Avast WEBforum

Other => General Topics => Topic started by: rdmaloyjr on August 20, 2006, 08:52:23 PM

Title: Spyware Terminator
Post by: rdmaloyjr on August 20, 2006, 08:52:23 PM
With "Use WinClamAVShield for integration" & "Integrate ClamAv in Realtime Shield" checked, does Spyware Terminator effectively turn ClamWin into an active resident anti-virus?

IF so, there will not be seven providers like avast! has.  It would only be one, the equivalent of standard shield.

(http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4116/20060820141547ww3.png)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 20, 2006, 08:57:21 PM
rdmaloyjr,
If you leave those boxes checked, you'll in essence have another AV program
checking all files in real time and it doesn't interfere with avast.  :)
You may notice some slight delays especially if you're low on resources.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on August 20, 2006, 10:40:32 PM
If you leave those boxes checked, you'll in essence have another AV program checking all files in real time and it doesn't interfere with avast.  :)
Yeah...
Better, you don't have to use the 'other' ClamWin interface (unless you want its features)  :)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: crofty59 on August 22, 2006, 12:28:28 PM
Hi Avast users

I was checking out Clamwin forum today and thought this may be of interest

http://forums.clamwin.com/viewtopic.php?t=515


Cheers pete
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 22, 2006, 02:12:24 PM
Interesting crofty59,
Would you keep us updated as to the outcome on this issue?
I know I'd be courious to find out why an outdated engine is used?
Also how are they updating the definition files if it is an outdated engine?
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on August 22, 2006, 03:15:30 PM
Interesting crofty59, Would you keep us updated as to the outcome on this issue?
It would be great.

I know I'd be courious to find out why an outdated engine is used?
Also how are they updating the definition files if it is an outdated engine?
Indeed the definitions do not stay at the same place of the ClamWin, nor updating ClamWin updates the Spyware Terminator virus database...
They seem to be independent...  ::)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on August 22, 2006, 03:16:10 PM
I've moved this post of mine about Spyware Terminator to here. Seems more appropriate.

The link of the antiSPYWARE Expert's "best not to have this program on one's computer " is :
http://www.landzdown.com/index.php?topic=9886.45 By "Corrine", Reply #58
Corrine is not a newbie... I respect his opinion. Here are some users 'different' opinions: http://www.spywareterminator.com/pr/testimonials.aspx
But, there are tons of things like that happening in the security industry: Alexa and Microsoft, for instance.
Won't you use any Microsoft product anymore?
The vendor itself announced that it was exiting the adware business... Why will we say of TONS of freeware that become shareware...
Here is the opposite... The guys come to the clean side of the force...
Can software developers change? Sure they can. Did they? Now the question is, did anyone find anything linking them back to adware?
I want to see a fact and not speculation...

Can you give me a product with this power?
Just only one... I think world is full of envy... This guy made a very and effective piece of software in my opinion.
Sorry, I won't support the 'old' shareware and paied versions of Spyware Doctor and Webroot Spy Sweeper  :P

[/b]

Well... at least that 'approach' this list... not a one that I could find...
Sorry, of course is not my intention to be a Spyware Terminator fan boy  ;D
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 22, 2006, 03:59:22 PM
Tech,
Ask Corrint to fix the last line of her signature:
Quote
Take a walk though the

the word Though should be 'Through'   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Spiritsongs on August 22, 2006, 07:25:01 PM
 :)  Hi all :

     "Corrine" ( a "she" ) has been involved with getting crapware OFF
      people's machine's for years & is a highly qualified Microsoft Most
      Valuable Professional; I believe her "opinion" is based on
      EXPERIENCE , not unlike those slanted "testimonals" on the
      spywareterminator site. My impression is that the "malware
      fighters" on the antispyware forums have a "bad taste in the
      mouth" from years of dealing with  crapware and are NOT so easily
      forgiving as others not that deeply involved and therefore put a
      longer "probationary" period on the perpetrators of the past to
      see IF they have truly "turned over" a new leaf .
      Sounds like being very prudent to me !?
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: crofty59 on August 23, 2006, 06:07:47 AM
Hi

I will try to keep you all updated, have asked on ClamWin forum if they would keep me updated.

Can't Promise but will try.

Cheers Pete
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: crofty59 on August 23, 2006, 10:30:44 AM
Hi once again

I don't use Spyware Terminator myself you may have to check out there forums for answers.

Have rechecked with clamWin forum, and this is there response.

(can't speak for Spyware Terminator as ClamWin and Spyware Terminator are not affiliated in any manner.

I just posted my observation after installing their latest version that the clamav.dll file used in spyware terminator has the [creation date] set to december 2005. There were a few critical updates to clamav engine since.)

Cheers
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: drhayden1 on August 23, 2006, 11:17:10 AM
hey crofty59 :D
can't speak for Spyware Terminator as ClamWin and Spyware Terminator are not affiliated in any manner
why would some program put another program in it if they are not working together-no wonder the anti-virus end of it is so outdated 8)
for that reason i won't even think about putting it on my computer-NO WAY!!!!!
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 23, 2006, 03:37:55 PM
Maybe THIS (http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&m=475&#475) will get us some answers.

