Virus Scanners, Spyware Scanners and Others

[cariad]

I used to use Zone Alarm all the time - now have to a non-free firewall since I aslo use my laptop for work.

I run spybot and Adaware when I remember to, but my primary protection is Spyware Doctor. I bought this on line. Do not remember it being very expensive, but more to the point it was the only software which would solved a particularly nasty problem I had downloaded, and it saved me having to scrub my hard-drive. It also has the advantage of running in the background, so provides continual protection. When you consider what spyware can do, I do not begrudge the fee.

I am not a fan of Windows Defender - have you ever looked to see what processing power it uses during start up???? And even more to the point it did not defend me against whatever it was which I had to buy Spyware Doctor to fix.

[Warbaby1943]

I am not a fan of Windows Defender - have you ever looked to see what processing power it uses during start up???? And even more to the point it did not defend me against whatever it was which I had to buy Spyware Doctor to fix.

What version of Windows Defender beta were you running at the time? I have not encountered any problems with it but it is still beta. They are coming out with new updates for it quite frequently. However I say again, it is still beta and that is using at your own risk if someone is not familiar with the "beta" term.

[Goldear]

I know since I've used the open source browsers, Firefox, before that Mozilla, I've had less of a problem with spyware. Firefox has a very good migration guide, so you can take all your favourites with you.
I used Mozilla mail for years and had never caught an email bound virus, it has been replaced with Thunderbird Mozilla mail. All free open source software btw.
Just recently moved all my work and email files over to Linux system for added security. Using all open source software, didn't cost me a penny, built the computer out of spare parts. Still learning, I feel like I did when I first touched Windows way back, lots of help out there though.
I feared Linux, I must admit. I laughed when I installed it, it took 15 minutes, all the drivers were loaded..ready to go, I didn't have to touch a button..just sit and watch. Quite different from Windows reload experiences! But I only recommend you try it for non gaming, working machines and probably your second machine at home. Fun learning something new.

[cariad]

What version of Windows Defender beta were you running at the time? I have not encountered any problems with it but it is still beta. They are coming out with new updates for it quite frequently. However I say again, it is still beta and that is using at your own risk if someone is not familiar with the "beta" term.

I don't know which version it was - would have been the most uptodate one available at the time, and happened about 6 months ago.

[Warbaby1943]

I don't know which version it was - would have been the most uptodate one available at the time, and happened about 6 months ago.

Thanks for the reply.

They do have a newer version out now and I have not had any problems with it. They also have many more Spyware items that they protect against. I believe they are going mainstream this coming December but for now it is still beta.

[cariad]

Thanks for the reply.

They do have a newer version out now and I have not had any problems with it. They also have many more Spyware items that they protect against. I believe they are going mainstream this coming December but for now it is still beta.

My assumption is that it will be linked to Vista, which is still a moving target...

[Warbaby1943]

My assumption is that it will be linked to Vista, which is still a moving target...

Yeah, vista has been pushed back to next year or at least late this year, I believe. But the last I read is that Windows Defender will be released in the retail version this coming December.

Are considering upgrading to Vista? At this time I'm not. I'm a creature of habit and I don't like what I know about Vista's GUI.

[cariad]

Yeah, vista has been pushed back to next year or at least late this year, I believe. But the last I read is that Windows Defender will be released in the retail version this coming December.

Are considering upgrading to Vista? At this time I'm not. I'm a creature of habit and I don't like what I know about Vista's GUI.

I ran an early beta version of Vista for 2 days on a reasonably high spec machine and it was sooooooo demanding that it was practically impossible to use, and was too painful to explore. It only stayed on that long since I did not have the time to remove it sooner.

In fairness, it was a very early beta version, and I am sure the final version will much slicker, but I will not be looking to upgrade in a hurry. I love new toys - but this one was NO fun!

Off to look for other toys to play with......