Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software? - Comments Page 10

Hi Bob-- I have ridden the Bus since Win 95, always appreciated the quality information. So here is my 2-bits: I have been running (at home) XP Pro with CounterSpy (CS)($20/year) and AVG Free behind a D-Link hardware firewall for the past few years (since CS was beta). I have had zero problems with infections, no problems with AVG and only handful of problems with CS (all fixed promptly by Sunbelt Software support). Before CS I was using four different anti-spyware programs in rotation (Ad-Aware, Webroot, one with a Scotty Dog icon and something else less memorable)--each caught some but not all the junk. CS got it all, and my younger daughter was still at home surfing the web for two of those years.
Sunbelt just came out with their "Vipre" product in Beta that combines CS with an antivirus engine-- I am running it now and the Beta is working fine doing both jobs.
BTW: I do use the Google Toolbar popup blocker and have the Microsoft one turned off.

Hey Bob! Your website is really helpful! I do have a question however. I downloaded the CA anti-spyware (the 3 month trial), and it scanned for me, however in order to remove it, it says I have to subscribe. Is there a way around this? Let me know, thanks!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Try the AVG Free Edition that I mentioned here: http://askbobrankin.com/free_antivirus_programs.html

I just bought the kaspersky 7.0 {KIS} although my IP is road runner which comes with free CA as you use Bob but my windows vista ultimate {64 bit} is not compatable with CA therefore I am forced to buy my pc security I think kaspersky works great for us vista ultimate {64 b} users

I got a virus that nothing I had would get rid of. Finally, I stumbled upon Spyware Doctor and it not only zapped it, but has since kept my pc clean. The only time I have to reboot is after an update, so that's ok. I also run AVG and Spybot as backups, but they don't have much to do anymore. Bottom line, I highly reccommend Spyware Doctor.

Hi Bob I ownloaded and ran windows defender as you said it was better than spybot that I was already using. Runs fine, but than tells me I have all these bad files but wont let me get rid or even look at them! When I go to close it I get told that I have all these bad files out there do I really want to close!!
How do I get rid of the files?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Try running the scan again after booting into Safe Mode.

I am suprised I only see one comment from someone using Avast from Alwil software. It is really good. It is free for personal use computers. Have to register once a year, but no Ads/Spam etc and most important, daily automatic updates and is very effective without getting in the way.

Is Free AVG Anti-Virus,Windows Defender,and X-ray Pc all compatible together?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, I use all three.

Hi Bob, yesterday I got that horrific antivirus2008xp malware onto my pc and my paid nod32 didn't stop it so regardless of what one pays for AV protection, it is still very possible to get infected. I used a freebie, malwarebyte's anti-malware, to kill this thing. During my search for a way to eradicate this rogue, I came across other security and privacy programs (free) that caught my eye.

Any chance you'll be evaluating programs like returnil, sandboxie, defensewall, geswall for the average computer user like me? They look like they would add another layer of defence against all the viruses and malware out there.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've never heard of any of them! There are so many anti-malware programs, I tend to stick with the ones that have achieved critical mass in terms of popularity.

I am trying to crash an old Dell desktop to send to my mom for email and internet use only. I am locked out of logging in because I have forgotten user password for administrator and guest account. I do not and can not get start button up. I do not use this computer and havent for over a year and just want to clean it and send to 78 year old mom to use. Can you help?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article will help you login if you forgot the Admin password: http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=305

Hi - how on earth do you get rid of that "antivirus 2008xp" malware without unwittingly downloading other malware?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you currently using any anti-malware protection?