Every 1 in here its for your own benefit

[emul8]

Mcafee 8 pro
Sygate 5 pro
Spyware blaster (if you make a small donation it auto updates and sets latest protection every time you hit the web)
Spybot
I'm happy

[5cupa]

I would check out this page before you download or use any spyware tools

CLICK ME SUCKKA

[emul8]

spyware blaster isnt there
and i dont exactly understand what this all means about spybot
is it now spying on me

[mr_anderson187]

im having a real bad time with this, but trying thsi shields up test, just reformatted yesterday, and am full of spyware and turn, i use adaware 6.0 pro with adwatch that keeps me clean but my internet is still very slow and keeps not findign the server lol, its taking the piss

[TiG]

ahh spyware what an interesting subject...

Ask yourself - how does spyware get there in the first place?

There's two major methods - IE vulnerabilities and attached to programs (Divx codec anyone?)

Make sure your patched with all the latest MS updates and ms java (if you have it).

Adaware gets rid of the vast majority of spyware, CWShredder gets rid of Coolwebsearch and its variants only.

Install iespayad, this changes some ie settings ie unsigned activex stuff and adds a huge ban list of sites (inc ad sites).

That should keep you covered, use a firewall if you dont have a router also.

My 10p's worth anyway

Most sense i've heard on the thread. It gets my vote

TiG

[nichomach]

Surf over to www.grc.com and try 'Shields Up'. Guarantee you will d/l free zonealarm firewall very soon afterwards

Shields Up Analysed

Bang alongside you on the personal firewall side, Rob, but I have my doubts about GRC...

Bear in mind Gibson's the person who reckoned that the Pathlock e100 Netimer was “the BEST hardware defense against hackers and spyware” and that it was “It is the only Internet security product that guarantees security.”. Giggle.

[Capt Doufos]

www.nod32.com

It's very good. I think it is better than AVG. I currently use it. Free download.

[Twigman]

Just to show both sides of the story, so that everyone is happy and unbiased:
http://www.grcsucks.com/

EDIT: Yes, I do realise that link was at the bottom of that other article...

Also, I just did all the GRC test, and it passed with flying colours...nothing open or responding. What firewall do I use? Windows SP1 firewall. Passes everything. I dont have a router or smoothwall or anything else that was affecting it.

[Rob]

Nice links Nicho and Twigman

While he might be a flake, and I for one am not knowledgable to comment either way, if he draws attention [to the fact there ARE security risks with the internet] to novice users this cannot be all bad. I for one had been surfing for quite some time before I even new what a firewall was .

I think this really outlines a shocking point that all these ISP's and vendors alike should make newcomers more aware of the dangers. They seem very happy to advertise this wonderful 'new' interweb - "where you can do all your banking and shopping from your sofa" - and yet not warn that some little script kiddie will be straight after your bank details as fast as you can type them in.

Yes, he probably does install a slightly false sense of security. And yes, this in itself is not helpful. But on the other side, can installing a paranioa of getting hacked be all bad?