Added by the SPYBOT-NX WORM! Note - has a blank entry under the Startup Item/Name field

Part of AVG Anti-Spyware from Grisoft

Detected by F-secure as the OBFUSCATED.GP TROJAN!

Added by the DLOADR-ASH TROJAN!

Added by the SDBOT-DEN WORM!

Added by the NETSKY.M WORM!

One-click activated browsing toolbar used by various web-sites. See here for more info

Commercials file that registers itself in the system registry and redirects IE to a certain commercial website

"A Note is a program that lets you create post-it like notes on your Microsoft Windows desktop"

a-Squared antitrojan - can be run on demand but necessary in Startup if you prefer the a² 'Background Guard' real time protection feature

a-sqaured Anti-Dialer

Anonymity 4 Proxy - local proxy server that makes you anonymous when visiting web sites

??

Advanced Anti-Keylogger - "Anti-spy software to prohibit operation of any keyloggers currently in use or presently being developed anywhere"

LANDesk® Management Suite software component

Added by the DELF.LJ TROJAN!

PurityScan/Clickspring adware

AdBlaster adware

Appears to be related to software from Accenture.com

Ad-Aware anti-spyware tool from Lavasoft

System Tray access to Ad-aware from Lavasoft - popular spyware/adware removal tool

EPJ TROJAN!

Monitoring utility for ABIT Motherboards. Displays system voltages, temperatures and fan speeds

Added by the DERMON-G TROJAN!

Absolute Startup - startup monitor from F-Group Software

Added by the AUTOUPDER TROJAN!

Abyss web server

"Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" for the Lexmark X73 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Button manager for features such as scan, scan to E-mail, copy, etc

"Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" for the Lexmark X83 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Button manager for features such as scan, scan to E-mail, copy, etc

"Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" for the Lexmark X84-X85 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Button manager for features such as scan, scan to E-mail, copy, etc

Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation

Advanced Call Center - "full-featured yet easy-to-use answering machine software for your voice modem"

Webroot Accelerate - allows you to optimize Windows network registry settings in order to boost surfing speeds. Leave this enabled if you find it improves your connection

Monitors your progress on the internet; hang-ups, connection speeds, internet congestion and traffic flow. It prevents some games from running also. To disable the Access Ramp Monitor (1) Open Windows Explorer (2) Open the Program Files folder (3) Open the MindSpring folder (4) Open the AccessRamp folder (5) Double-click on the ARMCfg32.exe file (6) Uncheck Enable Dialup Monitor and click OK (7) Restart the computer and try again

Part of SmartPipes SecureSite software. "SecureSite enables rapid turnup and enhanced administration of VPNs. It automates and simplifies tasks for VPN design and policy management, access control management, and key management"

My AccessMedia toolbar related, stealth installed!

From a visitor "Just wanted to provide you with some info on Access Ramp software installed with Verizon DSL accounts in those areas that use the Winpoet PPPoE software. The Access Ramp TSRs are installed as part of IP Insight software (can't remember the software maker). You can decline to install IP Insight during Winpoet setup, or go into Add/Remove programs uninstall IP Insight by hand if it's already installed. It really doesn't do a darn thing for you. It was intended to help DSL techs monitor QoS, but the backend part was never implemented (at least as of earlier this year). This will not affect the user's ability or inability to access their DSL service."

Version of the AccessRamp Monitor01 entry for LAN connections - a history uploader. The key in turning it off is a file named ARUCfg32.exe. This file (ARUCfg32.exe) does not show up in the startup process. If you have this file, you can execute it and remove all the monitoring activities it does. Removing all the checks in all the boxes (both tabs) still calls ARUpld32.exe to start when you start the dial up. You can block it from sending info if you have Zone Alarm installed. Renaming the extension of ARUCfg32.exe to ARUCfg32.exe1 works. The ARUpld32.exe is not loaded when launching the dial up client. Written by IP Insight and also included with Earthlink Total Access 2003

Norton(tm) Password Manager - part of Norton SystemWorks 2004 - stores passwords and other personal information, and retrieves the data needed for email logins, shopping orders, banking, and other online activities - all from the safety of your own PC

Desktop weather from AccuWeather

Added by the RULAND.A WORM!

Added by the RULAND.A WORM!

ACDSee 8 photo software. Organize, manage, enhance, and share all your valued photo memories

??

Part of Acer Empowering Technology. "Acer ePower Management is a straightforward interface that allows users to select from pre-configured power usage profiles, or to create their own customized profiles"

Acer Product Registration - remove when registration is completed

Acer Computer "Goto Drive" Cold Swap Driver - a swappable second disk drive provides convenient backup of large files, or easy importation of data from user's previous computer

System Tray access on some Acer Notebooks to give faster access to system settings

Added by the GAOBOT.PQA WORM!

