Thanks again, and yes, RatHat did a great job. Give the standard dictionary a few years to catch up (ketchup?), you wouldn't believe some of the colloquial American cultural garbage and trademarks that end up in there.
Free Antivirus and Antispyware Software Includes screenshots and recommendations
#25
- Group: Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: 30-August 08
Posted 02 September 2008 - 04:44 PM
Thanks again, and yes, RatHat did a great job. Give the standard dictionary a few years to catch up (ketchup?), you wouldn't believe some of the colloquial American cultural garbage and trademarks that end up in there.
#26
- Group: Member
- Posts: 18
- Joined: 16-July 08
Posted 04 September 2008 - 09:27 AM
SteveFAL-
I think that you are reading the post wrong about having more than one protection program installed at once. You can (and should) have multiple spyware/adware/malware scan/removal programs at your disposal installed. The issue is having multiple Antivirus Programs installed simultaneously. Conflicts can arise if you do - so you should not have more than one at any time.
Hope this helps.
I think that you are reading the post wrong about having more than one protection program installed at once. You can (and should) have multiple spyware/adware/malware scan/removal programs at your disposal installed. The issue is having multiple Antivirus Programs installed simultaneously. Conflicts can arise if you do - so you should not have more than one at any time.
Hope this helps.
#27
- Group: Administrator
- Posts: 18,121
- Joined: 22-June 05
Posted 04 September 2008 - 09:36 AM
The issue is not just antivirus programs. Having more than one firewall or more than one memory-resident anti-spyware program is also an issue. You can have passive scanners installed, but you don't want multiple real-time protection programs installed. That being said, you can have scanners installed along with the real-time protection programs, so that you can run scans periodically.
#28
- Group: Member
- Posts: 18
- Joined: 16-July 08
Posted 04 September 2008 - 10:57 PM
Ok - I see what you are saying and totally agree.
Thanks,
mismi
Thanks,
mismi
#29
- Group: Administrator
- Posts: 18,121
- Joined: 22-June 05
Posted 04 September 2008 - 11:03 PM
You're welcome. 
#30
- Group: Member
- Posts: 31
- Joined: 05-September 08
Posted 10 September 2008 - 09:05 PM
Brilliant informative and just what I was here to ask.
I notice Authentium is not a bad product, but what does it mean it can't disinfect?
Is that just the free one?
pcguard is closely linked in many people's mind with rubbish, but pcguard is actually an Authentium product and updates itself 4 times a day. If the pcguard is Authentium Command, then as a free add-on for Virginmedia broadband customers it might actually be not a bad deal.
Any ideas?
I notice Authentium is not a bad product, but what does it mean it can't disinfect?
Is that just the free one?
pcguard is closely linked in many people's mind with rubbish, but pcguard is actually an Authentium product and updates itself 4 times a day. If the pcguard is Authentium Command, then as a free add-on for Virginmedia broadband customers it might actually be not a bad deal.
Any ideas?
#31
- Group: Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: 30-August 08
Posted 07 October 2008 - 02:29 PM
ADMIN--
You mention the ASSK tulebar (sic).. this seems to come prepackaged by default with so many things it should have it's own forum...
The COMODO firewall now comes with it without ASKing, it took me a while to figure out where this darn thing appeared from.
The only thing keeping me from dumping COMODO on basic principle is that 1-it work, and works well, and 2-the toolbar can easily be uninstalled under add/remove programs in Windows.
I guess they're not making as much $$ as they thought selling digital certificates..
Thanks again for a great site, I'll be in GeekU soon for some real fun..
--SteveFAL, the MadGeologistK
You mention the ASSK tulebar (sic).. this seems to come prepackaged by default with so many things it should have it's own forum...
The COMODO firewall now comes with it without ASKing,
it took me a while to figure out where this darn thing appeared from.The only thing keeping me from dumping COMODO on basic principle is that 1-it work, and works well, and 2-the toolbar can easily be uninstalled under add/remove programs in Windows.
I guess they're not making as much $$ as they thought selling digital certificates..
