Utilities For Performance, Privacy & Security

 
Spyware: Another growing issue, ranging from simple methods such as "cookies" which can be used to record purchasing and browsing habits, to applications which can be more invasive.  A periodic scan of your system can help remove these various components.  A very effective free version of Ad-aware can be found at: http://www.lavasoftusa.com or try Spybot S&D.  Also, you can perform an online scan with http://www.pestpatrol.com though their software to fix any issues found is not free. Beware: not all spyware removal tools are what they claim to be, do the research first if using a different utility.

"Browser Toolbars" are a common form of adware/spyware that to seem customize and enhance your web browser for free.   Unfortunately many of these web browser extensions also send intrusive pop-up ads, monitor surfing habits and may even stealth install themselves without the user's prior knowledge and consent.

Internet Explorer "homepage hijack": A growing trend among internet advertisers and spyware, beyond pop-ups and eMail spam, is homepage "hijacking", which involves re-pointing Internet Explorer's home location to a location of their choosing.  Normally this is fixed by selecting <Tools> and <Internet Options> in Explorer.  Increasingly however, if this is not successful, the next best thing to try are the various spyware solutions I have listed here (make sure you have the latest spyware definitions file).  If still unsuccessful, here are a few other references that may help:

Here are some forums for Spyware information that may be helpful:

SpywareGuide: Good resource on spyware applications, what they do and how they’re used. These resources include: which software applications can detect and defeat spyware, an extensive database of all known spy software and adware applications and contact information.
Spywareinfo Forums: This is one of the best support forums. Within minutes of posting your log or question, an expert will be reviewing it and you will have the answer you seek within those very minutes. They are very quick, accurate, and friendly!
Cexx Forums: This is another good one with friendly users, helpful people that are very smart.
DSLReports Forums: This has got to be one of the busiest forums. They are quick to respond, accurate, and everything else.
Net-Integration Forums: These are excellent forums! The home of Spybot Search and Destroy forums! Everyone here know what they are doing. They are extremely friendly. Also post here with Spybot problems you may have.
Lavasoft Support Forums: From the makers of Ad-Aware. There are a few people here who know how to read logs. Also, if you have any problems with Ad-Ware post here.
TomCoyote Forums: This forum is another excellent resource. The people here a friendly, helpful, and support both Ad-Aware and Spybot and Hijackthis logs.
Techguy Forums: Like most places, they have tons of helpful, friendly experts.
D-A-L forums: A smaller online help forum, working hard to increase the size of their community.
ComputerCops.biz Forums: A great forum, with lots of interesting stuff besides the forum itself, which is also very large with short response time.
SpyWare BeWare!: A relatively new forum ran by Maddoktor2. Not as formal as most, but a good place to relax and still find help.
BleepingComputer.com: Bleeping Computer is a community devoted to providing free original content, consisting of computer help and tutorials, in such a way that the beginning computer user can understand it.