Anti-Spyware

Adware: While not necessarily malware, adware is considered to go beyond the reasonable advertising that one might expect from freeware or shareware. Typically a separate program that is installed at the same time as a shareware or similar program, adware will usually continue to generate advertising even when the user is not running the originally desired program.

Spyware: Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.

EdCom recommends that you install any of the applications listed below to prevent unwanted adware and spyware. Edcom also recommends that you run the scan immedately after installation to check for pre-existing adware/spyware on your machine.

PC - Windows XP or Vista	Instructions
Microsoft Windows Defender - During installation, select the defaults.	How to Install Microsoft Windows Defender
Lavasoft Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition - During installation, select the defaults.	How to Install Lavasoft Ad-Aware