Search Our Known-Programs Database

August 10, 2004
chengrob

PC Pitstop collects and analyzes information about running programs during our full system tune-up process. This lets us spot emerging trends in new viruses and spyware, and it also helps us to identify benign-but-unneeded programs that many systems are running.

A file name alone may not be enough for positive identification. PC Pitstop can make a more definitive call when you run PC Pitstop Exterminate, our full tests, or our quick spyware scan, using information such as the company name, product name, or install directory.

Search the database for a program: (e.g., weather.exe)

Not on the list?

We’re adding to this database on a regular basis, with our emphasis being on programs that pose a threat in terms of resources, system stability, privacy, or security. If you’d like to contribute to this list with a program that isn’t yet recognized, post a message in the “Viruses, Spyware, Adware” section of our forums. Please include the following information:

The program file name (e.g., progname.exe).
What the program does. Does it come with a particular application or piece of hardware?
Is it a safe program, or is it some type of spyware?
Can the program can be stopped–is it really needed? What functions may not work if it is stopped?
How should the program be stopped or removed? Does it have an Add/Remove Programs entry, should you use MSConfig, or is some other procedure required?
Links to information about the program on the Internet.
A link to your test results.

Browse the database

If you prefer, you can browse the database to see all entries.

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OverDrive Now Scans for BHOs & Toolbars

top10

The world renowned PC Pitstop OverDrive Scan now scans for potentially dangerous Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) and Toolbar Add-Ons.

August 22, 2008

Botnets, Now What?

Just when I was becoming accustomed to using spyware removal tools and running the occasional Pitstop virus scan (few people keep their antivirus current these days), something new comes along.

Have you ever wondered why your machine seems like it’s operating in mud or is just ignoring you? Well that’s probably because it’s operating just fine for someone else. Yep, we’re talking Botnets. Botnets are using your CPU, draining your memory, just waiting to be told what to do by someone making money from your investment. You don’t mind do you?

June 12, 2008

PC Pitstop Top 25 Spyware and Adware

PC Pitstop has long been a source of information about unwanted software and how it spreads. Now we’re using our test results database to give you weekly updates about which programs are the most prolific. The prevalence numbers indicate the percent of PCs tested at PC Pitstop where we detected that file running. Our detection works by file name, so some products may be listed multiple times if they consist of two or more files. To check for spyware, adware, unneeded programs, and many other common PC problems, try PC Pitstop Exterminate or our full system scan.

February 25, 2008