How many programs???

Question

How many programs should the average user have to combat spyware and adware? I only have AVG antispyware and windows defender, two programs. Enough or would I be better with three? Justin

ky331 · Answer

for anti-spyware / anti-adware, you want ONE resident program (windows defender offers resident anti-malware protection [see note (2) below]), and AT LEAST TWO on-demand scanners (windows defender and AVG anti-spyware each offer on-demand scanning). So you do meet this minimal configuration.

Personally, I prefer SuperAntiSpyware ( www.superantispyware.com : FREE version for home users) to AVG anti-spyware... but each person can decide for him/her-self. Since it's free, if you haven't considered/tried it, you have nothing to lose by checking it out. If you like it, you can use it in place of --- or in addition to --- AVG's.

Notes:

1) I've only addressed anti-spyware, since that was your specific question. I am taking for granted you have given separate consideration to the matters of having an anti-VIRUS and a FIREWALL.

2) to clarify one point, AVG anti-spyware offers a 30-day trial of resident protection in its free version. But after 30 days, the resident protection is then disabled, unless you upgrade to the paid version. In contrast, its on-demand scanner remains free (for as long as the program is supported).

Message Edited by ky331 on 11-11-2007 12:05 PM

2350 · Answer

I do have virus and firewall software installed. Justin

dalem29 · Answer

You should consider adding Spybot Search and Destroy. It blocks over 39,000 bad products. http://www.safer-networking.org/   You might also add Spyware Blaster, it also blocks bad stuff. I have both, in addition to Windows Defender and the Free SuperAntiSpyware. No conflicts amongst the programs that I am aware of. http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10486084.html

2350 · Answer

I don't want to go overboard on spyware programs. Justin

Bugbatter · Answer

Don't forget one or two browser plug-ins such as McAfee's Site Advisor, FireTrust's SiteHound or TrendProtect by Trendmicro.
Site Advisor and TrendProtect assign a safety rating to domains listed in your search engine. They add a new button to your browser's toolbar area. The icon and color of the button changes to indicate whether the page currently open is safe, unsafe, trusted, or unrated, or whether it contains unwanted content.

The following color codes are used to indicate the safety of each site.

Red for Warning
Yellow for Use Caution
Green for Safe
Grey for Unknown

Sitehound is a little different, but if interested, you can read about it here: http://www.firetrust.com/en/products/sitehound

Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the following Rogue/Suspect Spyware Lists.
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
http://www.malwarebytes.org/database.php

2350 · Answer

Thank you for the two links. Important stuff to know about in my opnion. Justin

Virus & Spyware

How many programs???

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