Spyware Terminator - Secure Computing & Spyware Removal
Securing Your System: A Review of Spyware Terminator
In recent weeks, we’ve explored various free utilities designed to enhance your computer’s security and stability. As part of this Secure Computing series, this article focuses on the Anti-Spyware tool, Spyware Terminator.
Installation and Setup
During the installation process, pay attention to the Advanced Settings option. Selecting this allows for greater customization during the initial configuration.
Another screen presented during installation concerns the Web Security Guard Toolbar. Given a preference against toolbars, it was deselected. While offering additional web browsing protection, modern browsers like Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3 already provide robust security features.
Compatibility Considerations
Users with 64-bit Windows systems should be aware that not all Spyware Terminator functionalities are available. Specifically, only spyware scans and elimination are supported. Full Real-Time Protection is reserved for 32-bit versions of Vista and XP.
Updating the Spyware Database
Immediately after installation, update the spyware database by clicking the “Update” button. A dedicated option, “Update Database Only,” is available for quicker updates. However, periodic full updates are recommended to ensure detection of the latest applications.
Scan Options
Spyware Terminator offers three distinct scan types: Fast, Full, and Custom. The Fast scan focuses on the system, registry, and executable files. A Full scan examines all areas of the system, while Custom allows for user-defined scan parameters.
Scheduling Scans
Scheduled scans can be configured within Spyware Terminator. Simply select the desired day and time, along with scan options, and save the settings. While the Fast Scan provides a quick solution, a full scan offers greater assurance.
Scan Progress and Control
The scan progress is clearly displayed during operation. The scan can be paused or aborted at any time if needed.
Reviewing Scan Results
Upon completion, a detailed report is presented within the user interface. This is valuable for identifying potential false positives. Due to the vast number of software applications, no program achieves 100% accuracy. Reviewing and reporting these inaccuracies helps improve the database.
Reporting False Positives
Reporting a false positive prompts a screen displaying the detected items. Contact information and a description of why the detection is incorrect can be submitted.
Internet Protection Settings
The Internet Protection section may display a notification if the Web toolbar was not installed. Cookies will not be scanned in this configuration.
Scan Result Documentation
The ability to copy scan results to the clipboard for documentation is a useful feature. This is particularly helpful when dealing with persistent spyware infections on a single machine.
Help and Support
Spyware Terminator includes a comprehensive Help & Support Center for assistance.
This series is nearing completion, and our concluding thoughts and best practices for secure computing will be shared in a future article.
Download Spyware Terminator For XP and Vista