Thanks again for a great site, I'll be in GeekU soon for some real fun..
--SteveFAL, the MadGeologistK
#32
- Group: Technician
- Posts: 4,072
- Joined: 19-May 05
Posted 19 October 2008 - 05:39 AM
It's a long time since a post was placed in this topic. I would like to ask the following:
1: How would you rate Spybot Search and Destroy (the last version is 1.6.0).
2: Are you familiar with Spyware Terminator? If yes, what is your opinion.
3: Spyware Blaster doesn't give the user any feedback. There is no way to know it it does anything. For me it looks like a huge drawback. I installed and uninstalled it many time for that reason, eventually I left it out. If we don't get any feedback how can we evaluate it?
Thanks.
The Skeptic
1: How would you rate Spybot Search and Destroy (the last version is 1.6.0).
2: Are you familiar with Spyware Terminator? If yes, what is your opinion.
3: Spyware Blaster doesn't give the user any feedback. There is no way to know it it does anything. For me it looks like a huge drawback. I installed and uninstalled it many time for that reason, eventually I left it out. If we don't get any feedback how can we evaluate it?
Thanks.
The Skeptic
#33
- Group: Member
- Posts: 17
- Joined: 23-April 07
Posted 30 October 2008 - 04:15 AM
Hi everyone,
I just bought a new laptop and I want to install with the AVG free anti-spyware, but when I click the link , its empty or rather removed. As Im using avg free anti spyware on my desktop too I would like it on my laptop too. Anyone know where to download .. please tell me. Thanks.
I just bought a new laptop and I want to install with the AVG free anti-spyware, but when I click the link , its empty or rather removed. As Im using avg free anti spyware on my desktop too I would like it on my laptop too. Anyone know where to download .. please tell me. Thanks.
#34
- Group: Visiting Consultant
- Posts: 872
- Joined: 27-August 07
Posted 30 October 2008 - 10:23 AM
AVG AntiSpyware is no longer available as a separate utility.
It has been included in AVG 8.0
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-spyw...nd-anti-rootkit
It is still possible to download and use a free version of AVG that includes AntiVirus & Antispyware.
http://free.avg.com/...us-free-edition
Their other features are only available in the premium version.
I use AVG 8.0 Free on this and several other machines and am happy with it.
I supplement with other tools from Admin's great list here.
Best Regards
It has been included in AVG 8.0
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-spyw...nd-anti-rootkit
It is still possible to download and use a free version of AVG that includes AntiVirus & Antispyware.
http://free.avg.com/...us-free-edition
Their other features are only available in the premium version.
I use AVG 8.0 Free on this and several other machines and am happy with it.
I supplement with other tools from Admin's great list here.
Best Regards
#35
- Group: Retired Staff
- Posts: 2,008
- Joined: 06-January 08
Posted 30 October 2008 - 10:41 AM
Hey The Skeptic,
Here are my two cents on your questions.
1: How would you rate Spybot Search and Destroy (the last version is 1.6.0).
I think Spybot S&D is a great software that doesn't use too much resources and ensures a certain level of protection. However, it is becoming outdated slowly as more malware comes out and the writer of Spybot isn't really keeping up with them.
2: Are you familiar with Spyware Terminator? If yes, what is your opinion.
Spyware Terminator was listed as a rogue anti-spyware in the past and it's not removed from the list. I've never used it before, so I'm not sure how well its detection rates are. I don't really (want to) trust a software that has been listed as rogue previously.
3: SpywareBlaster doesn't give the user any feedback. There is no way to know it it does anything. For me it looks like a huge drawback. I installed and uninstalled it many time for that reason, eventually I left it out. If we don't get any feedback how can we evaluate it?
I think SpywareBlaster is so far the best software that I have on my computer. It actually protects users from malicious Active-X controls. Although it can't prevent everything, it is certainly a must-have in addition to an anti-spyware like Spybot or Spywareguard. I would highly recommend that one runs it on their computer.
Here are my two cents on your questions.
1: How would you rate Spybot Search and Destroy (the last version is 1.6.0).
