AdAware & Spyware

[Gregory Matthews]

If you are using AdAware to detect Spyware, you may want to update. AdAware if free to most people. After updating today, I found an additional 28 infected files that had not been identified by my previous version.

[CyberGuy]

I will concur with Gregory on this. Here are the latest patches to the antispyware. Update all of them.

Spybot 1.4 (This is an update)

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Adaware

http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

[Nicodema]

I use Spybot Search & Destroy and cannot recommend it highly enough. I have successfully restored others' PCs to better functioning by using this tool to remove spyware they didn't even know they had. It is awesome!

[Pockey]

Nico aren't you on a mac? Is there a program recommended for macs?

[Gregory Matthews]

I use both AdAware and SpyBot. Between the two of them, I feel I am fairly well covered.

[Nicodema]

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Sid said:

Nico aren't you on a mac? Is there a program recommended for macs?

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Sid, I used to know one for the Mac but I've forgotten what it was. I had a trial version but it expired ... maybe do a Google search on "Spyware removal" (or detection) and "Macintosh" ...

[Nicodema]

Ah yes here it is: MacScan.

http://macscan.securemac.com/

[CyberGuy]

There have been times that Spybot solved some problems and adaware solved other issues. Once Internet Explorer was getting critical errors on opening up. Running Adaware solved that problem. Another time the internet would not come up. Adaware solved that and another time Spybot solved that problem.

I have discovered that the 2005 version of Symantec antivirus software also has some antispyware built into it now. It removes both virus and spyware now.

[Pockey]

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Nicodema said:

Ah yes here it is: MacScan.

http://macscan.securemac.com/

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Thanks Nico!

[NormF]

Remember that updating a program ("core application") is NOT the same as updating the definitions file(s)/rules. The definitions are the ones that are critically important to keep current. Both need to be current, but the definitions need it the most.

When you upgrade the program file of Spybot, also remember to uninstall the existing version first before installing the upgrade. For Lavasoft's AdAware, its Installation Wizard will do that automatically for you when you upgrade.

Some folks are irritated over the time it takes to update regularly, but the time it takes to restore system functionality can be far worse if you're unlucky enough to have your computer take the big dive. I just spent several days cleaning up one that was so badly infected it was all but inoperable. And this is not to overlook the simple aggravation of privacy invasion, if you are the victim of aggressive data mining.

If you use the Internet with any sort of regularity, update your definitions weekly ... more often if necessary.

Most people are better off having the Updater or notification set to check for the latest stuff automatically. It's just too easy to forget or ignore it.

Regards,

Norm

[Nicodema]

Quote:

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Sid said:

Quote:

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Nicodema said:

Ah yes here it is: MacScan.

http://macscan.securemac.com/

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Thanks Nico!

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Sid I just discovered the download there is disabled and it says "new version coming soon!" -- it has said that for a long time now actually. Here is a link to download the past version.

http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Security/MacScan.shtml

Nico

[Pockey]

Thank-you! I'll check out the previous version.

[Neil D]

Just bought a desktop from Fry's Electronics for my son.

They have encouraged the following programs as good ones to use and the best part is that they are free.

Avast for anti-virus

Spydoctor for spyware

adware for popup ads

They also claimed that Panda, which is what I am using is also very good, but it costs $$....