AVG to Superantispyware Query

redmandarin

Hi guys and thanks Browntoa for your recent Superantispyware update.

I recently had a malware problem and took your advice and followed the steps on the malware sticky, (I'm on IE7 and have Zone Alarm and Spybot). As I already had installed AVG Free, I then installed AVG Anti-spy as a stand alone scanner, as advised.

Unfortunately, I’ve hit a snag today (I've searched here, but unfortunately can't find an answer). When I click on the AVG Anti-spy icon, it says: Connection to service failed. Please re-install AVG Anti-spy 7.5.

I think it would be best to change to Superantispyware. Could you please tell me if it is a full anti-virus/anti-spy program that will do the same job as the two AVG ones that I have already? If this is the case, is it ok for me to just uninstall AVG Free and AVG Anti-spy and install Superantispyware instead?

Also, are there are any initial settings that I'd need to put in place when installing Superantispyware and are there any options that I need to select before scanning and in order to deal with the results?

Thanks a lot!

pchelpman

Hi

First of all AVG Free, as you call it, is an antivirus program. If you use no other AV program keep that one.

AVG Anti Spyware is a different tool and is independent of AVG Free.

I have AVG Free AV, AVG AS and Superantispyware on my machines and they all work together fine as stand alone scanners. Of course, being free, there's no "real time" protection or extras with the antispyware apps. like the paid version will have but they are both good.

If you are being prompted to reinstall AVG Anti Spyware then do it.

See what happens and report back. Hopefully whatever glitch is in the program will be rectified on reinstallation.


PCH

redmandarin

Hi, pchelpman, thank you for your reply.

I've reinstalled AVG AS as you suggested. The reason that I said I thought I should change from AVG to Superantispyware was because Browntoa recently replaced the AVG link with one for Superantispyware on the malware removal guide sticky and he also posted the following (at the end of the same thread) a few days ago: "following advice from PcHelpman I've updated the Malware guide to use Superantispyware as AVG Antispyware seems to be heading towards a "paid for" version" "

Instead of replacing AVG, perhaps it would be beneficial to install Superantispyware in addition, as you have done?

tankard_2

pchelpman wrote: »

I have AVG Free AV, AVG AS, and Superantispyware on my machines and they all work together fine as stand alone scanners.

Same here. I use 'em all. They each find something the others miss.

I also use a-squared Free 3.0
Geddit here:
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/

redmandarin

Thanks tankard - cheers!

pchelpman

I agree with what you plan and with Tankard's suggestion.

There are many other free tools you can use to beef up your protection. Here are three tutorials on computer safety that may help .....

http://www.castlecops.com/t7736-So_how_did_I_get_infected_in_the_first_place.html

http://www.help2go.com/Tutorials/Protect_Your_PC/Avoid_Web_Browser_Hijackers.html

http://www.techsupportforum.com/security-center/general-computer-security/115548-pc-safety-security-what-do-i-need.html

There is a little duplication/crossover but all these tutorials are well worth reading.


PCH