New Version of Spybot - free spyware software
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive June 2004:
New Version of Spybot - free spyware software
Spybot has a new and truly improved version. I downloaded it and ran it at work yesterday and it found 15 pieces of spyware the older version hadn't caught - and I run Spybot at least once a week.
Here's a link to PCWorld's download page for Spybot and Adaware, both of which I highly recommend. Both are free and while they overlap some, each will catch some spyware the other doesn't.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/collection/0,collid,1266,pg,1,00.asp
I have both & still have this awful virus. The tech guy who is working on it for me says it's the newest one. I read an article that says this virus is being sent on "popular" web pages & I am wondering if it's e-bay. Everyone I have talked to who e-bays has been having problems lately!
BUT those 2 are both very good, they have gotten rid of viruses for me in the past. I have been having these problems ever since we got DSL!
Another good one that I would recommend you can also download it for free, it's called CWShredder.
I keep SpySweeper open all the time too, it sweeps your system & also keeps your homepage from getting changed!
Renee, none of the anti-spyware programs can do a thing about a virus. You need either Norton's or McAfee's anti-virus program - my preference is Norton. After you load the program you will use live update (in Norton - don't know what McAfee calls it) to download the latest virus definitions, and then do a scan. The anti-virus program will scan your computer, identify, and delete all viruses. If a virus is particularly difficult, the program's website will have more advice.
Many computer columns strongly recommend that if you have DSL or cable internet that you have a firewall, to keep others from accessing your computer. Because you are in some ways "always on" with cable and DSL, you are more vulnerable than with a model (editing through my profile - that should be modem, not model). Talk to your DSL provider about a firewall, because not all firewall programs are compatible with all DSL or cable internet services.
Renee, Ginny is correct. That only protects you from spyware. I feel like a belt and suspenders person, I have spybot, spyblaster, adaware, popup stopper, zone alarm and McAfee!
PS. Adaware has a new update, but don't bother. It is causing alot of software conflicts for just about everyone I know.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend a stand alone firewall like these from Linksys:
http://linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=561
About $50 at CompUSA. Also handy for sharing your cable/dsl connection if you have more than one computer.
And get Norton Antivirus.
Sort of on topic, everyone always raves about Norton versus McAfee here, so I decided to switch. Norton has a test it runs to see if your puter's current virus protection is adequate. McAfee passes everytime.
Annie, I use that phrase for myself all the time - being a belt and suspenders person - but I hadn't heard anyone else use it in years.
I think McAfee is probably just as good as Norton. I originally had McAfee, but had so many problems downloading updates (which may have been my problem, not McAfee's) that I switched to Norton, partly because I had used Norton Utilities at work at that time for disk scanning, defragmenting, etc., and liked that program better than the W98 programs. And, I have never had downloading problems with the Norton.
Am I showing my age? LOL ;)
I had problems initially with McAfee too, but ended up buying their automatic download program for $20 per year and it's been a life saver.
We have one of those, John and run Norton, as well as Adaware & Spybot regularly.
Thanks Ginny. I am going out to purchase an anti virus program today. We bought the program from someone else & he has Norton, but I am going to check out our options & purchase one.
Thanks Ginny. I am going out to purchase an anti virus program today. We bought the program from someone else & he has Norton, but I am going to check out our options & purchase one.
There are 3 decent AntiVirus suites out there:
Norton
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Norton_AntiVirus_2004/4505-3681_16-30521466.html
PC-cillin
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/4505-3667_16-20722940.html
McAfee
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/4505-3681_16-30519807.html
Most critical thing to keep in mind to stay virus free:
"Old virus protection is NO virus protection"
You need to purchase the virus update service after the free update period ends to be able to detect the latest viruses. This costs around $20 a year but is the smartest money you will ever spend.
I picked Norton because it caused the least problems with my other applications. Our Sony PC came with PC-cillin. However, it was constantly clashing with applications I ran, or with software installs. No problems with Norton.
The latest Norton will download and install updates automatically in the background without you knowing it's even happening.
My experience with McAfee is with their Free offerings a few years ago.
Ratings from CNET:
Product___Reviewer Rating___User Rating (% positive)
McAfee_______7.5/10____________29% from 20 users
Norton_______7.8/10____________12% from 89 users
PC-cillan____8.3/10____________none
Norton is PC magazine's Editor's choice. They chose Norton because of easier setup and better scores in independent tests. However, McAfee was very close behind:
1759,1372110,00.asp,http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1372110,00.asp
John, even though Norton is supposed to automatically update "in the background", as you say, I still run Live Update every week or two and lo and behold, there is always something to download.
I've had that issue with the older copies of Norton on our older computer.
The one with the newest version of Norton seems to download automatically without any problems.
go figure!
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