Some software available for free

“Beware of the Web’s Voyeurs” [Sept. 23] omitted the most popular anti-spyware software -- all free, unlike the solutions in the article. Spyware often comes in the form of toolbars, controls, search companions or other specialized programs. Whatever it is called, answer “no” when a website asks for permission to download something, unless you’re sure of the source.

An excellent, and free, spyware prevention program is SpywareGuard, www.javacoolsoftware.com/spyware guard.html. Virus programs, firewalls and pop-up stoppers are not intended to fight spyware, unless the program specifically includes a spyware fighter. Incidentally, Mac users have little to fear, since virtually all spyware is Windows-specific.

When cleaning an infected computer, the most popular and easiest-to-use program is Ad-Aware, www.lavasoftusa .com. It catches most threats, and the ones it misses are often detected by Spybot Search & Destroy, www.safer-net working.org/en/index.html, and a more technical program,

HijackThis, www .spywareinfo.com/~merijn/index.html.

All are free for personal use.

Jonathan Handel

Los Angeles

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Editor’s note: Much of the free anti-spyware software is spyware in disguise. A powerful program such as HijackThis can damage your home computer if you do not know how to use it.