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What do you recommend?


xbrianx

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I am currently using AVG-Anti Spyware, Spyware Doctor(registered), and Spybot Search and Destroy.

 

I really like AVG and Spybot, but, I like Spyware Doctor's OnGuard features. For those that have done those security tests on programs, which ones should I keep?

 

I also have HJT, Norton '06, and CCleaner, but I'm not worried about those.

 

Thanks.

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xbrianx, you don't say what operating system you're using so we're flying a bit blind here.

 

I don't use Spyware Doctor so I can't comment on it.

 

What I use on my WinXP Home SP2 system:

  • WinPatrol for real time monitoring of key system files
  • Windows Defender for monitoring key WinXP files
  • AVG Free anti virus
  • Kerio v2.1.5 firewall for detection of OUTBOUND traffic
  • hpHOSTS and MVPS HOSTS files managed by HostsMan to keep the prolific ads and malware sites away from my system
  • SiteAdvisor to inform me of bad sites I am about to visit from Google or the site I am on
  • Common sense and experience and to be VERY wary of anything FREE on the Internet

 

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." - Albert Einstein

IE7Pro user

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They all have their ups and downs.

 

I have...

 

Adware SE Personal

Spyware Doctor (Regged)

Spybot - S&D

 

I don't use any real-time protection. I just don't see any need in it. I do have a modified HOST file though, that's always a good idea.

 

The only one I have ever used is Spybot - S&D, but only once. Common sense is a good thing to use, so I never really get to use any of them. But, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Piriform Forum Moderator

Quick Links: CCleaner Products | CCleaner Documentation | Knowledge Center | Downloads | Lost License Key

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YoKenny: I have a XP Home edition SP2. When I first got Spyware Doctor, It got some prett nasty stuff, so I just kept it.

 

TwistedMetal: Thanks. I do try to keep safe while online, I use Google's cache all the time when searching. And, I never put my full name on websites. I have heard about the HOST file with Hijack This, but I don't really know what it is.

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I use the following, and i get zero adds, spyware, virus, or anything else-and havent in a long, long time.

 

Hardware firewall

Netveda firewall

etrust antivirus

spybot s&d

adaware personal edition

superantispyware

avg antispyware

spywareblaster

a2

 

some people will think its overkill, but i only run them once a week or so to make sure everything is ok. and i would rather be safe than sorry. and so far its served me well. :)

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A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera. Don't forget that if you decide to try one or both of these, it in no way prevents you from continuing to use IE. All these browsers will sit happily on your desktop and you can choose which one to use as you see fit.

It is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine. P. G. Wodehouse

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A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera. Don't forget that if you decide to try one or both of these, it in no way prevents you from continuing to use IE. All these browsers will sit happily on your desktop and you can choose which one to use as you see fit.

 

 

 

I use Firefox. I love it. :D I've used it a little before 1.5 and I won't go back now.

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A major change you could make if you are still using IE is to switch to a safer browser, such as Firefox or Opera.
What makes you think Firefox or Opera are a safer browsers?
Firefox Myths - Myths Regarding The Firefox Web Browser

 

Myth (Definition) - "A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology." While Firefox is a decent Web Browser, there are numerous Myths floating around the Internet regarding it. Hopefully this site will debunk some of these.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/FirefoxMyths.html

 

The only reason Firefox and Opera browsers are safer is that they have ActiveX and Java scriping disabled by default.

 

MANY legitimate sites NEED ActiveX or Java scripting to display properly and to enable the added functions provided by those sites.

 

In IE ActiveX and Java scripting should be disabled in the Internet Zone and of course the Restricted Zone.

 

Eric Howes' Enough is Enough sets up the Zones to a restricted mode plus adds icons to quickly add sites to the Restricted Zone or Trusted Zone:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource6.htm

 

SpywareBlaster and Eric Howes' IE-SPYAD add over 5,000 sites to the Restricted Zone:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm#IESPYAD

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." - Albert Einstein

IE7Pro user

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The first link you posted is bogus. The "myths" that he pretends exist are just things he made up. We've already dealt with mastertech enough in the past and I have no desire to get into that one again. But I will say I find this to be better:

http://nanobox.chipx86.com/FirefoxFables/ (its a funny read if you take the time to read it and firefox myths).

 

On a more serious note here are some nice responses to that firefox myths page:

http://robert.accettura.com/archives/2005/.../firefox-myths/

http://www.webdevout.net/firefox_myths.php

 

The other two links you posted are good though. :)

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I have heard about the HOST file with Hijack This, but I don't really know what it is.

 

Please read about the HOSTS file and the importance of having one and the need to keep it updated regularly:

What is the HOSTS file:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

http://accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html

 

Tutorial:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial51.html

 

A GOOD HOSTS file:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

 

A much more comprehensive HOSTS file:

http://hphosts.mysteryfcm.co.uk/forum/view...hp?f=5&t=21

 

Managing multiple HOSTS files with HostsMan:

http://pwp.netcabo.pt/0413933601/abelhadigital/hostsman.html

 

Keep your Security applications up to date by visiting Calendar of Updates regularly to see the weekly update notifications:

http://www.dozleng.com/updates/index.php?a...week=1164080746

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." - Albert Einstein

IE7Pro user

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The first link you posted is bogus. The "myths" that he pretends exist are just things he made up. We've already dealt with mastertech enough in the past and I have no desire to get into that one again. But I will say I find this to be better:

http://nanobox.chipx86.com/FirefoxFables/ (its a funny read if you take the time to read it and firefox myths).

Like that site, highly amusing. Especially the "Aaargh, you're blocking my ads, stop it" popup :D

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SpywareBlaster and Eric Howes' IE-SPYAD add over 5,000 sites to the Restricted Zone:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm#IESPYAD

 

What about this comment on the IE SpyAd site:

 

"If you use IE-SPYAD in conjunction with SpywareBlaster or Spybot Search & Destroy, you should be aware that there is considerable overlap between the Restricted sites lists maintained by these three programs. As a result of that overlap, you may encounter minor issues while updating IE-SPYAD. See the ReadMe for IE-SPYAD for more information and advice.

 

My recommendation is to use ONE program to add sites to your Restricted sites zone. Using multiple programs to add sites to your Restricted sites zone leads only to overlap, conflicts, and confusion without necessarily increasing your level of protection."

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Hi,

 

I have more or less same software:

 

NoAdware

Avast Free

CCleaner

WinXP firewall

WinXP updates

 

I used Spyware Doctor, and if you really have to remove one of the two remove Spyware Doctor. Spybot seems better. The best thing to do is leave them running both. Spyboth does not run in the backround so it won't take much 'space'

 

Karl

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