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

NOD32, Windows Defender, Zone Alarm Pro and safe practices such as not opening attachments from strangers has kept my computer clean from Win 98SE through Win 2000 to my current XP sp2. However I install an earlier free version Of ZA in friends' computers as it can create incompatibility problems. To the person who wants to install Windows Defender with Win 2000 - this can be difficult but at least with the last version I could find fixes on Google.

I used eTrust EZ Antivirus from Computer Associates for several years. However, when I purchased a new computer about a year ago, this AV program kept locking up my new system. I ended up having to reformat my c:\ drive and reinstall everything to solve the problem caused by the eTrust software. Needless to say they lost my trust. I switched to AVG free from http://free.grisoft.com and have had no problems ever since.

I use AVG anti-virus (free), Adaware (free), and

Spybot S&D (free). Have been for a couple of years.

My Favorite is SpywareBlaster (free). Update it every week or two and the two spyware apps won't have very much to find when you run them. It keeps the junk off of your system. Remember to update all of these apps regularly and they will do a great job...for free.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I like Windows Defender because it keeps itself updated, and does everything the others do.

I regularly use Opera and Firefox which have a lot of built in security features. I run my anti-spy/spam programs (the free ones: Ad-aware and Spybot) only once every few months (after updating their databases -very important!) and nothing has ever been found. I credit my browsers for that. Last year, I switched from AVG to Avast Antivirus. Avast found three virus/trojan programs (can't remember what they were now) that AVG apparently missed. I don't know if that indicates that it is better, it just happened to "know" those from its database. I imagine switching back and forth every year or so couldn't hurt. One might find a virus the other has yet to be "shown". So again, it comes down to keeping your databases up-to-date. That's probably the most important thing to do for all your anti-spy/spam/virus, browser, and firewall programs! UPDATE!!!

AVG rocks - have used it for a long time and love it. Stared using AVG-S (Spyware version) - so far so good. Both are free and used at home. In fact I am planning to advise my clients to change to AVG enterpise versions.

im having Avast free edition, now i have bought AVG proffesional, but i cant uninstall Avast. when go to windows uninstaller it reinstall the software insted of uninstalling. waht sould i do?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Did you do this via the Windows Control Panel?

Great advice, Bob. I've been using Free AVG Anti-virus for a long time and really like it. You can search for "AVG FREE" using your favorite search engine.

For the last 27 years have just about tried everything. Got rid of Norton years ago when his picture was still around. Avast and AVG got B- from me. I challenged the head IT at a 85 person office to try BitDefender. After 2 weeks he removed AVG from every machine. Just yesterday, a tech visited my doctor's office and ripped out SpyBot 4, BitDefender AV and installed AVG. He "represents" them. The PC was rebooting itself after working for 2 years just fine. After reinstalling Spybot and BitDefender, found 1 virus and 3 spyware... in just 12 hours of running AVG.

I really like to see the popup windows from Spybot and BitDefender warning me about changes that programs try to make. I also use PCTools Spyware Doctor once a week to deep scan everything. So far, it has not found anything. Would also strongly recommend a program that monitors DL and UL on your PC called DU Meter. It's a small little window that will let you know graphically if there is traffic going on. Any activity on the UpLoad side and I didn't authorize it, grabs my full attention immediately. One last comment. BitDefender updates every hour per my setting. It's amazing to see how many new signatures they sometimes add in just one hour.

Over the 4 years i've had this computer i have used alot of good/bad software but i have narrowed it down to what i have and stick with now. I use analogX port blocker, AdAware, Kerio firewall version 2.15, Avast Antivirus home addition, Peerguardian2, Arovax shield version 2.0, a-squared (free), Curr ports, SafeXp, CCleaner, Block List Manager, Autoruns System Internals.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's TWELVE anti-malware programs! Ouch. If your computer is bogged down, it's probably all the "good guys" fighting with each other.

I use AVG Free Edition, Ad-Aware SE Plus, Spybot Search & Destroy and my favorite, Webroot's Window Washer. I've been using various versions of Window Washer since the 1997 or 1998, almost right from the start of their company. I have used aVast 4 Home Edition and was very pleased with it, until I tried to remove it from a friend's PC. In my research, I found that you had to go the aVast's website to download a small program to remove it from any PC.

My opinion is ... when you are using a Free program, you should be able to remove it at will, not using their 'removal' program, to get the job done. Otherwise, aVast 4 Home Edition works extremely well, especially for those who are 'computer illiterate'.

One word of caution, if, you use a router for your DSL or Cable internet copnnection, do NOT use anyone else's Firewall program, until you make sure that you do NOT have a functioning Firewall with your router for DSL or Cable connection. You only need ONE working Firewall.

I have a 2Wire DSL router and their Firewall is fantastic!!! So, I must 'turn off' Windows XP Firewall, to be stealth and hidden. Gibson's Shields Up always shows that I "Passed" and have no pings noted. Yes, I still get spyware and malware, because I choose to have my 'cookies' available for MY convenience. Therefore, I use Ad-Aware SE Plus, Spybot Search & Destroy and Webroot's Window Washer to keep my PC 'clean'.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You cannot get spyware from a cookie. Some spyware scanners FALSELY identify cookies as a threat.

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