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SpywareBlaster
Table of Contents
SpywareBlaster Window (from help pages)
**You must update SpywareBlaster at least once a week**
What is SpywareBlaster?
SpywareBlaster is a program that prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests. It also blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox, and restricts the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.
Installation
- Double click on the SpywareBlasterSetup icon.
- On the Setup-SpywareBlaster screen, click “Next”.
- Click the radio button next to "I accept the agreement" , then click "Next".
- Click “Next” on the following Information page.
- Accept the default for where SpywareBlaster will be installed and click “Next”.
- On the Select Additional Tasks page, click “Next”.
- On the Ready to Install page, click “Install”.
- On the Completing SpywareBlaster Setup Wizard page, make sure there is a check mark next to "Run SpywareBlaster", then click "Finish".
- Continue to the Getting Started section.
Getting Started
1. On the Getting Started Tutorial page, please read the information and click "Next".
2. On the Keeping Up-to-Date page, please read the information and click "Next".
3. On the Thank you for using SpywareBlaster page click "Finish".
4. Now you will be in the SpywareBlaster main page.
5. First off, make sure you are connected to the internet and click "Updates" on the left hand side of the SpywareBlaster screen.
6. Click on "Check for Updates".
7. When it is finished updating, it will say "Update Successful".
8. Click "Protection" on the left hand side of the SpywareBlaster screen.
9. On the lower half of the SpywareBlaster page, where it says Quick Tasks click on "Enable All Protection".
10. Once that finishes, you will see protection is enabled for Internet Explorer, Restricted Sites, and Mozilla.***NOTE: You should run the Update feature once a week***
There is an Automatic Update feature for SpywareBlaster that will automatically run the updates, however it costs $9.95 per year as of August 2004.
SpywareBlaster Window
When you start SpywareBlaster, the Protection Status screen is displayed.
A short description of the various buttons/links:
Status: Displays the Protection Status page
Internet Explorer: Displays the Internet Explorer protection page
Restricted Sites: Displays the Restricted Sites protection page
Mozilla/Firefox: Displays the Mozilla/Firefox protection page
Enable All Protection: Enables all SpywareBlaster Protection (Internet Explorer, Restricted Sites, and Mozilla/Firefox).
Disable All Protection: Removes all SpywareBlaster Protection (Internet Explorer, Restricted Sites, and Mozilla/Firefox).
Download Latest Protection Updates: Displays the Check for Updates wizard.
SpywareBlaster System Snapshot creates an "image" of various browser and system settings. Should your computer ever become infected with spyware, running System Snapshot could help remove many, if not all, components of the infection. System Snapshot can also reverse the changes of many browser hijackers.
NOTE: System Snapshot points are limited to the user that created them because many of the items stored only relate to that particular user. If you have a multi-user system, it is recommended that you create System Snapshots for each user/profile.
SpywareBlaster System Snapshot only shows the Snapshots the current user has created (no other saved snapshot points are shown).
SpywareBlaster provides additional functionality in its "Tools" section. A short description of each of the Tools can be found below.
Browser Pages: This displays many of the "browser pages" on your system (for example, your homepage, various search pages, etc.) and provides the functionality to change any of them. Pages are displayed for both Internet Explorer and Mozilla.
Hosts Safe: The Hosts Safe can store encrypted backup copies or snapshots of the Hosts file. These backup copies are stored in the SpywareBlaster folder. Should you ever need to restore a backup copy of your hosts file, simply select it from the displayed list and press the "Restore Saved Backup" button.
Misc. Internet Explorer Settings: Here you can edit a few Internet Explorer settings that are not readily available through any built-in interface in IE.
Flash Killer: Macromedia Flash can be used to display animated interfaces on websites, animations, and other "Flash" content. Unfortunately, advertisers have begun to use Flash as a method for creating annoying and distracting content. And some users that wish to keep Flash off of their computers altogether have found it troublesome to prevent every website that uses Flash from installing it. Flash Killer can set the kill bit for the Macromedia Flash control (versions 4.x, 5.x, or 6.x) - preventing the installation completely and disabling it if it is already installed. Reversing this procedure is easy.
Custom Blocking: Create your own list of ActiveX controls that you want to block. Add search engine toolbars, browser plug-ins, and more - block any ActiveX control you want. You can even download Custom Blocking lists other people have created.
(Warning: Please be careful when using a Custom Blocking list someone else has created. Only consider using a Custom Blocking list if you trust the person that created it.)
It's very important that you keep your protection up-to-date. SpywareBlaster offers two easy options:
1.) AutoUpdate - keep your protection up-to-date automatically! (This costs $9.95 per year)
2.) Check for Updates - check for the latest protection updates manually, using the built-in wizard
The Check for Updates feature is completely free. To access it, press the "Updates" tab on the left side of the program. But remember: you will need to check for updates at least once a week.
How to update SpywareBlaster
1. Go to Start button--->All Programs--->SpywareBlaster--->click on the SpywareBlaster fly out menu to launch SpywareBlaster.
2. First off, make sure you are connected to the internet and click "Updates" on the left hand side of the SpywareBlaster screen.
3. Click on "Check for Updates".
4. When it is finished updating, it will say "Update Successful" or "No Updates Available".
5. Then click on the red X on in the upper right hand corner of the SpywareBlaster screen to close the program.
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Last Modified: 8 Oct 2004
doit@sfsu.edu
