Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: FreewheelinFrank on October 27, 2005, 10:38:49 AM
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The latest test from a UK computer magazine:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/133/anti-spyware/introduction.html
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Well, it´s a surprise for me see Spybot almost the last. It´s a surprise too not to find Ad-Aware in this comparative test.
Of course, i´m not so expert as the test realizers, but i have to say there´s some points i should have had in count for the test, as:
- The price. Obviously a big company has no problem in paying a program, but a single home user maybe has not many money to spend in protection, especially if he, as almost everybody, has nothing really "interesting for a hacker" in his computer. So a free program for me deserves more points than a pay one.
- The language. Not everybody can speak english. There are lots of people that only speak their own language, so a multilingual program should have again more points than a only english one.
So, for me, Spybot it´s a bit up in the clasification...
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...
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It´s a surprise too not to find Ad-Aware in this comparative test.
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I see Ad-Aware in the list:
(http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/6615/untitled21py.jpg)
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These comparison tests are not very accurate considering they do not go into depth or explain there testing. Notice how the testing posts percentages and not real numbers say 16 out of 25 ect... You can really skew results like this.
Here Spybot is the best!
CNET Test (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3667_7-6247001.html)
Here Ad-aware is the best!
Download.com Test (http://www.download.com/Spyware-Obstacle-Course/1200-2023_4-5143492.html?tag=navtop)
The fact is you don't need to pay for antispyware tools. Adaware, Spybot and Microsoft AntiSpyware will find more then any pay program.
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Some new tests:
http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/software/security/soa/To_catch_a_spy_Eight_anti_spyware_tools_reviewed/0,39023452,39225147,00.htm
Pay products come out best:
Accuracy in detection (out of 10)
1. Symantec (full scan) 9
2. Computer Associates 6
3. PC Tools (quick and full scans) 6 each
The biggest disappointment of the testing was Lavasoft, which only managed to pick up one out of the nine items.
Of Spybot:
Performance is average and the accuracy is dismal.
Nobody tell you-know-who!
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Hello FwF,
I have to agree with Mastertech here, it is just like with all tests. What were the criteria set, and what was tested at the moment. I say: "Oh is that so, maybe Spybot S & D had a bad day, or Ad Aware a slip of the database, better luck next testing time around".
polonus
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And another thing... I really don't know why I even keep this Spybot on my machine since it can't find a single thing since I installed SpywareBlaster on my machine. Besides that, I also run Ad-aware and after ad-aware is done with searching, all it finds are those cookies, nothing else... Really I don't even remember when I saw those nasties last time on my machine...
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Hi Sasza,
You do not see these nasties because you cannot contact them. You have them all nicely blocked. Why, because you use these blocking programs. I have the extra special protection of Adblock with the G-list in Flock, and what kind of pop-ups I see: ZERO. Be happy, and keep them where they are, backup their settings and forget about it,
polonus
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I suspect the writer of this article is on Symantec's payrole.
EDIT:Sasha this is the only reason i still keep SpyBot S&D:
(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2714/spybot7ap.th.jpg) (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spybot7ap.jpg)
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What were the criteria set, and what was tested at the moment.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/software/security/0,39023452,39225147-12,00.htm
I suppose they chose the "wrong" spyware to test against? As did the people at PCPro?
Spybot had a bad day? Poor thing!
To coin a phrase:
To do poorly in one test is regarded as a misfortune, to do poorly in two is carelessness!
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Too bad it does not hold up to real world testing.
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hmm the thing is you don't know what was tested, what was missed etc
from reading the zdnet and pcpro articles i assume they used AS programs to determine what's spyware by e.g. (if x of y products thinks it's spyware then it's spyware or so) and if something not reporting it then it's failing ...
in short until these tests shows what it exactly missed and where and under what conditions (e.g. was Spybot S&D using beta signatures or not , oops such important detail is missing ) ...
i keep finding these tests more and more useless ...
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The latest UK review:
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/shopper/labs/224/anti-spyware-software/products.html
(May require registration- users are asked to register after a certain number of page views.)
Ad-Aware and Spybot come out well in on-demand scanning.
In on-access scanning, the commercial scanners performed well except for Pest Patrol.
Microsoft Windows Defender (the only free scanner with on-access/real time protection) performed poorly.
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Microsoft Windows Defender (the only free scanner with on-access/real time protection) performed poorly.