I think Spybot S&D is a great software that doesn't use too much resources and ensures a certain level of protection. However, it is becoming outdated slowly as more malware comes out and the writer of Spybot isn't really keeping up with them.
2: Are you familiar with Spyware Terminator? If yes, what is your opinion.
Spyware Terminator was listed as a rogue anti-spyware in the past and it's not removed from the list. I've never used it before, so I'm not sure how well its detection rates are. I don't really (want to) trust a software that has been listed as rogue previously.
3: SpywareBlaster doesn't give the user any feedback. There is no way to know it it does anything. For me it looks like a huge drawback. I installed and uninstalled it many time for that reason, eventually I left it out. If we don't get any feedback how can we evaluate it?
I think SpywareBlaster is so far the best software that I have on my computer. It actually protects users from malicious Active-X controls. Although it can't prevent everything, it is certainly a must-have in addition to an anti-spyware like Spybot or Spywareguard. I would highly recommend that one runs it on their computer.
#36
- Group: Technician
- Posts: 4,072
- Joined: 19-May 05
Posted 30 October 2008 - 01:01 PM
Hi Ltangelic.
Thanks for the response. My questions arise from a constant debate that I have with myself regarding computer protection for my customers. It's a free service that I give them and I always ask myself what would be best for them, considering their computer skills and the effectiveness of the protection. These two considerations often conflict with each other.
For example: for myself I use Avast as an antivirus/antispyware, considering it far superior to AVG 8.0. Avast is the only free antivirus that has a p2p shield. In my opinion it's an absolute must. However, for other people I install AVG 8.0 because it's more user friendly. When people have to renew their free license with Avast they get paralyzed, not knowing what to do, calling for help, feeling betrayed by me, reminding me that I offered them free protection (which I did). Eventually, against my best judgment, I started installing AVG 8.0 fully aware that many computers will get infected because of a lack of a feature that I know, and they don't, could protect them when they download using file sharing programs and other social nets ignoring my warnings or not understanding it them in the first place.
A second example is the use of real time protection of the type that Spywareguard and Spybot's TeaTimer offer. Even myself, I am so confused by the barrage of enable/disable messages that these program produce that I prefer not to use it. I know it's important but frankly it's useless and a pain for the average user.
Regarding Spyware Blaster: so far I didn't read any assessment that can quantify the value of this program. It's simply against my nature to use something which does not allow any scrutiny. It could just as well be a ghost. You either believe in it's existence or you don't. I am willing to change my mind any moment but I need a better proof.
To sum it all up: presently I chose to install AVG 8.0 for my customers as an antivirus and Malwarebytes as a second, manual, extra layer of protection. Regarding firewall: I use Microsoft's after trying Zone Alarm and Sygate for a long time, finding them troublesome and heavy on computer resources.
I tried to share my thoughts with readers of this thread. I am sure that others have different opinions.
Thanks again
The Skeptic
Thanks for the response. My questions arise from a constant debate that I have with myself regarding computer protection for my customers. It's a free service that I give them and I always ask myself what would be best for them, considering their computer skills and the effectiveness of the protection. These two considerations often conflict with each other.
For example: for myself I use Avast as an antivirus/antispyware, considering it far superior to AVG 8.0. Avast is the only free antivirus that has a p2p shield. In my opinion it's an absolute must. However, for other people I install AVG 8.0 because it's more user friendly. When people have to renew their free license with Avast they get paralyzed, not knowing what to do, calling for help, feeling betrayed by me, reminding me that I offered them free protection (which I did). Eventually, against my best judgment, I started installing AVG 8.0 fully aware that many computers will get infected because of a lack of a feature that I know, and they don't, could protect them when they download using file sharing programs and other social nets ignoring my warnings or not understanding it them in the first place.
A second example is the use of real time protection of the type that Spywareguard and Spybot's TeaTimer offer. Even myself, I am so confused by the barrage of enable/disable messages that these program produce that I prefer not to use it. I know it's important but frankly it's useless and a pain for the average user.
