Getting Infected

I was asked to demonstrate spyware today so last night I spent about 15 minutes visiting a bunch of sites. First I had to turn off Spy Sweeper, then I had to comment out my host.txt file because it does not even let me visit these sites. Then I installed a screen saver, several tool bars, and "drove by" some nasty sites. Then for the ultimate invasion of garbage I visited www.slotchbar.com (WARNING, DO NOT VISIT THIS SITE UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES)

Now my browsing experince is hilariously ludicrous. Try to visit "Expedia" and I get a side window for links to other travel sites and a pop-under for Travelocity. The adware associated with each of the tool bars compete to pop up ads. Sometimes one pop-up will spawn "contextual" advertising from another vendor.

A quick scan of my PC reveals 39 pieces of adware and over 9,000 traces!

I can't wait to do the demo so I can get my computer back.