AntiVirus/SpyWare/Adware

Ric · 7 January 2006 at 9:57PM

For a long time I have used Free AVG, Lavasoft Adaware, SpyBot Search & Destroy.

Over time my computer was running slower and slower. All the above were up to date and reported no threats.

Then I ran Norton Free Online check, and it found 2 Trojans and 2 bits of Adware, despite my installed software telling me my machine was clean.

There were some corrupted bits of software on my machine anyway, so I did a full system restore back to factory settings, and it is running fine again now, but I want some decent AntiVirus/SpyWare/Adware.

I now no longer trust AVG or Lavasoft free editions. I've also read so many Anti-Norton comments - that I don't want to go down that line.

I don't mind paying. So what is my best bet?

Reluctant_spender · 7 January 2006 at 10:06PM

This is a very subjective subject and has been discussed many times before.

Some people swear by AVG others swear at it!

Generally there are a few top runners in the anti virus stakes - Kaspersky and NOD32 - my personal preference is NOD32

I tend to use a mix of adaware and spybot - both free aswell as Ewido - free version - anti trojan software.

Hope this helps.

wolfman · 7 January 2006 at 10:10PM

Firstly, don't use Internet Explorer. Use a browser like Firefox or Opera. I'd also recommend using a local proxy app like Proxomitron, but can get into that another time.

I find Nod32 to be the best (or one of) av solutions out there. It's light and has a great detection rate. I've never had any problems, well worth the £25.

For anti spyware, adaware and spybot are generally very average solutions these days. There are a few good solutions, I find Spyware Doctor to be the best (£20ish). Counterspy (£10) is another good option (won PC Pro labs test back in September).

And finally a decent firewall to help block incoming AND outgoing connections. I find Kerio Personal Firewall to be the best, although Sygate is another option. Both are free.

wolfman · 7 January 2006 at 10:12PM

Reluctant_spender wrote:

Some people swear by AVG others swear at it!

People usually do though until something goes wrong. The same applies to any software. Although I do think you get that little bit extra when paying for something like Kaspersky or Nod32.

-TangleFoot- · 7 January 2006 at 10:22PM

If you're looking for the best anti-spyware around, you need look no further than this very forum:

Best FREE Anti-spyware software? - Posts 14 and 29 in particular.

Reluctant_spender · 7 January 2006 at 10:29PM

wolfman wrote:

People usually do though until something goes wrong. The same applies to any software. Although I do think you get that little bit extra when paying for something like Kaspersky or Nod32.

Could not agree with you more - both have cracking heuristics.

intel · 7 January 2006 at 10:31PM

Hi

Just remember that whilst running a scan with AVG was it in safemode?

And was AdAware run with system restore off?

This is what always catches users out.

abwsco · 7 January 2006 at 10:59PM

intel wrote:

Hi

Just remember that whilst running a scan with AVG was it in safemode?

And was AdAware run with system restore off?

This is what always catches users out.

I regularly do Ad Aware with system restore off, but usually run AVG whilst I'm working away at the PC. Is this wrong

How would I run it in safe mode?

intel · 7 January 2006 at 11:06PM

When you restart the PC tap F8 to go into safe mode... dont use the PC whilst a scan is in progress..

abwsco · 7 January 2006 at 11:13PM

Thank you and apologies for not noticing your sig. It's been one of those days............

intel · 7 January 2006 at 11:23PM

abwsco wrote:

Thank you and apologies for not noticing your sig. It's been one of those days............

Its Ok mate you prompted my sig so I am thankful for your post :beer: :beer:

AntiVirus/SpyWare/Adware

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