[Buller]

I have used Spybot Search and Destroy for years and is my only spyware software at the moment, I was also using Adaware until they're latest one, went to running Windows Defender the Beta, ended up removing it. Which one is better S&D or AVGs antispyware software?
Side Note: I use to always use Norton software but not anymore, to much of a resource hog, I agree with Howard forget Norton, use AVG Antivirus free edition.
I use another program that is handy called Regcleaner by Jouni Vuorio, keeps me updated on my registry.
Another question: years ago I used ZoneAlarm and it started getting buggy, so I removed it using Add/Remove, it uninstalled ok, but my computer was really messed up after it uninstalled and I had to search in the registry and delete 257 references to ZoneAlarm before it got back to being normal, needless to say I never used it again. I take it that they have improved the software and the removal of it since I used it.

[evilfantasy]

Use both Spybot and AVG. Each one compliments the other very well. It is common to use multiple spyware/malware scanners. I use those two plus SUPERAntiSpyware and occasionally Spyware Terminator. I will alternate the use of them.

Any program leaves junk behind when it is uninstalled. I heve begun using Revo Uninstaller. It is free and removes nearly everything that it is told to uninstall.

I have a guide for Revo Uninstaller HERE

[Howard]

Personally you should have two or three AS programme as they all tend to catch different malware. I don`t necessarily mean you should have them all running in the background though, as that would just waste system resources. But you can run them manually once or week or so.

Personally I recommend SS&D/AVG Antispyware- or Superantispyware and Adware2007. Also Spyware blaster.

See our guide to using Ad-Awre2007 HERE.

Regards Howard

[Buller]

I'll have to try that one, I usually use Regcleaner after I remove software. I usually run two Antispyware programs also, it was S&D and adaware but I did not like the new Adaware runnig a service, so I am down to S&D. I'll try AVGs did not realize they had a free version of it. Thanks evilfantasy

[evilfantasy]

I would also suggest looking into SuperAntispyware Free Edition.

It has a huge Trojan database and makes an excellent addition to any arsenal.

[Buller]

Thank You for the reply Howard
I have always ran two, but as I mentioned in my other post I was not impressed with the new Adaware software. I never run any antivirus or spyware software all the time, I only scan emails in and out fulltime, other wise I do manual scans.
Except for Windows Defender beta which had very few options and is not on my computer anymore, although it is out of beta now, have you tried that?

Looking over Revo Uninstaller sounds pretty impressive, all that for free, going to have to try it. Thanks again

[Daveskater]

If you want Ad-aware 2007 without the service, read this thread. There's a bit at the end that tells you how to run it without the service.

I automatically have Windows Defender as part of Vista, and I must say it just annoys me. I have it set to automatically scan, I think every day, and it slows my PC to a crawl while it scans. Also I can't for the life of me find a way to manually update, and there are so few options all you can basically do once you open it is press scan.

[alan2273]

Another one I like is a2 squared, and for registry cleaning I use Crap cleaner.

[Buller]

When I was running the Vista Beta defender was included, that is how I found it to try on my XP. I had the same experience you had with it on XP, I removed it. Tried AVGs last night, very nice, it is a keeper.
I have always used adaware and I understand why they went with a Service type model, better detection, but I want the least amount of resources being used and I should not have to hack a program to use it, so no more Adaware.

[Daveskater]

Originally Posted by Buller

I should not have to hack a program to use it, so no more Adaware.

That is a good point mate, and the reason I've not put he new version on. I used to run Spybot, AVG AS and Ad-aware SE, but now they've discontinued support and updates for SE, I'm going to get rid of it. Spybot and AVG AS are good enough togethre as it is, plus I have Spyware Blaster and the wonderful Windows Defender. I would try and take it off, but seeing as it's included with Vista, I'm not sure if I have to have it. If not then it's outta here

[Jason]

I recently had the latest SS&D download from the safer-networking downloads page. However, after installing it on my system, I soon realized that there were problems with this download, and should never of been released as a stable version.

It took longer than a minute to open, and basically just slowed my computer down. I then went to the safer-networking forums, and it was confirmed that this had been reported and that they had another BETA to download, which was a lot better.

Regards Jason

[Buller]

I have that problem also, but I have used it for so long that I figure, OK I guess there must be a reason. Thanks for the update Jason, going to download the new version.

[Jason]

Yes, it seems to take longer than version 1.4.

You can download the newer version here or here.

Regards Jason