It's not the only free scanner with on-access/real time protection anymore...
http://www.spywareterminator.com/
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The only one in the test, I meant. ;)
How does Spyware Terminator perform? Has it appeared in any comparative tests?
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Hi FwF,
Spywarw terminator is just trying to get a green bill, there are still some anti-malware sites that advise against it. So that can be why?.
polonus
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hey polonus..i had spyware terminator on my computer for a while-but i took it off after it was reporting "TOO" may false positives ::)
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Why would anyone recommend an antispyware program that once distributed adware? ???
http://www.websearch.com/pr/pr_release.aspx (http://www.websearch.com/pr/pr_release.aspx)
Although WebSearch Toolbar is not spyware, adware or malware it did facilitate a program that displays popup/popunder ads.
They must be kidding.
Everyone has three very good programs to choose from for free: Adaware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Windows Defender.
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hey mastertech....and don't forget about spyware blaster
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Why would anyone recommend an antispyware program that once distributed adware? ???
http://www.websearch.com/pr/pr_release.aspx (http://www.websearch.com/pr/pr_release.aspx)
Although WebSearch Toolbar is not spyware, adware or malware it did facilitate a program that displays popup/popunder ads.
They must be kidding.
Everyone has three very good programs to choose from for free: Adaware, Spybot Search and Destroy and Windows Defender.
Amazing, the above websearch link posted by this fella isn't available.Tried I.E. 6, Firefox, Latest version. Flock, latest version, Sea Monkey, latest version, Opera, latest version, no go. Wonder why a link is posted when it's not accessible? I tried this at 23:19 CDT.
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worked ok for me , maybe its sitting in a immunise list or something which wont let it load.
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hey mastertech....and don't forget about spyware blaster
Ah yes of course. ;)
worked ok for me , maybe its sitting in a immunise list or something which wont let it load.
Or maybe a Host file? Heh. ;D
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hey polonus..i had spyware terminator on my computer for a while-but i took it off after it was reporting "TOO" may false positives ::)
Why do you say that are FP?
Because the results under the Unknown Software?
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Why are you guys pushing an AntiSpyware Application from a company that used to install Adware but claims it wasn't because it only gave you unwanted popups! ;D
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Why are you guys pushing an AntiSpyware Application from a company that used to install Adware but claims it wasn't because it only gave you unwanted popups! ;D
Which application are you talking about? ::)
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Spyware Terminator.
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IBIS, LLC, a leading provider of Internet products and services, announces that it is discontinuing distribution of its flagship product, WebSearch Toolbar. Amid concerns that WebSearch is being labeled as spyware, the company initiated action to rectify controversial aspects of the product in order to refute spyware claims.
WebSearch Toolbar is a free Internet Explorer plug-in allowing users to search the web using a search box and includes a variety of other customizable functions. Although WebSearch Toolbar is not spyware, adware or malware it did facilitate a program that displays popup/popunder ads. Additionally, WebSearch may have been unknowingly installed onto users’ systems through drives by software distributors. IBIS has ceased all distribution partnerships of WebSearch Toolbar.
IBIS’s new Crawler™ Toolbar is web search and navigation software that is offered at no cost to the end user and works within Internet Explorer. Crawler Toolbar was developed to meet and exceed the highest industry standards and user expectations. The highly customizable product provides added functionality to the user's desktop and enhances the entertainment value of his online experience.
The company’s new Spyware Terminator™ eradicates spyware and adware from users’ computers. IBIS has substantially invested into the development of a high-end product that is offered at no cost to consumers and even includes free real-time protection.
The actions which IBIS has taken to eliminate these issues include:
* Removing WinTools, a popup/popunder program, from the software bundle
* Ceasing ActiveX distribution
* Ceasing distribution through partners
* Redesigning the toolbar to meet all requirements on downloadable applications
* Shifting the company focus to new Crawler™ products including Spyware Terminator™
++++hey tech....mastertech could be talkng about the above-probably is spyware terminator--as i stated in my above post...took it off after toooooooooooo many false positives++++
++++and mastertech...when i mentioned spyware blaster in my above post...i forgot to mention winpatrol(can't do without scotty the dog) :P+++++
what is he doing below ::)
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Yes that is what I was refering too. The text you posted drhayden1 is from the link I posted and refers to Spyware Terminator in the text.
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Why are you guys pushing an AntiSpyware Application from a company that used to install Adware but claims it wasn't because it only gave you unwanted popups! ;D
Why don't you read before you say that things?