Regarding Spyware Blaster: so far I didn't read any assessment that can quantify the value of this program. It's simply against my nature to use something which does not allow any scrutiny. It could just as well be a ghost. You either believe in it's existence or you don't. I am willing to change my mind any moment but I need a better proof.
To sum it all up: presently I chose to install AVG 8.0 for my customers as an antivirus and Malwarebytes as a second, manual, extra layer of protection. Regarding firewall: I use Microsoft's after trying Zone Alarm and Sygate for a long time, finding them troublesome and heavy on computer resources.
I tried to share my thoughts with readers of this thread. I am sure that others have different opinions.
Thanks again
The Skeptic
#37
- Group: Visiting Consultant
- Posts: 872
- Joined: 27-August 07
Posted 30 October 2008 - 01:45 PM
the Skeptic,
In addition to SpywareBlaster, I keep MVPS Host file added to my machines.
As to "seeing" an result...
Many Forum pages have banner adds.
When using SpywareBlaster and MVPS Host File, your browser will display some version of:
404, This page cannot be loaded, or similar.... and you'll never have to see those ads again.
I then use "Homer" which allows for any 127.0.0.1 address such as ad(dot)doubleclick(dot)net (redirected by Spyware Blaster or Host File) to appear as a small (non-interactive) swatch of the color of your choice. This actually improves the speed of page loading.
Homer from http://www.funkytoad.com/index.php?option=...4&Itemid=32, actually allows you to insert your own favorite photo as a place keeper, though the geometry of a photo can get pretty distorted depending upon the positioning of the banner ad that it is replacing.
In addition to SpywareBlaster, I keep MVPS Host file added to my machines.
As to "seeing" an result...
Many Forum pages have banner adds.
When using SpywareBlaster and MVPS Host File, your browser will display some version of:
404, This page cannot be loaded, or similar.... and you'll never have to see those ads again.
I then use "Homer" which allows for any 127.0.0.1 address such as ad(dot)doubleclick(dot)net (redirected by Spyware Blaster or Host File) to appear as a small (non-interactive) swatch of the color of your choice. This actually improves the speed of page loading.
Homer from http://www.funkytoad.com/index.php?option=...4&Itemid=32, actually allows you to insert your own favorite photo as a place keeper, though the geometry of a photo can get pretty distorted depending upon the positioning of the banner ad that it is replacing.
#38
- Group: Member
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 03-November 08
Posted 03 November 2008 - 11:22 AM
I CURRENTLY HAVE SPYDOCTOR & MCAFEE ON MY COMPUTER. I HAD SPYBOT BEFORE MCAFEE, BUT GOT A VIRUS AND WAS TOLD TO DOWNLOAD MCAFEE WHICH FORCED OUT SPYBOT. WHILE MY COMPUTER WAS INFECTED, IT WOULD NOT RUN SPYDOCTOR OR SPYBOT. I WANT TO KNOW IF THESE ARE THE PROGRAMS I AM SHOULD BE USING OR IF THERE IS A DIFFERENT PROGRAM I SHOULD BE USING.
#39
- Group: Retired Staff
- Posts: 2,008
- Joined: 06-January 08
Posted 06 November 2008 - 04:14 AM
Hey jen2,
McAfee is an anti-virus program while Spybot S&D and Spyware Doctor are anti-spyware programs. To ensure maximum protection, you should be running one of each of these types of protection softwares. In addition, you should also have a firewall like Comodo Pro Free or Zonealarm Free so that you will be protected from external attacks.
If you are still having problems due to viruses despite installing these softwares, feel free to head over here and read the instructions in there and post a HijackThis log for analysis here.
PS. Please don't post everything in caps.
LT
McAfee is an anti-virus program while Spybot S&D and Spyware Doctor are anti-spyware programs. To ensure maximum protection, you should be running one of each of these types of protection softwares. In addition, you should also have a firewall like Comodo Pro Free or Zonealarm Free so that you will be protected from external attacks.
If you are still having problems due to viruses despite installing these softwares, feel free to head over here and read the instructions in there and post a HijackThis log for analysis here.
PS. Please don't post everything in caps.
LT
