Anybody know anything about Spy software?

[joeybee12]

What I mean is, software that can detect whether you're being spied on by some of the sites you've visited. I guess all sites--with the exception of DU, of course, track you after you've visited. I don't want them to. I know there's some software that can blast them away--any free downloads anywhere?

Thanks!

[Kamika]

1. Well first thing

Is to make sure you dont allow cookies

[joeybee12]

2. No problem, I'm on a diet

[Kamika]

3. heh

Normally i laugh at bad jokes because I actually laugh at how bad they are..

Didnt happen now :p

[Character Assassin]

4. Google "Spybot Search and Destroy". It's the best I've found so far.

[flamingyouth]

6. Use AdAware with it

Both work like a charm.

[dmr]

5. I use this

Someone recommended it here on DU, and I tried it and liked it so I bought it.

http://www.pestpatrol.com/

[FreeperSlayer]

7. I use "Spy Hunter"

enigmasoftwaregroup.com

I was shocked when I saw what it found on my hd.

[MojoKrunch]

8. Terms and conditions

//What I mean is, software that can detect whether you're being spied on by some of the sites you've visited.//
How can you be "spied on" to a site you willingly peruse?

Anyway, the *best* way to avoid being "spied on" is to disconnect your computer from the internet.
Barring that, stop using Internet Explorer.
Only allow cookies that come from the site you are visiting.
Turn off Javascript.

Once you realize just how limiting all of those things actually are, you'll understand the trade-off between using something that belongs to someone else... ie., bandwidth on someone elses server.

//I guess all sites--with the exception of DU, of course, track you after you've visited.//
Oh, I imagine that DU uses some sort of tracking software as well.
Not that they'd *do* anything with it, of course(wink, wink, nudge, nudge), but most people like to know just *who and how many* folks visit their site.
Discreet hits as opposed to returning hits are what drives online ad revenue.

//I don't want them to.//
See: "unplugging computer from internet" above.

Or you can bone up on all of the "black ops" software out there that tells all sorts of mind-numbingly interesting things about everywhere you go and everyone who pings your computer.

I say why bother?
Make sure you have virus protection, a firewall and spyware removal software and practice "safe surfing".

//I know there's some software that can blast them away--any free downloads anywhere?//
Spybot and Adaware.

Mojo