We ran the spybot program recently and were stunned by how much crap was revealed . We think it's because our son has been searching for mp3's a lot lately.
here's an extract from a friend's email. It might be useful...to someone
....i've compiled a list here of apps i use all the time with a totally clear conscience.
some are open source all are licenced for free to private individuals.
note these free licences do not always extend to business, government or corporate use.
spybot - kill spyware stone cold with safety
http://www.safer-networking.org/
these guys impressed me so much i sent a donation.
spywareblaster - stops those annoying intrusive active x apps
( that msoft love ) ever being installed in the first place.
my computer goes much faster now that it's immunised against all the crap
the corps try to clog you with ( why should your computer help with their
crappy market research )
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Mozilla - best browser. shits on IE and Outhouse Excess. you will love mozilla.
you will never go back to IE unless your some kind of masochist. the mozilla
engine is behind netscape. junk mail gone. pop-ups gone. import your whole
address book from Outhouse Excess if you like. netscape users will preserve all
their prefs.
and it's open source. power to the people baby.
http://www.mozilla.org/
all the problems i've heard IE users whinge about don't exist, repeat don't exist
with mozilla. buy a pop-up killer if you like, or you could simply wipe your bum
with your money. just get mozilla for jc sake. oh and 16mb vs 60mb of useless
msoft crap(IE).
once you start tabbed browsing you will never look back.
and last but MOST IMPORTANT
Zone Alarm - going on the net w/out a firewall is like walking down the street in
your undies.
go Zone Alarm Pro if you want to pay the extra but the free version WORKS.
puts you in charge of your ins and outs.
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/zap_za_grid.jsp
many of these programs have been developed by the open source community.
by people who want to make the best software instead of a personal fortune at your expense.