Spyware removers, start your engines

The PC experts over at Ars Technica published a spyware-remover competition recently, similar to Download.com's Spyware Obstacle Course. Ars Technica compared Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spyware Eliminator, Spyware Doctor, and SpySubtract Pro, testing them against a list of spyware that included Bonzi Buddy, WeatherBug, and Kazaa. A well-written article, it includes commentary on the usability of each spyware remover. To give you the quick summary: Ad-Aware made the best showing in the competition because it could remove both VX2 and BroadcastPC, components with which the other spyware removers had trouble. Another article I came across recently, by computer consultant Michael Horowitz, offers some detailed guidance for removing spyware. He suggests a complete system wipe and reinstallation. Although this method ensures a clean computer, it's kind of extreme as an everyday remedy. However, if your machine is really far gone, the article offers great tips for rebuilding it.