Best FREE Anti-spyware software?

Toxteth_OGrady

Had a look a Sandboxie. It's not too dissimilar in concept to the dirty PC we used to run outside the corporate firewall. Providing you have the discipline to use it correctly it appears to be a good measure. Like all security it relies on the user being educated. Reading around the subject it appears the folks over at Wilders don't rate it as highly as two other similar products, BufferZone and DefenseWall. I'm gonna trial all three to see how I get on.

A question for Backflip, though. Do you have to open Sandboxie first via the system tray before opening your browser or is there a way of modifying the target command line parameters for a desktop/quicklaunch icon for a particular app so that it automatically runs within the sandbox just by going straight to the app's shortcut?

:cool:

TOG

backflip

TOG
There is a quicklaunch icon which boots directly into your browser and is easily set-up, it is one of the options in the configuration. Sandboxie also has a dropdown menu which lets you run any program from within the sandbox. You know when you are in a sandbox because a hash sign (#) is displayed along the title bar. After even just a few minutes it is amazing what collects in the sandbox and what otherwise would have spread throughout your system. I believe Sandboxie is the newest of the similar programs you quoted and for that reason the posters on Wilder's aren't accustomed to it, but I've no particular interest in pushing any single program, if one of the other apps TOG mentioned is more to your liking, then use that. Sandboxie is still a work in progress....but not in the area of net security, but just in making general improvements, like automatically running OE from within it and being able to retrieve your emails safely. It is quite strange how some posters seem suspicious and even hostile to anything outwith their ken, obviously knowing nothing about it, do no research and avoid even trying to personally discover just what the program does. But thanks to you TOG and also to wolfman for at least finding out what the program is about.

djohn2002uk

backflip wrote:

It is quite strange how some posters seem suspicious and even hostile to anything outwith their ken, obviously knowing nothing about it, do no research and avoid even trying to personally discover just what the program does. But thanks to you TOG and also to wolfman for at least finding out what the program is about.

I think that is a bit harsh. I think that if people have 2, 3 or even 4 spyware programs in place + AV + FW and they have had no problems over the past year or so then understandably if they do not enjoy experimenting, they take the attitude, "If it aint broke then don't mend it".
Reading what you have to say about Sandboxie and the other similar progs, they have something going for them and shouldn't be condemned out of hand. But by the same token, don't get upset with others who are a little suspicious and would rather stick with the "Status Quo".

wolfman

Just trying Sandboxie out now.

I wouldn't use it by itself. However, it's great for containing any browsing you do. Certainly a good alternative to using 3 or 4 anti-spyware apps, which in my opinion is a few too many.

If you do want one of the better anti-spyware apps though, look up Spyware Doctor.

I may consider keeping it, although have never really had any problems with spyware anyway (using Opera), so need to think if I (personally) need it.

backflip

djohn2002uk wrote:

I think that is a bit harsh. I think that if people have 2, 3 or even 4 spyware programs in place + AV + FW and they have had no problems over the past year or so then understandably if they do not enjoy experimenting, they take the attitude, "If it aint broke then don't mend it".
Reading what you have to say about Sandboxie and the other similar progs, they have something going for them and shouldn't be condemned out of hand. But by the same token, don't get upset with others who are a little suspicious and would rather stick with the "Status Quo".

I'm not upset at others, but I do wonder at the attitude that can criticise something they know nothing of, nor take time to find out about. I personally would either keep quiet or do some research before expressing a thought.
It is a solution that works for many, I gave site info plus I referred to sandboxie forums and my intent was always to provide some info. This, except in a few cases, was not taken up, but opinions were formed nevertheless which were based on nothing other than .....what....I don't don't know, you tell me. Posters can choose whatever solution they want, I've nothing against that, nor would I criticise them. I've not been critical of Ad Aware nor any of the numerous other apps that have been mentioned, I do have reservations about several though, but I haven't expressed them, but if I did I could give research results to support my contentions. Nor would I accuse a poster who is trying to be of assistance of having some ulterior motive, some financial incentive or having a selling platform. No, I don't believe I've been too harsh, I think on the contrary I've been unfairly treated.
But it's New Year, I've got a tasty steak pie waiting for me and a bottle of single malt within hand's reach, so best wishes to all. :beer:

intel

I would like to say that whilst it may or may not be a good piece of software
its just that I wouldnt want to rely on one bit of software to catch the mahority of problems you say it can or does, I want back up just incase sandboxie fails.

I am however going to admit the fact that you have explained fully and
quite honestly with your endorsement of sandboxie, I however dont want
to rely on one bit of software alone that in the future that may have a title to its name in the Techie forums around the net of "Sandboxie Exploit Found" Youd bet you had kept those AV programs.

But for people trying this product out, fair play and I hope its for you.

backflip

intel wrote:

I would like to say that whilst it may or may not be a good piece of software
its just that I wouldnt want to rely on one bit of software to catch the mahority of problems you say it can or does, I want back up just incase sandboxie fails.

I am however going to admit the fact that you have explained fully and
quite honestly with your endorsement of sandboxie, I however dont want
to rely on one bit of software alone that in the future that may have a title to its name in the Techie forums around the net of "Sandboxie Exploit Found" Youd bet you had kept those AV programs.

But for people trying this product out, fair play and I hope its for you.

That is fair enough, you must do what you think is right for you. I can only add that my sole intent was to provide an offer of a solution that works for me and according to the sandboxie forum, has unfailingly worked for others. I may have been more than a little peeved that my motives were criticised rather than an assessment made of sandboxie gained by user experience or some other evidence which showed it to be flawed. Criticise the program by all means if the evidence points that way, but I didn't feel that my personal motives in posting warranted suspicion. Anyway, you've always been very helpful in dealing with problems and given much time to this forum for which you can only be applauded.

redux

About Spybot S&D - I still have version 1.3. I understand there is a 1.4

When I go to update I only get new definitions, rather than advice about 1.4. Does that mean that 1.4 is still a beta issue, or is it now the main version?

peter_the_piper

redux wrote:

About Spybot S&D - I still have version 1.3. I understand there is a 1.4

When I go to update I only get new definitions, rather than advice about 1.4. Does that mean that 1.4 is still a beta issue, or is it now the main version?

Try http://www.computeractive.co.uk/vnunet/downloads/2128856/spybot-search-destroy
This has the 1.4 version.
Peter

ukbill69

Micosofts anti spyware is great and sound as a bee.