Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software?
"Task Manager shows I have 50+ processes running, and I have no idea which ones are slowing down my system. Should I regularly run SpyBot, AdAware and other freeware, or should I pay for a supposedly better program? I read so much negative about every program and I am quite confused about them. If they really are worth the money, I am willing to try them. Can you give me your opinion on the best anti-virus, anti-spyware and popup blockers?
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Geeks Bearing Gifts?
You are correct to be wary of downloading certain freeware "solutions" for spyware, viruses and popups. Some of the freebies circulating in cyberspace are in fact rogue programs designed to open your computer to a massive invasion of spyware and viruses. One notorious example is Winfixer 2005, which purports to fix all manner of ills on your Windows PC. In reality, it's a "malware funnel" that most of the commercial anti spyware tools cannot touch. My daughter's computer became infested with Winfixer, and it was a mess -- popups everywhere, and new viruses coming in by the truckload. If you need help with Winfixer, see the solution in my Removing Winfixer article.
Mixing Up a Malware Cocktail
I hear from some readers who run two or three anti-virus programs, and half a dozen anti-spyware tools. Personally, I think that's overkill. WAY overkill. In fact, anti-virus programs can end up fighting with each other, and cause system lockups. And running multiple anti-spyware tools at once WILL slow down your computer.
There are at least a dozen highly touted anti-virus and anti-spyware tools -- some commercial and some free. So I understand your confusion as to which ones are best for you. It's natural to assume that the paid-for variety is of higher quality, but that's not always the case.
Here's my personal arsenal against viruses, spyware and annoying popups:
Works For Me!
This is what works for me. They're all free, they all come from trusted sources, and they work great. Automatic updates in each program help them keep pace with changes in the malware universe, and I have to say the proof is in the pudding. I do a LOT of web surfing, downloading and email handling. And so far, so good!
If you have a set of anti-virus, anti-spyware and popup blocker tools that do the trick for you, let us know here. If you use a PAID tool or service, tell us why you think it's better. Post your comments below.
Posted by Bob Rankin on January 8, 2006 06:21 PM
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Most recent comments on "Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software?"
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I use AVG and am very satisfied. I have only dial-up available at home since I reside in a small village (no cable or wireless options) so had to resort to the paid version for my PC as the free version would not load on it and the tech support was not helpful. I was able to take my laptop into work and load the free version onto it in a matter of minutes. Both versions work well and perform regular updates. Thanks for all the helpful tips Bob. |
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ESET SMART SECURITY is the best and light antivirus I have ever seen. It is the fastest antivirus of todays world. |
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I use Avast Home Edition for real time protection and Advance SystemCare Free or MalwareBytes on a as-per-need basis. I'm currently tweaking on start-up and running processes and planning to check your advice regarding X-RayPc. Thanks in advance. |
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I have used all three antivirus programs, and they have all failed, but only due to the user, usually failing to update their software when it expires. I also repair infected machines and have found Norton to be the boat anchor. I myself run McAfee on my home computer and spouses laptop. I also run AVG on my kids computer and my laptop. AVG by far does not chew up as much memory as McAfee, but both have proven to be as effective as each other. Update always!! Why do I run both? To allow my customers a choice of getting a free and effective antivirus!! |
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Bob: Your article does not mention the software I have on my system. I have had adverse slow results with both Google Toolbar and Comcast Toolbar. With the anti-spyware I have my system has slowed down so much that there is a long delay in logging into a site, dragging down the page to the next page, a delay when entering a comment since the green phishing bar at the bottom of the page is not complete. I have various anti-spyware software program and am not clear on how to disable any of them temporarily at least if I know I am visiting a reliable site like this one. My system is XP, and the hardware is old but still it should not be a slow as a tortoise or a snail (RAM is 512 MB). I have SpywareStop, XoftSpy SE, RegCure, ErrorKiller, and MacAfee. I notice that SpywareStop and XoftSpy SE both find parasites but not the same ones. What advice do you have more me? EDITOR'S NOTE: My advice would be to pick ONE anti-virus and ONE anti-spyware program. Having multiples running at once can cause slowdowns and other problems. |
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I have been using the Comodo Internet Security Suite for three months. This free package gets very high marks from the industry and it is free. |
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I like Super Anti Spyware. That is good for tough stuff. Get it at: http://is.gd/17GMQ For AV use AVG: http://is.gd/17HmB It's not free but does the job extremely well |
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I like Super Anti Spyware. That is good for tough stuff. Get it at: http://is.gd/17GMQ For AV use AVG: http://is.gd/17HmB It's not free but does the job extremely well |
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AntiVirus programs only detect malware. They don't prevent attacks before they start, protect your wireless connection, or prevent viruses from entering your PC. I recommend Comodo Internet Security which you can get the highest level of security with the advanced features available. Comodo Internet Security has : * Firewall - Slam the door on viruses with Comodo's unique Default Deny Protection. * AntiVirus - Scan for and destroy known threats to your PC’s health. Explore Comodo AntiVirus * Live Security Expert - Have an expert on hand 24/7 to solve any PC problems you may be experiencing. Explore Expert PC Support * Wi-Fi Security - Encrypt all your data when using Wi-Fi so no one can steal your information. Watch this Video about Comodo Internet Security Pro: |
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I've been using Intelinet for the past few months. I downloaded it to rid this nasty persistent spyware, and it did the trick, but I don't know if Intelinet is legit or not. Their ads look authentic, but I have not seen any reviews about it. Anyone know anything about it? Good or bad? EDITOR'S NOTE: I can't find any reviews of Intelinet from a trusted source. Personally, I'd stay away from it. |
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