17 replies to this topic

[xbrianx]

I am currently using AVG-Anti Spyware, Spyware Doctor(registered), and Spybot Search and Destroy.

I really like AVG and Spybot, but, I like Spyware Doctor's OnGuard features. For those that have done those security tests on programs, which ones should I keep?

I also have HJT, Norton '06, and CCleaner, but I'm not worried about those.

Thanks.

[YoKenny]

xbrianx, you don't say what operating system you're using so we're flying a bit blind here.

I don't use Spyware Doctor so I can't comment on it.

What I use on my WinXP Home SP2 system:

• WinPatrol for real time monitoring of key system files
  
• Windows Defender for monitoring key WinXP files
  
• AVG Free anti virus
  
• Kerio v2.1.5 firewall for detection of OUTBOUND traffic
  
• hpHOSTS and MVPS HOSTS files managed by HostsMan to keep the prolific ads and malware sites away from my system
  
• SiteAdvisor to inform me of bad sites I am about to visit from Google or the site I am on
  
• Common sense and experience and to be VERY wary of anything FREE on the Internet

[TwistedMetal]

They all have their ups and downs.

I have...

Adware SE Personal
Spyware Doctor (Regged)
Spybot - S&D

I don't use any real-time protection. I just don't see any need in it. I do have a modified HOST file though, that's always a good idea.

The only one I have ever used is Spybot - S&D, but only once. Common sense is a good thing to use, so I never really get to use any of them. But, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

[rridgely]

The programs your using are fine. If you want some suggestions for programs to try look here:
http://forum.ccleane...?showtopic=7323

[xbrianx]

YoKenny: I have a XP Home edition SP2. When I first got Spyware Doctor, It got some prett nasty stuff, so I just kept it.

TwistedMetal: Thanks. I do try to keep safe while online, I use Google's cache all the time when searching. And, I never put my full name on websites. I have heard about the HOST file with Hijack This, but I don't really know what it is.

[1984]

I use the following, and i get zero adds, spyware, virus, or anything else-and havent in a long, long time.

Hardware firewall
Netveda firewall
etrust antivirus
spybot s&d
adaware personal edition
superantispyware
avg antispyware
spywareblaster
a2

some people will think its overkill, but i only run them once a week or so to make sure everything is ok. and i would rather be safe than sorry. and so far its served me well.

[res45]

I use all of these and have no security problems.

Hardware firewall
Norton 2006 AV/firewall at the moment
adaware personal edition
superantispyware
avg antispyware
spywareblaster
Firefox browser with SiteAdvisor/Adblocker Plus and WOT add on http://www.mywot.com/en/wot/home/

[xbrianx]

Thanks guys. I guess if I think I need another anti-virus/ spyware program, I know where to look.

[Woody]

A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera. Don't forget that if you decide to try one or both of these, it in no way prevents you from continuing to use IE. All these browsers will sit happily on your desktop and you can choose which one to use as you see fit.

[xbrianx]

Woody, on Nov 20 2006, 08:28 PM, said:

A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera. Don't forget that if you decide to try one or both of these, it in no way prevents you from continuing to use IE. All these browsers will sit happily on your desktop and you can choose which one to use as you see fit.

I use Firefox. I love it. I've used it a little before 1.5 and I won't go back now.

[YoKenny]

Quote

A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera.

What makes you think Firefox or Opera are a safer browsers?

Quote

Firefox Myths - Myths Regarding The Firefox Web Browser

Myth (Definition) - "A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology." While Firefox is a decent Web Browser, there are numerous Myths floating around the Internet regarding it. Hopefully this site will debunk some of these.

http://mywebpages.co...refoxMyths.html

The only reason Firefox and Opera browsers are safer is that they have ActiveX and Java scriping disabled by default.

MANY legitimate sites NEED ActiveX or Java scripting to display properly and to enable the added functions provided by those sites.

In IE ActiveX and Java scripting should be disabled in the Internet Zone and of course the Restricted Zone.

Eric Howes' Enough is Enough sets up the Zones to a restricted mode plus adds icons to quickly add sites to the Restricted Zone or Trusted Zone:
http://www.spywarewa...c/resource6.htm

SpywareBlaster and Eric Howes' IE-SPYAD add over 5,000 sites to the Restricted Zone:
http://www.javacools...areblaster.html
http://www.spywarewa...rce.htm#IESPYAD

[rridgely]

The first link you posted is bogus. The "myths" that he pretends exist are just things he made up. We've already dealt with mastertech enough in the past and I have no desire to get into that one again. But I will say I find this to be better:
http://nanobox.chipx.../FirefoxFables/ (its a funny read if you take the time to read it and firefox myths).

On a more serious note here are some nice responses to that firefox myths page:
http://robert.accettura.com/archives/2005/.../firefox-myths/
http://www.webdevout...refox_myths.php

The other two links you posted are good though.

[YoKenny]

xbrianx, on Nov 20 2006, 10:06 AM, said:

I have heard about the HOST file with Hijack This, but I don't really know what it is.

Please read about the HOSTS file and the importance of having one and the need to keep it updated regularly:
What is the HOSTS file:
http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Hosts_file
http://accs-net.com/...t_is_hosts.html

Tutorial:
http://www.bleepingc...tutorial51.html

A GOOD HOSTS file:
http://www.mvps.org/...p2002/hosts.htm

A much more comprehensive HOSTS file:
http://hphosts.mysteryfcm.co.uk/forum/view...hp?f=5&t=21

Managing multiple HOSTS files with HostsMan:
http://pwp.netcabo.p...l/hostsman.html

Keep your Security applications up to date by visiting Calendar of Updates regularly to see the weekly update notifications:
http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?a...week=1164080746

[1984]

Thanks for the Hostfiles information YoKenny. Lots of good reads there, and I will definately use those links to update my protect. Thanks!

[JDPower]

rridgely, on Nov 21 2006, 01:37 PM, said:

The first link you posted is bogus. The "myths" that he pretends exist are just things he made up. We've already dealt with mastertech enough in the past and I have no desire to get into that one again. But I will say I find this to be better:
http://nanobox.chipx.../FirefoxFables/ (its a funny read if you take the time to read it and firefox myths).

Like that site, highly amusing. Especially the "Aaargh, you're blocking my ads, stop it" popup

[JDPower]

YoKenny, on Nov 21 2006, 01:27 PM, said:

SpywareBlaster and Eric Howes' IE-SPYAD add over 5,000 sites to the Restricted Zone:
http://www.javacools...areblaster.html
http://www.spywarewa...rce.htm#IESPYAD

What about this comment on the IE SpyAd site:

"If you use IE-SPYAD in conjunction with SpywareBlaster or Spybot Search & Destroy, you should be aware that there is considerable overlap between the Restricted sites lists maintained by these three programs. As a result of that overlap, you may encounter minor issues while updating IE-SPYAD. See the ReadMe for IE-SPYAD for more information and advice.

My recommendation is to use ONE program to add sites to your Restricted sites zone. Using multiple programs to add sites to your Restricted sites zone leads only to overlap, conflicts, and confusion without necessarily increasing your level of protection."

[rridgely]

I have all three on both my computers and my laptop. Its never caused any problems/slowdown.

[Karl Smith]

Hi,

I have more or less same software:

NoAdware
Avast Free
CCleaner
WinXP firewall
WinXP updates

I used Spyware Doctor, and if you really have to remove one of the two remove Spyware Doctor. Spybot seems better. The best thing to do is leave them running both. Spyboth does not run in the backround so it won't take much 'space'

Karl