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-features.htm
If a guy was arested, he will always be a criminal?
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thanks for the info.VaMPiRiC_CRoW ::)
got my opinions about a few things different now :o
have a good one avast! world :D
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If a guy was arested, he will always be a criminal?
If a guy was a bank robber would you make him the manager of a bank? That is a stupid argument. ::) I am sorry but I find this very disturbing that people on an AntiVirus forum are recommending Antispyware programs from a company that used to distribute adware. How is anyone supposed to take you seriously?
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VaMPiRiC_CRoW thanks for the link below....that cleared up the whole thing in a nutshell?????
we have decided to de-list Spyware Terminator from the Rogue/Suspect list and can no longer regard the program to be "rogue/suspect."
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How is anyone supposed to take you seriously?
Me!?
You should take seriously professionals on this area, and the authors of the site that I give are more than respected...
Other things are about my experience and how I think that software should be...
You and everyone have the right to like them or not, so... ;)
Spyware Terminator from the Rogue/Suspect list and can no longer regard the program to be "rogu (http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=105)
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Spyware Terminator.
Can you post just one proof that NOW it's working as a spyware?
If so, scan a computer that has Spyware Terminator installed. If it is REALLY a spyware tool, WHY do these following applications does not detect ANY spyware activity of it?
Ewido
SpyBot
A-squared
Lavasoft Ad-aware
Webroot
Super Antispyware
Advanced WindowsCare
AVG
avast
ClamWin
F-Prot
DrWeb
Ok... all these programs are made by silly people that don't know what they're doing...
Besides this, VaMPiRiC_CRoW is fully right when he says the Rogue/Suspect list are made by experts.
Some people want to be more popist than the pope himself, judge harder to show how much they know... ::)
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Been trying out Spyware Terminator for a while now and i don't see any evidence of any foul play from the program ... As far as i can see the program does what it's suppose to do very well and best of all it's free. So the company that makes it made adware programs before what do i care? As long as they're not doing the same stuff now and the program does what it's suppose to i'm going to use it.
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drhayden1, thanks for the information about websearch. Now I know why post #17 in this thread had a link posted by its author that didn't work with any of my browsers. This clears up the matter for me. Thanks again. :)
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Tech, here in the area where I live whenever a person wants to brag about themselves and there abilities, we call it "beating your own drum". Thought I would mention this. Have a nice day. :)
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Now I know why post #17 in this thread had a link posted by its author that didn't work with any of my browsers. This clears up the matter for me. Thanks again. :)
Most probably some filter is avoiding you to see the page...
Below the text version of it.
News | Shopping | Games | Skins | Screensavers
Personalize this site - it's free! Sign up now!
PRESS RELEASE
IBIS Discontinues Distribution of Controversial WebSearch™ Toolbar
Announcement marks initiation of company's new business model.
Boca Raton, FL, December 15, 2005 - IBIS, LLC, a leading provider of Internet products and services, announces that it is discontinuing distribution of its flagship product, WebSearch Toolbar. Amid concerns that WebSearch is being labeled as spyware, the company initiated action to rectify controversial aspects of the product in order to refute spyware claims.
WebSearch Toolbar is a free Internet Explorer plug-in allowing users to search the web using a search box and includes a variety of other customizable functions. Although WebSearch Toolbar is not spyware, adware or malware it did facilitate a program that displays popup/popunder ads. Additionally, WebSearch may have been unknowingly installed onto users’ systems through drives by software distributors. IBIS has ceased all distribution partnerships of WebSearch Toolbar.
IBIS’s new Crawler™ Toolbar is web search and navigation software that is offered at no cost to the end user and works within Internet Explorer. Crawler Toolbar was developed to meet and exceed the highest industry standards and user expectations. The highly customizable product provides added functionality to the user's desktop and enhances the entertainment value of his online experience.
The company’s new Spyware Terminator™ eradicates spyware and adware from users’ computers. IBIS has substantially invested into the development of a high-end product that is offered at no cost to consumers and even includes free real-time protection.
The actions which IBIS has taken to eliminate these issues include:
Removing WinTools, a popup/popunder program, from the software bundle
Ceasing ActiveX distribution
Ceasing distribution through partners
Redesigning the toolbar to meet all requirements on downloadable applications
Shifting the company focus to new Crawler™ products including Spyware Terminator™
Both Crawler Toolbar and Spyware Terminator are available at download.com.
