Anti-spyware?

[StevenF]

Hello,

I've had my laptop for nearly one week and so far I've installed Avast anti-virus (that was the first thing I did). I'm just wondering if they're any other programs which are a must have? Such as anti-spyware software.

Cheers,
Steven

[godsdog]

Spywareblaster (for prevention) and SUPERAntiSpyware and/or Spybot S&D (for when you've messed up and need removal).

And I'd change Avast to AntiVir, and that's about the basics covered. Apart from a software firewall which would be Comodo.

[StevenF]

Do I really need all of those? I've only ever used Windows Firewall. Avast is great - in my opinion - and has always worked 100%. It's also got an active scanner which is constantly looking for threats.

[godsdog]

You don't 'need' anything if you're switched on. But better to cover your ass.

So some prevention capability is worth it. Some removal capability is worth it. Software firewall is unnecessary if you are behind something else but they can add some convenience features. Free anti virus AntiVir is the best out of three free ones for detection and removal, but Avast is pretty.

[Lucio]

I use a firewall application to watch for outgoing connections myself rather than incoming, after all the biggest risk to your computer tends to be the user!

[joermcg]

As has been stated, spyware is now a real threat, and Spywareblaster, and/or Adaware 2007 or Spybot S&D, together with Comodo or Zone alarm, should keep you secure.

Avast or AVG, would be my choice of Av

[lilcompt]

As has been stated, spyware is now a real threat, and Spywareblaster, and/or Adaware 2007 or Spybot S&D, together with Comodo or Zone alarm, should keep you secure.

Avast or AVG, would be my choice of Av

i agree with him i have used avast for 1 whole year and has had me protected
if you want to anti spyware avg is good pc tools is good and also spybot search and destroy then will keep u well protected.

[StevenF]

So for a spyware scanner, which would you recommend? I've always used Adaware, but I always thought it was doing more worse than good.

[godsdog]

Part of my job involves system clean up. I use and rely on paid and free anti virus packages and anti-spyware products, it's part of the job. Right now the most effective free anti-spyware package at removal out there is SUPERAntiSpyware - followed by Spybot S&D (using both in system clean up is useful - but you don't have to go that far).

I've found the most effective free anti virus package out of the three free ones is AntiVir because it's relatively light and better at removal than the other two and deals very well with general malware usually. None of them are perfect though. There has been two threads recently on all this, one in here, the other in technical & advisory.

[Giraffe]

On Monday (all being well) Commodo f/w v3.1 should be out. Apparently it'll have some AV and antimalware capabilities as well (although the AV won't be '100%' as it'll concentrate on speed at first).

Looks as if CAV might eventually be incorporated in CFP, but as an option.

I'll give CFP a couple of days for other to find the problems, then clone my HD and have a go with it.

[lilcompt]

in my opinion avast is not good it does not catch known virus's so i would perfer pc tools AV and pc tools spyware doctor they are some great programs.

[aqil]

Forget Avast. Very resource hungry and not very effective.

I highly recommend the following steps and you should have no issues with virii, spyware, malware and popups.

Get Kaspersky Anti Virus. It will cost you about £12 but its solid.

Update your HOSTS file with one on this site they also explains how it all works.Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File

Download Spybot Search & Destroy and run a scan every week

Start using Firefox as your browser.

[santiagosam]

Hey,

I am new here, but my advice is be alert and satisfied before purchasing any anti-spyware software, I have a laptop, and I purchased Adware Alert from adwarealert.com, Its all thing is fake and not of any use, using this antispyware is just like hell, When I visited their website for help i got just like this

[SSK]

Forget Avast. Very resource hungry and not very effective.

Get Kaspersky Anti Virus. It will cost you about £12 but its solid.

Download Spybot Search & Destroy and run a scan every week

Start using Firefox as your browser.

I agree Kaspersky is a solid AV and for that price is an absolute bargain.

S & D is certainly a good spyware removal app and i would strongly recommend that you install it.

Firefox is better than IE7 but then again its all down to your personal preference of which browser you prefer.