Adware is a type of malicious software designed to display unwanted advertisements on your computer. These ads can slow down your system, invade your privacy, and potentially lead to more serious security issues. This guide will help you remove adware from your system and protect yourself from future infections.
Identifying Adware
Adware often manifests through an increase in pop-up ads, a slower computer, or changes to your browser settings. Identifying these signs early can help mitigate the damage.
Common Signs of Adware Infection
- Frequent pop-up ads
- Redirects to unknown websites
- Sluggish computer performance
- New toolbars or extensions in your browser that you didn’t install
- Homepage changes
Removing Adware
Removing adware involves a few key steps: uninstalling suspicious programs, using antivirus software, and resetting your browser settings.
Passo 1: Disinstallare i programmi sospetti
- Finestre:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- Look for any programs you don’t recognize or remember installing.
- Select the suspicious program and click “Uninstall.”
- Mac:
- Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
- Cercate applicazioni sconosciute.
- Drag the suspicious application to the Trash and empty the Trash.
Step 2: Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
- Download and Install Software: Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs such as Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, or Avast.
- Eseguire una scansione completa: Open the software and run a full system scan to detect and remove any adware.
- Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to quarantine or delete the detected threats.
Passo 3: Reimpostare le impostazioni del browser
- Google Chrome:
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and go to Settings.
- Scorrere verso il basso e fare clic su "Avanzate".
- Under “Reset and clean up,” click on “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
- Mozilla Firefox:
- Click the menu button and select “Help.”
- Choose “Troubleshooting Information.”
- Fare clic su "Aggiorna Firefox".
- Microsoft Edge:
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner and go to Settings.
- Scorrere verso il basso e fare clic su "Ripristina impostazioni".
- Select “Restore settings to their default values.”
Protecting Yourself from Future Adware
Prevention is key to avoiding future adware infections. Implementing the following strategies can help keep your system secure.
Utilizzare un software antivirus
- Install Reputable Antivirus: Ensure you have a reliable antivirus program installed and keep it updated.
- Enable Real-Time Protection: Use real-time protection features to catch threats before they infect your system.
- Schedule Regular Scans: Set your antivirus software to run regular scans of your system.
Siate cauti con i download
- Download from Trusted Sources: Only download software and files from trusted and reputable websites.
- Avoid Freeware: Be wary of free software, as it often comes bundled with adware.
- Check Reviews: Look into software reviews and user feedback before downloading.
Update Your Software
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and other software to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Enable Automatic Updates: Turn on automatic updates for critical software to ensure you’re always protected.
Praticare una navigazione sicura
- Use a Secure Browser: Choose a browser known for its security features and regularly update it.
- Avoid Clicking on Ads: Refrain from clicking on ads, especially pop-ups or banners.
- Use Ad Blockers: Install ad blockers to prevent ads from displaying on websites.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove adware from your system and significantly reduce the risk of future infections. Keep your software updated, be cautious with downloads, and maintain robust security practices to ensure a smooth and secure computing experience.