The adware removal software series is dedicated to reviewing the best adware software on the market.  I would like to start off with what I think is the best software for removing adware – the software is called Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes is a great anti-malware software that is a strong competitor that provides a one-two bunch when removing spyware, malware and adware.  You get this powerful software with the prize of FREE.  Yes, it’s totally free and does not skimp on functions, like some other freeware downloads.  I’ve run this software on different computers and at different processor speeds and every time it’s been considerably faster than any of the software that I’ve used.  The heuristics engine proved time after time that it was able to tell the difference between false positives and actual mal-ware apps.

The software is able to perform multiple drive scans which are enabled during the pre-scan options.  The multiple drive scan includes the option to scan network drives and a context menu option that includes a “scan on demand” for individual files.  The interface is easy to navigate and is very user friendly.  The installation process is painless and does not require that much disk space.  Ever scan of your computer comes with a change log which shows you what your computer has scanned and which files have been quarantined.

Even though the software is free; there are some limitations of the functionality of Malwarebytes.  The full-version includes a real-time protection function as well as a scheduler that allows you to scan your computer during convenient times.  However, the power of the scanner is not limited with the freeware.

Last and most importantly, the scan does not heavily affect computer resources.  There are many virus scan/spyware scanners that bog down your computer and can limit the functionality of your programs when running the scan.  Malwarebytes does a wonderful job scanning in the background and has proven that it’s the best “no fuss” adware removal software on the market.

Adware and spyware can slowly down your computers capacity as well make all applications sluggish.  All of this can be prevented by using adware removal software.  Here are some steps to make removal of malicious programs quick and easy.  If your system is badly infected, it will take a longer time to detect and remove all adware from your computer.  Make sure to download a program such as Lavasoft’s Ad- Adware or Malwarebytes.  These programs are both free to try.  You will be ready to start the process once you’ve installed the appropriate software.
First, disconnect from the internet.  The reason that you need to disconnect is so that no more adware can be installed or run while you are running your software.  If the internet is on and you’re running you adware removal software, it could cause your computer to seize up.  If you are unsure how to disconnect from the internet, simply save all applications and then pull the Ethernet cord from the modem.
Run the scan option on your computer application and if your computer allows it, run the scan in “safe mode”. Make sure to run the full scan function.  It is recommended that you allow the software to run under default settings so that is can automatically detect, clean, quarantine and delete the offensive programs.
After scanning your computer, run SmitFraudFix.  Many of today’s most popular spyware and adware is delivered from the Zlob family of Trojan downloaders.  SmitFraudFix is a great way to kill all variants of these types of Trojans.
Once all programs are run and everything is fixed, you will need to try and prevent future infections from occurring on your computer.  Try to uninstall all programs that you think has malware, spyware or adware on it.  Some popular programs that have adware are:

Bearshare
Kazaa
Morpheus
Limewire
Bonzai Buddy
Also, make sure that all undesirable websites have been added to your Trusted Sites Zone.  The next time you install a program on your computer, remember to research the software first to determine whether the software is an adware infected application.  A good way to do this is by Google searching the software and using adware removal software. Lastly, you can update your security settings in your web browser so that only trusted sites are allowed to store cookies on your computer.