Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software? - Comments Page 8

To remove spy-ware I tried Lavasoft AdAware SE and Spybot S&D. Cause I run Windows 2000 professional I can´t install MS Windows flavors for deal with malware. Any suggestions

EDITOR'S NOTE: Not sure what you mean...

I use AVG Antispyware & Antivirus, also AD-Aware, Spybot and only GNU utilities and software and that's it, this is the answer to never catch a virus or spyware.

Had Mcafee for year. then decided to dump it when I was unable to put it on a new computer. Bought Kaspersky - what a Crappersky!!! First my applications began to fail, first my firefox then my outlook and my system froze. Did not think Crappersky was the culprit until loading it for the 5th time and by this time I decided to revert to windows 2000 pro as I would have had to get a new activation code num. for my XP. after the 5 th try I decided to dump Crappersky and so now I am looking for something else.

I've been using EZ Antivirus (2007 version is called "CA Antivirus") for about 4 years. Wile I don't care for the CA Security Suite, the Antivirus program is wonderful. No problems! I also use XoftSpySE for Spyware protection (paid) My PC seems to be clean as a whistle. (also use the free Ad-AwareSE -- Once every couple of weeks)

Some people (probably me too) get all bent out of shape when they look at Antivirus Test Results. What's your take on this Bob?
AV Comparatives Test Results March 2007
CA Antivirus 2007 Overall Detection Rate 65%
Windows Viruses 86% ..Macro 99%..Script Viruses/Malware 46% ..Worms 83% ..Backdoor 63% ..Trojan ..55% Other Malware ..47% ..other OS viruses.Malware 43%..... This is somewhat concerning. Thanks

EDITOR'S NOTE: I also note that CNET gives it a 5 star certification (see http://review.zdnet.com/CA_Antivirus_2007/4505-3667_16-32136372.html) with the caveat that it doesn't include spyware protection. Well I actually LIKE that... I think a good anti-virus AND a good anti-spyware tool is the best way to go.

This article needs updating. I just followed your "EZ Antivirus" link. There is no EZ Antivirus on the web page (I believe that CA Antivirus is the new name). There also is no 12 month free trial. They show a 3 month trial.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You are correct, the name was changed, and the free trial time period was shortened as well. I've updated the article. The good news is that this software is 100% free if you are a RoadRunner subscriber. It comes bundled with the EZ Armor Security Suite.

Hi Bob, I used to use Zone Alarm Pro, because i have a small network, and zone Alarm (free) blocked other computers on the network, however it has now become bloated. Its still a good program, but you either have to monitor everything it does or let it moniter your programs and hope it blocks stuff you don't want to get out(ie, I see no reason why Windows Explorer needs access to the internet). Currently I am using the firewall that comes with Windows Vista and it seems to be doing its job. I also use Windows Defender (Microsoft)for anti-spyware as well as running regular checks with Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D. For anti-virus I am using Microsofts One Care Live but only the 90 day trial, and will have to make a decision soon on whether I want ot pay for it or got back to AVG (free) or Avast (free). I have used Norton in the past but found it infiltrated the computer system, and put up one hell of a fight when I tried to remove it from my computer. The one drawback I find with AVG (free) is that it wants to run a scan everytime you start the computer. Both AVG and Avast have pay versions if you want to pay. For a registry cleaner I use RegSupremePro.

If you need free anti-virus software Grisoft AVG free version is the best in my opinion and also CCleaner to clean up your pc.

ad-aware se personal, and spy-bot search and destroy have been good anti spyware, i also like avg antivirus.

Thanks for such great info Bob ! Been a real big help to me over the yrs. you've had this site. I am an AOL user mainly because I get it at a huge as in almost nothing per month for unlimited access. Along with the free by Aol McAfee Security Suite without any problems. I have learned that too much overkill can cause more trouble with your computer software and OP OS xp as I am using, than it is worth the trouble. I find that with the AOL Security suite along with Spyware terminater which has a real time scanner when on line, I have had no problems at all. The only troubled software I have had is the short time I used Webroot, Spysweeper, only because it did not catch anything at all, that is when I switched to spyware terminater. Love avg and avast both along with either the free ZoneAlarm or sygate personal or jeticoPersonal firewall. If AOL Drops the low fee as per my employuer that I get a deal thru, there are several Programs I will surely consider as [ Windows Defender, Avg, Avast but not sure about the firewall that comes with Xp OS. . I have always heard from every tom, Dick and Harry that it was no good but I trust your opinion, because if we are careful on what we let in our computers via email ETC. then there should be no need to have a firewall with both in-bound and out-bound traffic patrol. Am I right?

EDITOR'S NOTE: I agree. See http://askbobrankin.com/do_i_need_a_firewall.html