New Business Model:
IBIS has traditionally developed new revenue channels for online advertisers, allowing them to market their wares directly to consumers’ desktops. While IBIS once used brilliant technology to thrive in this arena, the company has since revised its business model and reversed its focus.
Using the wealth of knowledge attained in creating its former products, IBIS now offers consumers the benefits gained over years of research and implementation. The premier Crawler products (www.crawler.com) including Spyware Terminator (www.spywareterminator.com) are exemplars of this new business model.
About IBIS, LLC:
As a pioneering innovator in the rapidly evolving Web Search and Online Directory services market, IBIS products are highly ranked by the industry and users alike. IBIS develops free applications that are offered to consumers, enabling them to maximize their Web surfing experience quickly, easily and safely. IBIS also forms strategic distribution partnerships with its co-branded and private-label solutions.
Contact:
Leonora Maya,
561-989-7400
###
Note to editors: Crawler, Spyware Terminator, WebSearch and other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
About Us | About Results | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | WebSearch News
Phrase Directory | Submit Your Site | Advertise Here | Help & Tips | Add Search to Your Website
© 2006 WebSearch.com. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.
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Thanks for the article tech. Even with my firewall turned off I cannot view that link. Maybe something is being as you say filtered possibly at my ISP source? Appreciate it.
Checked with my ISP tech support. They COULDN'T access the websearch site either. Oh well, not a problem but a curious situation. :)
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Thanks for the article tech. Even with my firewall turned off I cannot view that link. Maybe something is being as you say filtered possibly at my ISP source? Appreciate it.
I mean a local filter of you... somethink like IESpyAD, PeerGuardian, or, like you can see, K9.
By the way, the article says that SpywareTerminator is a good application ;)
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Hi posters in this thread,
What is it to be? Is spyware terminator out of "purgatorium"? By the reactions of others I thought it was to be declared to stay in software hell, banned and doomed. Some I read here want it released from the "in between"status.
SpywareGuide states on looking for spyware terminator:
0 Results for your search:
polonus
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The point is not what it does now but the companies history. I will never use an application that once installed adware but now claims to clean it. Anyone who does is not only naive but a fool. There are plenty of reputable companies out their who have never engaged in questionable behavior. I wonder how many of those recommending Spyware Terminator would be using this if this was a Microsoft product and they had done the same thing. ::)
I expect this nonsense on other forums but not an AV forum.
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There are plenty of reputable companies out their who have never engaged in questionable behavior.
And we respect and recommend them too...
I expect this nonsense on other forums but not an AV forum.
You seem to be an arrogant. But in fact I'm seeing you as a fool ;D
I will never use an application that once installed adware but now claims to clean it.
You ARE using Windows from Microsoft that INDEED used Alexa. A known spyware. But how can you know everything... ???
Anyone who does is not only naive but a fool.
Welcome 8)
I wonder how many of those recommending Spyware Terminator would be using this if this was a Microsoft product and they had done the same thing. ::)
How long do you work with computers? ::)
If you have ever run adaware on a fresh install of windows xp it will detect Alexa. Apparently this is installed as part of media player.
Alexa was an enterprise with bad 'habits' of spyware and against privacy.
Both Ad-Aware from Lavasoft and Spybot S&D detected them into a clean Windows installation.
The spyware name was Alexa Related.
Alexa Related was *strangely* removed from Windows XP SP2. Microsoft removed the *function* due to a Internet Explorer bug...
Ok, do you believe in Santa Claus? :) ;)
Alexa instals a Toolbar integrated into Internet Explorer and colects some info about the system.
Besides this, was a normal and legit software that could be easily removed by Control Panel Add/Remove Programs.
Alexa Related (the file RELATED.HTM) was used by Internet Explorer when the option Show Related Links was choosen.
The browser will make a search in Alexa website and, hu hu hu, the complet URL would be *transmited* to Alexa Company.
Alexa used to create a log of the searches made by an user, creating his profile and browser habits...
Spyware... if you are following me until this poing...
Worse than that... Microsoft assumed that Internet Explorer (due to a *bug*) sent this page to Alexa *again* if the refresh buttom was clicked, even if you have closed the window of the search before... This happens EVEN with secure sites that use SSL and HTTPS...
Well, as you know a lot, you're following me that it allows confidential info to be sent, like passwords or sessions ID.
