Spyware Attack!

Everybody deals with spyware, and it wrecks havoc upon many computers each day. There are, however, several programs that may be used to rid your computer of spyware.

My first hand experience with spyware programs has allowed me to compose a list of the top three spyware programs currently available. The variables for this test are ease of use, effectiveness, and cost.



1. Ad-Aware SE Personal

Ease of use: Ad-Aware is a very simple program to use. All settings are very easily understood while providing the user with maximum protection. All the user must do is click "start", what type of scan to use, and Ad-aware is off and hard at work.
Rating- 9.5/10

Effectiveness: The makers of Ad-Aware must have spent a lot of quality time on this program. Each time the program is turned on, the user has the ability to update the "spyware definitions". Spyware definitions are what is used to identify and quarantine spyware. However, during my extensive testing of this program a few malicious programs escaped and were left running in the background of my comptuer.
Rating- 9/10

Cost: The cost of Ad-Aware SE Personal edition is free. An advantage over other programs is that Ad-Aware lets you only update your definitions more than once, while other programs allow for just one definition to be downloaded leaving your computer at risk from new and updated spyware. Ad-Aware also has a pay version, Ad-Aware SE Professional for $39.95. Pricey compared to other programs, the free version provides enough protection for most internet users.
Rating- 9.5/10

Overall Rating- 9.3/10




2. Spy Sweeper

Ease of Use: Spy Sweeper has a very user friendly interface. More contemporary looking than Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper allows a scan to take place with two clicks of the mouse. Spysweeper also can run throughout your use of your computer, in the taskbar.

Rating- 10/10

Effectiveness: Spy Sweeper according to many resources has been cited as the most protective program against spyware on the market. During testing this proved to be true, with Spy Sweeper eliminating all spyware from my computer. Also integrated to this program, are many other useful tools. Spy Sweeper can be set to keep your home page the same, not allowing spyware to hijack your homepage to one other than the one you choose.

Rating- 10/10

Cost: Spy Sweeper is not a cheap program. A free trial for 14 days can be downloaded from Webroot's website. After the 14 day trial, the user can either uninstall the program or pay $29.95 for unlimited use. One advantage of purchasing this program is that Webroot offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

Rating- 7.5/10

Overall Rating- 9.2/10




3. Microsoft AntiSpyware

Ease of Use: After this program is downloaded it goes straight to work. The user virtually has to do nothing after the program is installed. Microsoft AntiSpyware like Spy Sweeper runs in the taskbar, but Microsoft AntiSpyware prevents programs from adding themselves to the startup list of your computer.

Rating- 9.5/10

Effectiveness: Microsoft has currently been beefing up the security within the Windows operating system. Windows currently has a firewall in SP2 and now Microsoft AntiSpyware. This program eliminates spyware very well and is in the beta stages of production. The final product should be much better than the beta version currently available.

Rating- 9/10

Cost: The cost of Microsoft AntiSpyware is free and should soon become available through Microsoft auto updates. The download is very easy and can be downloaded from the Windows homepage. However, currently only the beta version is available and there is no set date for which the actual version is to be released.

Rating- 8.5/10

Overall Rating- 9/10




Any program to protect your computer from spyware should be a must on any computer protection plan. Ultimately the choice is yours, but I hope my advice has helped you in your search for an spyware remover.

Cell Phonology 101

Now a days cell phones and their personalizing potential has led to a vast market of ringers and cell phone wallpapers. The new definition of cool is your wallpaper and ringer. Now a given is that you will not be able to download ringers and wallpapers if you have a first generation Nokia with the green screen and black lettering.

Some cell phone providers have wallpapers and ringers from their site, but also other sites offer very personalized wallpapers and ringers. Ringers can define who a person is and what they are interested in. If an attractive girl is sitting next to you, her phone rings and it is a vulgar ringtone, you will automatically make an assumption about her.

Friends always show off their new electronics and often times the main show is their cell phone with their customized ringtones/wallpapers.

Join the Ipod Craze?

Anybody who is anybody, knows about Apple and the ipod. Ipod's are very popular amongst all age groups and recently due to their marketing genius, prices have plummeted and demand has risen. With all the hype about ipod's and the features they posses, a question is posed: "Should I join the craze and buy an ipod or purchase another mp3 player?"

Ipod's have been around for quite awhile, but just recently have become the norm for portable music. Ipod's have many notable features such as the click wheel, wide array of add-ons, and a very friendly user interface.

Apple's click wheel is a touch sensitive circle on the ipod that controls various functions. Moving your finger clockwise turns up the volume, switchs what artist you want to listen to, and also lets you choose where you would like to start the song. On the click wheel the user may push down on the left or right side of the wheel and that will choose from the previous or next song on the playlist.

Many add-ons for the ipod are available currently. Among the most popular are the itrip. The itrip allows for music to be played from the ipod onto any stereo with an FM dial. Simply tune your radio station to one of the presets on the itrip and you're ready for music to be played from your radio. Another popular add-on is the ipod remote. The ipod remote allows the user to change the song without touching the ipod at all.




No one can help but loathe over an ipod. It's sleek metal finish on the back and crystal white front are very appealing to the eye. Pleasing to the eye and also pleasing to the brain are the functions of the ipod. Read the instruction manual once and you are using your ipod with blazing speed.

People often ask, "are there any drawbacks of owning an ipod?" Simply said, there are a few drawbacks to owning an ipod as there is with any product. Ipod's can easily be confused with others unless the ipod is purchased from the Apple store. The Apple store allows the buyer to engrave the back of their ipod with their own personal message or their name. Purchasing an ipod from an outlet store other than the Apple store does not allow this option. Another drawback is that sometimes ipod's freeze and the battery must be drained. This draining of the battery takes about 2-3 hours of music listening time away from the user.

Other options are available instead of an ipod. Archos is a popular competitor to the ipod and offers a wide variety of products. Samsung also offers different mp3 players on the market.

The best plan to choosing your mp3 player of choice is to go to an electronic store and play with them. Many people would die for their ipods, but some would much rather own another mp3 player of their choice.

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