your PC and find out who’s been following your footsteps. Then get rid of these Internet parasitic predators once and for all.
Recommended:
Yes
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