ActivCard Gold from ActivIdentity, Inc. Smart card-based strong authentication software - for photo IDs, proximity badges for facility access and as digital identification and authentication

Altiris AClient Service Windows Tray Icon

Button monitor for the Lexmark X73 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Works in conjuction with the "Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" button manager whose filename is "AcBtnMgr_X73.exe"

Button monitor for the Lexmark X83 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Works in conjuction with the "Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" button manager whose filename is "AcBtnMgr_X83.exe"

Button monitor for the Lexmark X85-X85 all-in-one multifunction printer/copier/scanner. Works in conjuction with the "Lexmark Scan & Copy Control Program" button manager whose filename is "AcBtnMgr_X85-X85.exe"

Associated with the Lexmark Xxx (where "xx" is the model) all-in-one printer/scanner/copier. Required for correct operation

Mouse driver - required if you use non-standard Windows driver features

Adult content dialler

Control panel program for Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard. Not required unless changed settings aren't retained

Program for finding trucks on-line

Added by the SMALL-ECT TROJAN!

Essential for creating PDF files with Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Distiller. For Win9x/Me systems you can run this file manually beforehand. For WinXP systems this file must run at startup. Hence the "U" recommendation. *.* represents the version

Added by the VANBOT-BQ TROJAN!

Speeds up the time it takes to load Adobe's Acrobat PDF creation and management tool. From version 7.0 onwards

Related to ACROMOUSE Laser mouse control

Sage Software's ACT! "enables individuals and small business customers to instantly access key contact and customer information, manage and prioritize activities, and track all contact-related communications so you can grow productive business relationships"

Associated with a Plustech scanner. Small utility that runs in the background for doing fax/copy/etc. Available via Start -> Programs

A COM server that runs on the client as part of the Dell OpenManage Client Instrumentation 6.x package; provides a simple method for a remote administrator to perform actions on the instrumented client. Is it required?

Part of Microsoft Money

Added by the MYTOB.BZ WORM!

Active CPU - "easy to use tool for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000 that enables you to watch a graphical representation of your CPU's activity"

XemiComputers Active Desktop Calendar

Active Email Monitor checks multiple accounts for email, serves as a SPAM filter and can also protect you from harmful items that can be sent via email

Active Shield is "an heuristic screen that actively protects your computer from trojans, spyware, adware, trackware, dialers, keyloggers, and even some special kinds of viruses"

Added by the OPASERV.T WORM!

ActiveEyes from TFI Technology is a small utility that you can use to liven up your desktop. It follows your mouse around and can tell you how far your cursor has travelled or point out where the cursor is. It's small, it's free and comes with a range of options and animations. Not needed - if unavailable via Start -> Programs, create your own shortcut

Active Keys is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool for creating and managing keyboard shortcuts for any system action

Wild Tangent demo games that come with some HP computers. Unchecking it can prevent the games from running occasionally. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

Interactive Agents Plugin for Messenger Plus! (MSN Messenger add-on)

Added by the RBOT-FKQ WORM!

Ascentive ActiveSpeed Internet Optimizer

ActiveWords from ActiveWord Systems, Inc. Like macro programs, ActiveWords sits in the background and watches as you type. When it recognizes that you've typed an ActiveWord, it takes the associated action, such as replacing your keystrokes with the text you've defined

ActivityKey Keystroke logger/monitoring program - remove unless you installed it yourself!

ActMaker mouse and keyboard toolkit can record the daily operation of your computer and reduce your workload. You don't need to do any coding, nor are you required to know a lot about the computer

ActMaker mouse and keyboard toolkit can record the daily operation of your computer and reduce your workload

System Tray icon for ThinkVantage Access Connections - "allowing users to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless environments, managing security settings, printers, home page and other location-specific settings automatically"

Actual Window Minimizer - "allows minimizing any window to task tray notification area or to the edge of the screen"

Atheros wireless Client Utility

Atheros wireless Client Utility

Related to IBM ThinkVantage Connectivity Solution

Ad Away popup and banner remover

Ad Muncher removes adverts, pop-ups and general annoyances in your browser, file-sharing and messenger programs. Causes conflicts with Outlook, game sites and web-building applications

??

Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Available via Start -> Programs

Added by the RBOT-ADJ WORM! Note - this is not the popular Ad-aware spware/adware removal tool and is located in the WinntSystem32 or WindowsSystem32 directory

Spyware remover - not recommended, see here

Ad Muncher removes adverts, pop-ups and general annoyances in your browser, file-sharing and messenger programs. Causes conflicts with Outlook, game sites and web-building applications

Ad-Protect spyware and spam monitoring tool

Part of Lavasoft Ad-aware Plus - realtime spyware-monitor watching your memory and registry for spyware that tries to install or change your system

Executable for Active Disk from Iomega disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip(r) disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk

Ad-aware from Lavasoft. Checks your PC for "Spyware" which reports back your internet activities to "base". Available via Start -> Programs

RapidBlaster variant (in a "Adaware" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here. Note - this is not the valid Lavasoft Adaware

RapidBlaster variant (in a "Adaware" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here. Note - this is not the valid Lavasoft Adaware

AdBin - "Free and easy solution to managing your Window's hosts file. A fun way to block ads"

CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware - for examples, see this log

CoolWebSearch/HomeSearch adware - for examples, see this log

CoolWebSearch Addclass parasite variant

Banner advertisment blocker

Virtual Bouncer - malware from Spyware Labs. It is distributed by the same bundling and drive-by download techniques as the parasites it claims to remove, so definitely qualifies as unsolicited commercial software in itself. It also has an update feature that can download and execute arbitrary code. Warning - choose "custom" uninstall as "automatic" may remove other programs - see here

Related to Adobe Photoshop

SoundBlaster Audigy related?

Added with SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy soundcards for headphone autodetection

Added by the SPAMSRV-E TROJAN!

ADSL USB modem related

Added by the TIBS-QT TROJAN!

Part of Advanced Spyware Remover anti-spyware tool

Added by a variant of the SDBOT TROJAN!

Adware, probably a Windupdates variant

Windupdates adware variant

Related to Acer Inc. destop tray

Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN!

Added by the RANDEX.DFJ WORM!

Speeds up the time it takes to load Adobe's Acrobat PDF creation and management tool. From version 7.0 onwards

Added by the RBOT-OP WORM!

Adjusts monitor colours across all programs, including Photoshop. It is needed by some graphics professionals who want their monitor calibrated. Most home users will not need it. In my case I can verify this as Photoshop loads fine

Part of Adobe's Photoshop Album or Photoshop Elements packages - starts each time you connect an external image device to your PC (see here)

Adobe Synchronizer - installed along with Adobe Reader 8.x. "Synchronizer is a small application that runs in the background, providing synchronization of document reviews and Tracker subscriptions so that your data is available when you need it." See the link for more information

Added by the FLOOD.BA TROJAN!

Added by the ADCLICKER TROJAN!

Automatic updater for Adobe software - run manually

Downloader of Korean origin, detected as ADOD.28672

Spyware installed by Net2Phone, Limewire, Cydoor, Grokster, KaZaa, etc

AdBlaster adware

After Dark for Windows. Screen saver creation program produced before screen savers became integrated into Win95

AdRoar adware updater

Adware remover - not recommended, see here

"AdsCleaner is a powerful ad blocking software designed to stop ads (block banners ad, kill popup), guard your online privacy"

Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip(r) disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk

AdsGone - pop-up stopper

Associated with an Integrated Telecom Express (ITeX) ADSL driver installation. What does it do and is it required?

ADSS is part of Access Denied security and privacy software (Access Denied Security Server) that monitors power status and provides some other services for Screen Guard. Important to keep its running while using Access Denied

Adlogix adware variant

Adlogix adware variant

WindUpdates AdStatus Service adware

AdSubtract blocks ads, cookies, pop-up windows, animations, music, and more. Can be disabled from within AdSubtract. Available via Start -> Programs. Now superseeded by Trend Micro AntiSpyware

Detected by Kaspersky as the STARTPAGE.AW TROJAN!

Detected by Kaspersky as the VB.KC WORM!

Windupdates Adware

Related to Cisco Aironet wireless products. What does it do and is it required?

Adult content dialler and hijacker

Adult content dialler

Adult content dialler

Part of Iomega's Active Disk - allows software applications to be run directly from an Iomega Zip(r) disk. Required if you wish the applications to launch on insertion of a disk

Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!

Advanced Spyware Remover anti spyware tool

Added by a variant of the RBOT WORM!

Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget

MediaAdVantage adware

Added by the NETDEVIL.12 WORM!

Checks when you install a new version of a Norton product that you have uninstalled all previous versions. Serves as a reminder if you forget

Advertising Killer - popup stopper

Added by a variant of the CRYPTER.C TROJAN!

