Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software? - Comments Page 4

I bumped into 'Avast4' - updates the program and updates automatically when I get on the net. No trouble to run it and home version is free.

The Anti Spyware I found that has found the Most SpyWare is---COUNTER SPY By Sunbelt--Any Comments by others about this Excellent Program

EDITOR'S NOTE: Have not used that one, but you made me wonder... does this program classify cookies as spyware? Some do, which is patently false and misleading.

As an A/V programme i`ve taken to using a freebie from my ISP,(NTL) NTLNetguard,it`s not let me down in over 6 months.
Anti-spyware I have a number installed,Adaware,Spybot,M/S AntiSpyware,Spyware Guard and SpywareBlaster,the Ms prog runs in the background,as does the `tetimer` from Spybot and Spyware Guard.All the others are run 1 at a time on a weekly basis.
This might seem overkill,but it keeps my system clean.And of course Spoofstick is runnung in IE.
Mick Waldron

I no longer use Spybot because it was wanting to remove parts of genuine programs.
I use McAfee everything, with the exception of SpamKiller which took on a life of its own and stopped mail on my whitelist........at random!
I use Spywareblaster and Adaware. I currently subscribe to Spyware Doctor but won't renew it because it never finds anything. And, I use Registry Mechanic and Win Patrol.

I use and have used on all of my computers the FREE AVG AntiVirus System and it works just fine it updates every time I get on the Net...Soo...
I recommend it to all who need a GREAT ANTIVIRUS
SYSTEM...Thank You Lewie

Have you tried "CCleaner". It does a fast job of finding all the Nasty's like Ad-Aware does and more. It also has a Reg cleaner. I now use the free versions of Zone Alarm, AVG, PrevX, CCleaner, and have had no problems.

I used to run SpywareBlaster, and Spybot S&D, in addition to Ad-Aware, but the PrevX-CCleaner combo seem to run deeper, faster. My 2½¢

I've set up a bunch of PCs for pals with the following setup that really keeps 'em clean (all are XP): free Zonealarm, Trend Micro PC-cillin antivirus, Spybot S&D, free Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, and Spywareblaster.

Being paranoid myself, I've modified my own 2 PCs as follows: removed Spybot S&D (caused problems once other stuff added), replaced free Ad-Aware with paid Ad-Aware Pro (for real-time, active monitoring and for ability to schedule scans), and added: Counterspy (from which Microsoft created it's new antispyware program), Spyware Doctor (hoping to get more keylogger protection), and Pest Patrol (for overkill). My PCs are both 2,800 speed, one a P4 and other an AMD Athlon 64, both with 512mb RAM. Seven of these programs are always actively monitoring in the background, yet my PCs don't bog down at all. All programs are scheduled to run full scans nightly (never get anything, though I'm an 8-hour/day surfing maniac). Very slick.

Other notes: I do recommend a router (for a hardware firewall), even if you don't have a network. Spywareblaster, which is superb, does NOT run in the background. When you update it, it adds to a list of websites to be automatically blocked, that's all it does.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I think "overkill" is an understatement! But whatever works for you is fine with me.

Norton - to add insult to injury, it is the very devil to clean out of your computer.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I concur! I once rendered a WinXP computer almost unusable by trying to expunge Norton. It gets its dirty little hooks in far too many places.

I have used Kaspersky (purchased with daily updates) for the past 2 years as a purchased software along with AdAware and Spybot. I've had Norton, AVG and McAfee along with the freeware and have always ended getting a virus. But haven't had a problem since the people that used to have to fix my computers suggested Kaspersky. They don't get to see me anymore unless I screw-up something myself (which I'm prone to do thinking I'm still an "Advanced User".

Was a big fan of AVG, MS Anti-Spyware, Adaware and Spybot. They worked well but now I trust everything to Windows One Care. Worked with the beta from the beginning then signed up for the paid service at the discount rate of $19.95 per year (regularly $49.95) Think there are still a few bugs but only in the Windows Defender portion. (formerly MS Anti-spyware)
Updates smoothly with the added benefit of back-up. Am pleased so far and will probably stick with it even at the next years price of $49.95.