Best FREE Anti-spyware software?

backflip

intel wrote:

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.

I can't forget, my browser (firefox/opera) automatically opens up within sandbox, so you are surfing within the sandbox. It is impossible for anything to get into your system from within sandboxie.
Just try it and I can assure you that you WILL be convinced. Tell me once you have. :dance:

intel

backflip wrote:

I can assure you that you WILL be convinced.

Until it fails as nothing is flawless, is this a sales pitch.

StephenB_2

How is sandboxie coping with the current .wmf exploit?

SJB

backflip

intel wrote:

Until it fails as nothing is flawless, is this a sales pitch.

This is no more a sales pitch that your recommendations for all the various programs you advise posters to fill their system with. I actually resent your suggestion, My aim is too be helpful and until YOU try it you won't know what your are being critical about, or what you are talking about. No. this is not a sales pitch, I've used this program without any problem for about a year. Why don't you go to the forum on the website and read the posts?
Have you read about the program? Regarding your comment that 'until it fails as nothing is flawless' that would include all those programs you suggest posters load their system with also would it not? I believe AVG has failed the .wmf exploit!! I can't see how sandboxie can flaw, not with the way it is structered to work. My intention was to be helpful, but if you need the crutch of numerous programs and to be suspicious of something you don't know about, then so be it, that is entirely your choice. I prefer a method that doesn't need updating, is small and it works...everytime.

StephenB
With sandboxie you operate your browser from within a sandbox, similar to a strongroom and nothing can get out of that sandbox that is downloaded inadvertently or otherwise, so absolutely nothing can get into your system.

StephenB_2

backflip wrote:

StephenB
With sandboxie you operate your browser from within a sandbox, similar to a strongroom and nothing can get out of that sandbox that is downloaded inadvertently or otherwise, so absolutely nothing can get into your system.

Yes, I get the drift, (but not the nuances) and I will look at this route when I get the time (after Tuesday ). So, any reports of its behaviour under attack from the .wmf exploit?

SJB

backflip

StephenB wrote:

Yes, I get the drift, (but not the nuances) and I will look at this route when I get the time (after Tuesday ). So, any reports of its behaviour under attack from the .wmf exploit?

SJB

You are protected from any nasty IF the program you are running is being used WITHIN the sandbox. I pointed out that I've actually had very few virus attacks while surfing, but those which I have had have all been fully and completely contained within the sandbox and have not been able to infect any part whatsoever of my system. When I end my session I delete the contents of the sandbox and the viruses which have been made impotent by their inability to invade my system, are erradicated. All sandboxie does is ensure that everything downloaded while you are on the net ends up in a special folder (the sandbox) and is not allowed to spread where it would like to.

wolfman

I think that's the main point that will most likely cause problems. The applications you use need to be supported by sandboxie. There are equivalents that'll protect the whole system though, I think Process Guard is one.

It definitely a good idea, although the only problem is if the virus gets outside the sandbox, or you use an app not protected by it, then the virus is free to infect.

A decent av, such as AVG (free) or Nod32 (£25). A firewall such as Kerio (free) or Sygate. And anti spyware such as AdAware/Spybot (free) or Spyware Doctor (£10). That combination is generally a good way to go, especially for users that are less technically aware.

backflip

wolfman wrote:

It definitely a good idea, although the only problem is if the virus gets outside the sandbox, or you use an app not protected by it, then the virus is free to infect.

That is what I've been saying, you are only protected when you are running an app WITHIN sandboxie, if you aren't then you are wide open. I run firefox or opera and they automatically open in sandboxie, similarly you can run your email client or any other app automatically. I can't see how a virus can dodge the sandbox, everything is directed into it. The sandboxie site forum recalls the experience of many users, but none have ever reported that failure, nor do I believe it could happen. I still have an up to date AV app (Avast....which BTW doesn't fall victim to the .wmf exploit....unlike AVG) mainly for email and because I've a young daughter and I'm concerned about her using the net, and perhaps forgetting to run the sandboxed browser.
Glad you think it is 'definitely a good idea' though.
I know that many, many problems that posters here have with spyware and viruses could be avoided so easily and efficiently.

devon-gnome

AVAST is free and live. Find it in a Google search. I use it together with Ad-aware. (I run Ad-aware daily.) Also use Firefox browser.

pchelpman

I would agree strongly with what Intel says. They are excellent programs and use more than just those two. Me....I have both of them plus about foru more free protection tools working together on my main PC and others on the network to help keep it all ssafe.

Again....suggest you read that tutroial I mention in post #7. The advice there has been proven to work time and time again.