Adware Agent popup blocker

Adware remover - not recommended, see here

Adware program, previously not recommended (see here). It has now been delisted, so make sure you have the latest version

Adware remover - not recommended, see here

Ad-Ware Pro spyware remover - not recommended, see here

AdwareRemover2007 spyware remover - not recommended, see here

IBM High Rate Wireless LAN Adapter driver. Is it required?

Audio Applications Launcher for the Philips Acoustic Edge soundcard

Added by the RANDON-AO WORM!

Altiris Agent transmits information about your machine for the purpose of asset management and deployment

Altiris Express NS Client Manager software. Is it required?

IBM Aptiva keyboard customizer - enables certain special buttons on keyboard for CD operation, volume control, and few quickstart buttons. Keyboard will work without it but you lose the special functions

Cyberlink's Power VCR II 3.0 is a TV tuner recording utility. If you want to schedule recordings you'll need this, otherwise can be disabled. Available via Start -> Programs

Added by the DREF-V VIRUS!

Malware, detected by Kaspersky as AdWare.Monker.a. NOTE: do NOT confuse with the Microsoft Agent Server application of the same name as described here - the legitimate file will always be located in the WindowsMsagent folder

For Agfa digital cameras connected via USB. Enables Windows to access the contents of the memory stick (while the stick's still on the camera) via a virtual drive

Added by the GAOBOT.SY WORM!

IBM AMR modem driver

Program from AudioGalaxy that lets you download some MP3s from their server. Available via Start -> Programs

Advanced Hide Folders - "is powerful file security program. It allows to hide folders or hide files. Advanced Hide Folders is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view, delete or modify them either"

Advanced Hide Folders - "is powerful file security program. It allows to hide folders or hide files. Advanced Hide Folders is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view, delete or modify them either"

AhnLab V3 antivirus updater - leave enabled unless you manually update on a regular basis

??

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

Part of AudioHQ for the Soundblaster Live!. Appears as though it makes the AudioHW toolbar drop down from the top of the desktop and isn't required

Added by the NACO.A WORM!

Added by the CERTIF-M TROJAN!

Part of the "Ai Suite" utility supplied with some Asus motherboards. "With AI Nap, users can instantly snooze your PC without terminating the tasks. System will continue operating at minimum power and noise when user is temporarily away"

ASUS DH Remote media portal launcher for their Digital Home range of motherboards that are designed for users to control the computer at a distance away, such as the M2N DH. "ASUS DH Remote is a convenient PC remote controller that gives users unprecedented control over their PCs from the comfort of their couches"

Another IE Popup Killer - pop-up stopper

AOL Instant Messenger. If connected to the internet, automatically runs up AIM. Convenience more than anything. Available via Start -> Programs

AIM plus - a free add-on to AOL's Instant Messenger for Windows from Big-O Software

AIM Logger - saves AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) conversations to log files. Can be started when you are using AIM

Added by the GUAP-F WORM!

Added by the BUDDY TROJAN!

AOL Instant Messenger - start it when you want to use it

AOL Instant Messenger - start it when you want to use it

Added by the AGOBOT.AEE WORM!

RapidBlaster variant (in a "Aimaol" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here

RapidBlaster variant (in a "Aimaol" folder in Program Files). Recommended you use RapidBlaster Killer to uninstall - see here

IMSufSentinel is a spy program which can record IM conversations, log keystrokes, record URLs visited, and take screenshots. If you didn't install this yourself remove it

AimingClick from AimingTech. Web searching tool. Available via Start -> Programs

AIM Pro - secure instant messaging, video conferencing, on-line meetings and desktop and file sharing

Version of the WildTangent on-line games installer that came with versions of AOL Instant Messenger. Note that WildTanget's privacy policy used to state that they also collect and share individuals information but this is no longer the case

USB interface for Aiptek Graphics Tablet (USB)

Related to "Prutect" malware from e2Give

Airport Base Station Agent utility for Apple's AirPort wi-fi basestations. "Wireless solution for home, school, and business. As it blankets your space with a blazing-fast, secure wireless network, it opens up a world of possibilities for home entertainment, backups, printing, and more"

Active Keys is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool for creating and managing keyboard shortcuts for any system action

Advertising Killer - popup stopper

Access Lock is a system-tray security utility you can use to secure your desktop when you are away from your computer

Palm alarm event reminder that coordinates what is on your Palm with settings on your desktop

Associated with SynTPEnh and SynTPLpr which are from Synaptics for touchpads on laptops. What does it do and is it required?

Scanner software, not required for scanner to work

RealTek related - Real-Time SPDIF-in Monitor for nVidia chipset - is it required in startup?

