Up to date antispyware comparison?

wacki

Senior member
Oct 30, 2001
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Anyone have one that isn't slanted? I know some sites can be really bad about that stuff.

PC magazine seemed to think windows defender wasn't very good. So other than Spybot S&D what are the best ones?
 

sep

Platinum Member
Aug 1, 2001
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Two issues ago, Maximum PC covered this topic. I recommed this article to everyone. I still have the article and adjusted my rigs security based on it. For spyware, it's been said many times, you can't have enough software checking it.

I have SP Search and Destroy 1.4x, Adware (latest) and MS Defender (beta). Along with Nortons Antivirus, ZoneAlarm Firewall, Keylogger detection (forgot the name), a program that checks for root programs. However I would run all this on a gaming rig. Slows it down. Gaming rig, install everything and then make an image. If you have problems...re-image!
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
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I honestly believe that the consolidated security thread at the top of this forum is the best and most objective.
It was made by a guy who has absolutely nothing to do with the software industry, which is why I trust hime so much.

And his info is up to date. You really cant get everything with just one program.
So far my favorite combo is Spybot and AdAware.
 

John

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
33,944
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Originally posted by: shortylickens
So far my favorite combo is Spybot and AdAware.

Those two apps miss quite a bit on heavily-infected systems. :(
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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Obligatory remark in support of using a Limited account if possible.


*mechBgon is forcibly subdued and strapped back into his straitjacket by the men in the white coats*
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
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Well, I'm not gonna argue with two l33t haxors members.

I'll just sit here and suck my thumb while the rest of you guys do whatever the hell you want.
 

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
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To protect a machine, I simply use MS AntiSpyware. It seems to catch a LOT of stuff, things SpyBot and AdAware miss. Windows Defender, even though it's suppose to be the same thing as MS AntiSpyware with a facelift, doesn't seem as good as the original beta 1 version. I got a lot of weird program errors and abrupt closings when I tested it out on some of my dummy rigs on the bench.

To remove spyware, I use MS AntiSpyware, AdAware, SpyBot, and Spy Sweeper. Spy Sweeper is the only one I know of that automatically removes the famous Look2Me junk from a users' infected system. Everything else does not! (at least from what I've used) HijackThis! is another awesome program for detecting silent infections and browser hijackers. I could go on forever listing my digital toolbox for spyware removal. It's kinda sad there's not just one 'top-of-the-crop' program to do it all.

I work on computers as a sort of side-job of mine and have been removing this stuff for a long time. I'm not saying I'm a pro by any means, but it's very true you have to use several programs to remove *EVERYTHING*. There's no one 'tried and true' program that does it all. However, if I had to choose just one, it's MS Antispyware beta 1, which is the only antispyware I run on my machine. It's robust, fast, runs in real-time, and it's up-to-date.