It was proved that this info was sent BOTH to Alexa AND MSN servers... :o
For a long time, Alexa policy was to colect this info in online forms. The privacy policy said that the toolbar “does not collect the info specifically”, but did not say what were done with the already collected info and IF this info was colected.
LOOK...
Microsoft never admits the bug but just *remove* the option from Internet Explorer in Windows XP Service Pack 2.
The bug was never patched...
HijackThis shows the following lines:
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
Well... let's stop... Just want to say to the *other* users forums that I never asked for myself the title of being Spyware Terminator fan boy or never claimed to be the most smat guy in the Earth...
Let's sleep, it's late to be playing and joking ;D
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ok....now my 5 cents worth and it will be short...i like posting on this forum and have made some good friends on here and all of a sudden i feel like i'm back in grade school seeing a bunch of kids fighting over something not really important...there are more important things in this world than a DAM spyware program...good or bad...WHO CARES AT THIS POINT.....I FOR ONE AM SICK OF IT AT THIS POINT AS I AM SURE A FEW OF YOU ARE...LETS ALL ACT OUR AGE and respect each others opinions and help on the forum....thats what i thought this was-avast!forum to help people not to argue......ok..... 8)
have a good one everyone :o
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I will never use an application that once installed adware but now claims to clean it. Anyone who does is not only naive but a fool.
Every explorer that ever took a step in a new direction has heard the same.
Those with a bit of fortitude and an open mind will chart the course for others to follow while the timid stay home.
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I wonder if I'll ever see one Thread in this forum where Mastertech and FreewheelinFrank post an entry
that doesn't end in an argument and usually the closing of the thread.
Sure looks like this one is headed the same way.
I thought we where discussing Anti-spyware not company genealogy.
If you dig deep enough, you'll find a skeleton in most closets.
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If you dig deep enough, you'll find a skeleton in most closets.
;D
I like this... make me laugh... Thanks Bob ;)
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same here bob for the laugh.....needed it on this topic ::)
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I'm glad both of you a laughing. Just stay out of my closets.... ;D
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Just stay out of my closets
i don't think you would have anything i could(me being 6'6")or would want to wear bob ::)
+6 feet 6 inches tall+
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Guys - really. Its time for you both to come out of the closet :)
oh, and thanks to Frank, Tech and others for recommending this. Just finished installing/scanning and it looks like an exciting program.
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Hi mauserme,
I think you have found the right criteria.
Others look here:
http://www.spywareterminator.com/certificates/criteria.aspx
polonus
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Well, I figured out why I cannot access the websearch link earlier posted. My latest version 5.0 of Spysweeper comes up and says it's a site I shouldn't go to. Guess that answers my question. Guess as you said tech I had something stopping me from going there. Thought I would let you and drhayden1 know. :)
Edit: What is strange my ISP could NOT access the site either. Oh well....
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I wonder if I'll ever see one Thread in this forum where Mastertech and FreewheelinFrank post an entry that doesn't end in an argument and usually the closing of the thread.
I posted a link to a review (Which didn't even mention the program all the fuss is about.) The other party, on the other hand, is well known for this sort of thing.
Can I suggest that other forum members who have probably realised this now ignore the bait and leave this thread to the discussion (if any) of the tests posted.
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Frank you are to be commended for staying out of this one :)
I will take your advice and ignore Mastertech's flame baits from now on and i suggest others do the same ...
I only wish he would stop it with the insults ...
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If you dig deep enough, you'll find a skeleton in most closets.
Bob,
I've been digging in your closets today and found a 20 year old skeleton of 6 different types semantic wild cats, Bob is your closets becoming a pet cemetery and your telling us to stay out of your closets ;D............I don't think so mate and have you been forgetting to feed your pet cat lately since you have been overseas.
As long as I don't find Garfield hidden in your closets ;D cats love to hide in a closets doing they own nasty and dirty things...............it like "The cat closets in Love" ;D
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Hi FwF,
I second you, and I will not further comment too, also second M2 and what he remarks here. We will not feed the troll any further,
polonus
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I second you, and I will not further comment too, also second M2 and what he remarks here. We will not feed the troll any further,
put me on the list too polonus 8)
try and have a good one avast! world :o
it will get better in time :D
oh thanks speedypc for the garfield remarks :o
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bob....i put the skeleton that was in the closet to good use(he's below)