Labs

Anti-Spyware Software

Our test PC ran a fresh and updated installation of Windows XP Professional Edition running Service Pack 2 and current security updates. We installed an anti-spyware program, updated it and ran an initial scan. We then copied a handful of dubious files from the internet to the hard disk and tried to install them in turn. Some of these try to download further files from the internet.

Some of the software we used as potentially hostile samples initially appeared to be reasonable, advert-sponsored software, but it soon became clear one piece of adware started another and the result was a slow machine that was hard to clean. We tried to install these utilities, and if the anti-spyware program recommended removing or blocking the software we went with its recommendations.

If the anti-spyware program didn't see a problem with the potentially problematic software, we allowed it to install. If the anti-spyware program seemed reluctant to alert us, we waited until the end of the tests, ran a final scan and then installed and ran the free Ad-Aware SE Personal scanner to try and detect any remaining spyware or adware components.