Common Spyware Solutions

[s2g24]

i think most of the program mentiond are above are an good front line defence against spyware/addware.
addaware se
spyware blaster
spybot s+d
highjack this
regseeker
and the best thing about these programs they are all free downloads.

[s2g24]

i think generally the best programs for this kind of thing are free becauce they are made by people having the same probs and not by buissness wanting money

[BipolarBill]

Not necessarily. The most effective spyware app out there right now is Counterspy - 93% of known spyware found and removed according to PC World. Spybot and Ad Aware together can only get about 60%. It runs full-time too and catches malware before it gets in.

Counterspy is not free, but it's very affordable at $19.99.

The best freeware program is Spywareblaster, but Counterspy is more effective at prevention.

By the way - Microsoft Antispyware anf Counterspy use the same engine.

[Ben Humphreys]

I might throw Spyware Doctor into the mix. I had some pests that Norton AV was picking up but no one was picking them up. I use Adaware. Spyware Doctor and Microsoft Spyware (beta). I contacted Spyware Doctor and they gave me a solution to get rid of the adware. A lot of these programs work best in the safe mode after you have downloaded any updates. Spyware Doctor is not freeware but has some real nice features other than just spyware removal.

[s2g24]

i think it is one of those swings and round abouts things.i find my setup suits me but then it is not going to be on everyones must have list.
i think as long as you have some form of protection against spyware/addware that is whats inportant

[441]

Please excuse my ignorance. I know enough to tip toe internally around my pc and hear every second day the benefits of Mac as an alternative. Do Mac's pick up spyware? Is all of this a 'not my problem' with a Mac or do they have their own issues?

[LeftCoast]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 441

Please excuse my ignorance. I know enough to tip toe internally around my pc and hear every second day the benefits of Mac as an alternative. Do Mac's pick up spyware? Is all of this a 'not my problem' with a Mac or do they have their own issues?

I believe what you're speaking of is the fact that over 90% of computers worldwide (don't hold my feet to the fire on the exact stats) are IBM clones running a Windows OS, so people gear the design of viruses, trojans, and spyware to effect the greatest number of computers possible. It's a numbers game, so the "return on investment" of the dirtbags' time dictates they write them for Windows. This is another reason why Linux is desirable, in addition to the fact it's free.

BTW, most browser exploits are written for Internet Explorer, because (you guessed it) it's the most used browser in the world. This is why people use alternative browsers such as Firefox (my favorite) and Opera.

[s2g24]

i found firefox to be very good and since my friend put me on to it i am a convert and whats more am trying to spread the word

[Ben Humphreys]

I have a question. I run MS Spyware Beta which looks fantastic on the surface. But I run it and show no infection. I turnaround and run Ad Aware and it picks up like 20+ infections. Am I missing something here.

[the_doctor]

Just curious, but how does Spyware Blaster work? I installed it and it seems to be blocking spyware (i.e. Spybot, AdAware etc. don't find any) but it is not running in the background like an antivirus or firewall. How does it block spyware when it is not running?