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?"
(See all 97 comments for this article.)|
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Hey bob.. i got this virus the other day on the interenet somehow. And it seems like everytime i go on the interenet it goes to the "about: blank" page. And then it dissapears and goes to a site called www.puresafetyhere.com. EDITOR'S NOTE: I would get a good anti-virus program and let it scan and fix any problems on your system. See the suggestions in the article above. |
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Just ignore the Privacy Report Icon. It does not indicate any security or privacy problems -- only that the website you're visiting has not published a machine readable privacy policy. |
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as an old skool type ime not computer literate but ive gotta say since installing norton my computer slows-freezes-restarts-overheats-sounds like an old fords loose fan belt on startup... its outa that window gonna get some other anti virus will trawl your site for ideas fanx for info -very helpful-you remind me of my mom |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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!! EDITOR'S NOTE: Try running the scan again after booting into Safe Mode. |
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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. |
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Is Free AVG Anti-Virus,Windows Defender,and X-ray Pc all compatible together? EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, I use all three. |
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