Best FREE Anti-spyware software?

intel

djohn2002uk wrote:

Didn't think I mentioned any names but if the cap fits etc.

lol. Johns Cap. lol

bethom

zincoxide

backflip

This will seem like heresy, but I don't rely on any of the safeguards which have been mentioned, I have three computers, one of which is usually on, and I never, repeat NEVER, ever, ever, ever get any virus, malware, spyware, trojan or virus. NEVER!!!!.I scan occasionaly and always get a clean bill of health. This is not to say that I don't take precautions because I obviously do to keep my system problem free, I just choose to use different methods and a simpler software solution than loading my system up with numerous spyware/AV programs.

zincoxide

backflip - what methods do you use?

Problem with me is I like to explore the net - causing untold number of problems - especially when I start downloading free trials etc!

tigermatt

backflip wrote:

This will seem like heresy, but I don't rely on any of the safeguards which have been mentioned, I have three computers, one of which is usually on, and I never, repeat NEVER, ever, ever, ever get any virus, malware, spyware, trojan or virus. NEVER!!!!.I scan occasionaly and always get a clean bill of health. This is not to say that I don't take precautions because I obviously do to keep my system problem free, I just choose to use different methods and a simpler software solution than loading my system up with numerous spyware/AV programs.

When I run my Anti-Spyware software, I never have and critical problems - in fact, the biggest problem I ever get is Tracking Cookies. I do take precautions and don't download software etc. that seems to be spyware, but I would rather load my system with spyware and anti-virus programs and be safe insteadof using one program for all my protection and not know how secure it is.

intel

backflip wrote:

This will seem like heresy, but I don't rely on any of the safeguards which have been mentioned, I have three computers, one of which is usually on, and I never, repeat NEVER, ever, ever, ever get any virus, malware, spyware, trojan or virus. NEVER!!!!.I scan occasionaly and always get a clean bill of health. This is not to say that I don't take precautions because I obviously do to keep my system problem free, I just choose to use different methods and a simpler software solution than loading my system up with numerous spyware/AV programs.

I do see what you are syaing a kinda of prevention is better than cure
but in saying that I only Use Adaware/AVG and ccleaner with IE ans Ive never had a jot of trouble, reason is I dont visit iffy sites recieve infected mail
and never ever download crap or stuff without my prior knowlegde..

I can say in the last 11yrs not one spot of bother.

-TangleFoot-

Toxteth_OGrady wrote:

...PC Pro magazine ran a lab test on anti-spyware in the Nov 05 issue.

PC Plus also ran a similar test in their December issue, with much the same results:

• PC Tools Spyware Doctor 3.2 (88%)
• Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5 (86%)
• ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 6 (85%)
• Sunbelt Counterspy 1.5 (84%)
• Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005 (81%)
• McAfee AntiSpyware 2006 (80%)
• Agnitum Outpost 3 (77%)
• Steganos AntiSpyware 2006 (77%)
• Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta) (72%)
• Trend Micro AntiSpyware 3 (68%)
• Lavasoft AdAware SE Pro (61%)
• Spybot S&D 1.4 (60%)

backflip

tigermatt wrote:

When I run my Anti-Spyware software, I never have and critical problems - in fact, the biggest problem I ever get is Tracking Cookies. I do take precautions and don't download software etc. that seems to be spyware, but I would rather load my system with spyware and anti-virus programs and be safe insteadof using one program for all my protection and not know how secure it is.

I don't need to take precautions and can quite happily and more importantly, safely go to any site and still be safe. I frequently download freeware and just now I'm gleaning the net for free portable apps for my usb pen drive.

intel wrote:

I do see what you are syaing a kinda of prevention is better than cure

That is my preferred choice. Why load up your computer with numerous software solutions which only find a problem once it is already in the system?
I've posted in the past what I believe is the optimum method of prevention, one which I've used for a good while without any problems, and it didn't raise a ripple, the same type of posts constantly appear about spyware/viruses etc.
I use pop peeper to check all my email accounts and never download any from the server I'm not sure of. If necessary I use the 'preview' option to check any suspicious mail out. At this point someone usually jumps up to say Mailwasher (which checks ONE pop3 account only, compared to the unlimited number of accounts with pop peeper) can 'bounce' mail back........... and that is why they use such a limited program :wall: . I check 12 including opermail/pop3/hotmail/gmail/yahoo)
I also use sandboxie (https://www.sandboxie.com), a program which filters EVERYTHING that enters your system while on the net (cookies, spyware, virus etc.) to a secure folder called a 'sandbox' from where it CANNOT escape into your system. Everything that is downloaded, knowingly or otherwise ends up in this sandbox. Once you have finished surfing you delete the contents of the sandbox after you've retrieved any downloads you want. I have had viruses downloaded from sites, but these have never got into my system, they remained trapped in the sandbox and were deleted when I ended my session on the net.
It does work...honest!!!............you really don't need all those spyware programs etc. or to see your system infected with junk of any kind.
BTW, you can also open your downloaded emails within the sandbox so if something nasty does come in an email, despite pop peeper, the problem is contained within the sandbox.

intel

I would always have an Antivirus and Scumware removal the thing being is.

If you have a lapse of vigilance or Sandboxie fails or is attacked by something
that got in I would still like the removal tools already on my machine just incase
I couldnt get back online because of said nasty.