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?
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).
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.
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
ky331
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Posted November 11th, 2007 15:00
Message Edited by ky331 on 11-11-2007 12:05 PM