The Selection Process
AntiSpywareBOT is the flagship software of 2Squared Technologies. AntiSpywareBOT is a state-of-the-art development used to detect and remove covert and invasive software programs that infect every single consumer PC connected to the Internet.

2Squared caters to consumers and the company is dedicated to informing computer users of pesky and/or malicious programs that may be hiding on their hard drives. However, unlike most anti-spyware developers, the creators of AntiSpywareBOT realize that computer users may want to retain some of the programs that AntiSpywareBot detects. Because of this, the user-friendly AntiSpywareBOT interface allows consumers to decide for themselves whether or not a program is eliminated, rather than just deleting programs at random like so many of the other anti-spyware programs currently on the market.

Because a computer user needs some basic information when deciding whether or not to eliminate a program on their hard drive, AntiSpywareBOT provides the user with information on each and every program it selects for possible deletion. Erring on the side of caution, the program will display each and every program that meets certain criteria, and these criteria and what they mean are outlined for AntiSpywareBOT users. In order for a program to return in the AntiSpywareBOT scan results, it only needs to meet one of these criteria.

These are the criteria that have been set by AntiSpywareBOT... Programs with Unusual or Unreasonable License Requirements
AntiSpywareBOT scans for, detects and offers to remove programs with licensing provisions that provoke cause for concern. These provisions include:

• A license that creates the right to block, disable or remove other software.
• A license agreement that claims the right to install any software on a consumer's computer other than the software necessary to update the program installed and/or authorized by the user.
• A license that creates the right for a software provider to use the consumer's computer for its own purposes, including purposes that are of no benefit to the consumer.
• A license that imposes restrictions on the removal of the software.

Programs with Questionable Installation and Acceptance Policies
If a program does not meet certain installation criteria, AntiSpywareBOT will consider the program a risk and will offer to remove it from the user's computer. Installation practices that are cause for AntiSpywareBOT's selection include:

• No notice given or consent required for installation of software.
  
• Installation without sufficient information regarding purpose and/or effects of the software.
  
• Installation via security holes.
  
• Task-related installation where the task does not relate to the software being installed.
  
• Bundle-related software when only one program was requested.
  
• Installations that lack information about the source of the software (such as the company name).
  
• Programs installed via questionable pay-per-installation networks.
  
• Software installed via aggressive and/or misleading solicitation.

Programs that Result in Changes to System Configuration
Changes to a consumer's system configuration can be cause for numerous problems and system malfunction. Because of this, AntiSypwareBOT alerts users to any programs that make certain changes to their system configuration settings. Such changes include:

• Changes to Internet browser preferences.
• Changes to homepage settings.
• Changes to default search engine settings.
• Restrictions on a user's ability to change browser settings.
• Toolbar additions.
• Internet traffic routing.
• Blocking of certain websites and/or hosts without the express consent of the user.
• Changes to privacy or security programs.
• Changes to the consumer's existing software programs.
• Premium and/or international dialing requirements.
• Covert operating features.

Programs with Privacy Risks and and Questionable Data Transmissions
If a software program records, tracks and/or transmits information about a AntiSpywareBOT user, AntiSpywareBOT will detect the program and will offer to remove it from the user's computer. Programs that feature these behaviors are included in the AntiSpywareBOT scan results:

• Programs that collect or use person and identifying information about the computer user and/or their computer.
• Programs that collect and/or distribute information regarding a consumer's Internet use and Internet connection.
• Collection of information that requires breaking of encrypted communication.
• Collection of information that can be considered questionable, objectionable, unfair or deceptive in any way, shape or form.

Programs that Cause Performance-Related System Issues
Spyware, adware and malware can all result in serious issues with system performance. AntiSpywareBOT detects programs that could cause these issues and provides users with the option of removing these programs. Users of AntiSpywareBOT will be alerted of programs displaying the following behaviors:

• Programs that use an unusually large amount of bandwidth.
• Programs that result in significant issues with system performance.
• Programs that increase the likeliness of system crashes.
• Programs that adversely affect other system software.

Programs Considered to be Malware
Malware can result in serious data compromises and significant harm to a user's hard drive. AntiSpywareBOT will detect any and all programs considered to be malware. AntiSpywareBOT will consider any of the following to be malware:

• Programs that install worms or trojans.
• Programs that allow third parties to remotely control a computer.
• Programs that can spread and propagate to other user's PCs without notice.
• Programs that allow third parties to send mail using the consumer's computer without authorization or consent.
• Programs that cause data or program infection.
• Programs that delete other programs or data files.

Programs that Practice Questionable Advertising
Certain programs are known to show advertising in ways that can annoy consumers (or even harm their computers). AntiSpywareBOT detects this type of software and offers its users the ability to instantly remove these programs. Such software includes programs that:

• Programs that create or display pop-up ads.
• Programs that display advertisements that do not offer the user a clear and easy way to remove the ads.
• Programs that display full-screen advertisements without providing users with the ability to close the advertisements at will.
• Programs that continuously open one advertisement after another when a user tries to close them.
• Programs that add third-party advertisements to a computer desktop, start menu or other part of the operating system.

Programs Without Proper Removal Utilities
The creators of AntiSpywareBOT understand how important it is for users to be able to remove unwanted software from their computers. Because of this, the program scans for, detects and offers to remove software that doesn't come packaged with proper removal tools or utilities. Programs that fall into this category include:

• Programs that do not come with any uninstall features.
• Programs that do not offer an easily-located uninstall function.
• Programs that require an Internet connection for uninstall procedures.
• Programs that require consumers to obtain the uninstall feature separately from the actual software.
• Programs that delay or deter uninstall procedures.
• Programs that exaggerate the risks of removing the software.
• Programs that make uninstall procedures unreasonably difficult.

Programs that Cloud a User's Willful Consent
Some programs get users to consent to their terms and conditions in a less-than-ethical manner. In these instances, AntiSpywareBOT aims to alert their users as to the gravity of the consent being given. AntiSpywareBOT will bring to the user's attention any programs that:

• Provide users with a consent summary rather than a license agreement.
• Do not provide users with the provisions of the agreement in plain, easy-to-understand English.
• Have conflicting provisions.
• Have questionable, misleading or vague conditions.
• Ask users to accept terms that are not displayed.
• Do not provide users with substantial value considering in accordance with the level of consent.
• Do not offer fair terms and conditions.
• Do not offer users a way to print, save and or search the license agreement.

Automatic Screening
In addition to scanning, detecting and removing problematic programs, AntiSpywareBOT also allows users to prevent the installation of certain software before it has a chance to infect their system.

Up-To-Date Parameters
Providers of certain software programs have been known to change their practices over time. Because of this, AntiSpywareBOT strives to evaluate such programs and looks at the practices of these providers on a continuous basis. If, for a period of twelve months, a software provider ceases the practices that have placed their program in the AntiSpywareBOT results, AntiSpywareBOT will stop evaluating that program based on those practices.

AntiSpywareBOT and Cookies
As a rule, cookies are not the risk many computer users believe them to be. Because of this, AntiSpywareBOT only detects and offers to remove cookies that track a user's Internet activity