RealTek related - Real-Time SPDIF-in Monitor for nVidia chipset - is it required in startup?

ClickAlchemy adware

Installed with hardware drivers for a Realtek AC97 audio device. It's believed that Realtek uses this file in order to data about the customer. Some users report problems with their on-board sound if this is disabled - hence the "U" recommendation

Alcohol 120% - CD/DVD emulation/writing/copying software

Alcohol 120% - CD/DVD emulation/writing/copying software

Alcohol 120% is a powerful Windows application that makes it easy to create backups of DVDs* and CDs. In addition, the program lets you store your most used CDs as images on your computer, so you can call them up at the click of a button. This part automounts images disc images

RealTek High Definition audio driver related - detects new devices when plugged in, then pops up a dialog box. If everything works as expected you should be able to disable this one

Installed with hardware drivers for a Realtek AC97 audio device. It's believed that Realtek uses this file in order to gather data about the customer. Some users report problems with their on-board sound if this is disabled - hence the "U" recommendation

Added by the MAHA.F TROJAN!

Added by the OPASERV-A WORM!

Related to Alexa. Note - collects and stores information about the web pages you view, the data you enter in online forms and search programs and, with versions 5.0 and higher, the products you purchase online whilst using the toolbar. Although Alexa state's they do not attempt to analyze the data it may collect about you to determine who you are, some of your information collected by the software is personally identifiable. Please read the Privacy Policy. Not Recommended

Reported as the DELF.EB hijacker by Ewido Security Suite

AlphaCleaner is now a stealth install using exploits on unpatched systems. Seen alongside RazeSpyware

AlfaClock from AlfaSoft Research Labs - "enhances your taskbar clock (tray clock) with fully customizable clock display, alarms, time synchronization and more"

AlfaClock2 - tray/desktop clock and time synchronization software

??

Added by the STARTPAGE.K hijacker

Detected by Kaspersky as the VB.ATE TROJAN!

Added by the CWS-I TROJAN!

Related to Uli Integrated Drivers from Uli Electronics Inc

Screen-capture utility for Alias Sketchbook

ALi AC97 Sound driver

AllerCalc is an expression calculator which allows you to directly enter an expression to be evaluated. Can be started manually

All-Seeing_Eye security software - "monitors everything that takes place on your computer, and alerts the user as soon as anything suspicious or out-of-the-ordinary is happening, providing the user with alternatives for possible actions"

allSnap is a small system tray app that makes all top level windows automatically align like they do in programs such as Winamp or Photoshop

AlltoTray from DNTSoft - minimize any program to your System Tray

Added by a variant of the SDBOT WORM!

From McAfee VirusScan for logging scanning activities. In some cases, if left running it can cause CPU % usage to go between 5-95% or go to and stay at 100%. Disabling it impacts on the reported last scan date. It is reported to cause jerky graphics response in many games. As of version 6, this is a critical component of McAfee and disabling it can cause a PC to lock up

ALPass password manager

Touchpad software for laptop PC's. For instance it is found on the Panasonic and Sony Vaio machines and allows part of the touchpad to be used for document or Web-page scrolling. Required for proper functioning of the pointing software but not required for the laptop to work

Altec Lansing AMS speaker related. What does it do and is it required?

Alto Memory Booster from Alto Software - boost the computers performance via more intelligent and efficient memory management. MS MVPs (Most Valued Professional) recommend not using memory managers with Win98/SE/ME. See this article and make up your own mind

ALTools family of PC utilities

WeirdOnTheWeb adware

Symantec LiveUpdate scheduler for programs such as Norton AV or Internet Security

Notification reminder for Symantec's LiveUpdate. Leave enabled unless you manually run LiveUpdate on a regular basis

Aluria Software's spyware removal tool - we can't really recommend this product as Aluria have recently partnered with WhenU, the well known adware company, see here

Always On Top Maker - utilty to enable an application to always be displayed "on top" of others on the desktop

Related to HP and Compaq Desktop PCs. Read this article

Premium rate adult content dialler

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer - "can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction"

Puts AOL icon in System Tray (*.* denotes version if present). Connect to AOL via the desktop shortcut or Start -> Programs

Monitoring part of Eset's NOD32 virus-scanner

Tiny Personal Firewall

Part of the IBM ThinkVantage Productivity Center. "The Message Center sends automatic notification on ThinkVantage Technologies integrated with your system. Once you're online"

Added by a variant of the MAILBOT TROJAN!

aMSN Messenger is a multiplatform MSN messenger clone