(Hopefully you can reach that link without becoming a member. If not let me know and I'll
just quote the post made on their forum.)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: DavidR on August 23, 2006, 04:57:30 PM
Well you can reach you link without registering, now we will just have to wait for their response.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: polonus on August 23, 2006, 09:58:10 PM
Hi folks,

Why could not two different programs get affiliated? I used ClamWin also as a non-resident scanner next to avast, and just for their regular new definitions, and not for their scanning technology that is really a bit of a Rip van Winkle style.
Why browsers programs and search engines can be in bed with each other, like FF and Google, or Flock and Yahoo, and hardware can have a relationship with certain AV like acer with their 90 days of Norton av.
And then when a anti-spyware program with a controversial history and now in purgatorium seeks the company of the open source ClamWin we all cry wolf, why? People can change, security solutions can too, old hackers are now security admins in grey suits and vests and very respected ITs, isn't it folks? Our world is a relative place...do not think black and white, but also in some grey shades..

polonus
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 23, 2006, 11:49:30 PM
Quote
Why could not two different programs get affiliated
They don't even have to be associated just work together.
Since ClamWin is open source and Spyware Terminator is Free, there is no reason why
Spyware Terminator can't utilize the abilities of this open source software to enhance their product but they should be using the latest version and be able to update the virus definitions to make it work properly and keep the users fully protected. IMHO
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: polonus on August 23, 2006, 11:55:20 PM
Hi bob3160,

I don't use the first program, but isn't there an internal updater or an ability to use the latest ClamWin defs?

polonus
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 23, 2006, 11:59:42 PM
Hi bob3160,

I don't use the first program, but isn't there an internal updater or an ability to use the latest ClamWin defs?

polonus
Hi Polonus
It should all happen when the main program itself is updated but, since they're using an outdated version of ClamWin, I don't see how that's possible. Which is why I posted the questions in their forum.
Till I get a reply, we'll all just have to wait and see.
I do know that they update their spyware definitions often.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on August 24, 2006, 12:10:03 AM
Till I get a reply, we'll all just have to wait and see.
They posted there.

I do know that they update their spyware definitions often.
Almost two or three times a week...
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 24, 2006, 12:23:06 AM
Quote from: st_helper
The virus database is updated regularly; however, our development team is currently reviewing the issue presented and will issue an update based on the findings.   

The above quote is their reply to at least a part of the questions I raised.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Dwarden on August 24, 2006, 04:59:43 PM
and source code is posted there ... anyway i find idea of giving ClamAV another use quite refreshing ... within GPL boundary
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Spiritsongs on August 24, 2006, 05:59:54 PM
 :)  Hi all :

      People with a shady past, that include a reputable AV in
      their product, that turns out to be an outdated Engine,
      sounds highly suspicious to me; how about you ?
      And have you ever gone to the front page of any
      antiMALWARE Product, other than "Spyware Terminator",
      and seen pages of "Testimonials" !?
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on August 24, 2006, 07:10:27 PM
I guess you're entitled to your suspicions Spiritsongs.
The program is working well on my system and they update their
data base frequently. They are also very resposive to questions raised in their forum.
As far as the layout of their website, I guess that's something to bring to their attention or,
maybe that was the choice they made.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Dwarden on September 02, 2006, 08:22:51 PM
For all users, fans, haters or just worried people ...

 there is great roadmap for Spyware Terminator (from developers) which cover WHAT and WHEN comes in future :)

 i wish more developers do this :) (hint hing 4 Vlk  ;D )

http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&m=778&#778
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on October 21, 2006, 05:49:30 AM
From: Gizmo's Support Alert Newsletter Issue 138, Free Edition, 19th October, 2006

Free Anti-Spyware Program with Active Protection

Ad-Aware and SpyBot Search and Destroy have long been the mainstays in the free anti-spyware utility category but, alas, their stars have fallen in the last year as these once great products have been overwhelmed by the latest generation of malware products. Hopes for another solution were raised when Microsoft bought out Giant's excellent Antispyware product and released it for free. However, these hopes were dashed when Microsoft changed the Giant product into Windows Defender. It was no enhancement; in fact, a step backwards. So I've been keeping my eye out for a new contender, particularly one with good active protection to prevent initial infection. One such product is Spyware Terminator [1]. I've known about it for quite a while but have approached it cautiously as there was a cloud hanging over the reputation of the vendor [2]. Thankfully, that cloud has now been lifted. Installation proved to be very simple as the product has an excellent configuration wizard that walks you through the setup. One option offered is the capacity to harness the open source anti-virus product ClamAV to provide another layer of detection in addition to Spyware Terminator's only inbuilt detection. This is a nice idea; ClamAV is not the most effective AV scanner on the market but it's certainly competent and the additional protection can only be a plus. The Spyware Terminator (ST) user interface is very clean and professional, a complete cut above the amateurish look of products like SpyBot S&D. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of ST is its comprehensive active protection. Over fifty different system variables are monitored in four separate areas.

Additionally, there is a built-in HIPS system that works in a similar manner to products like WinPatrol to prevent programs starting up on your PC or making changes without your knowledge. A nice feature here is the ability to set the HIPS warnings to a level appropriate to user experience. Other HIPS products could do well to offer a similar feature.

Unusually for a free product, ST allows you schedule scans automatically. Updates, too, can be set to automatic.

Scanning proved to be on the slow side. A full spyware scan took 896 seconds to scan 21000 objects while Windows Defender took only 503 seconds to scan 78000 objects. A combined Spyware and AV scan took even longer.

I tested spyware scan detection rates on a limited sample of 110 currently circulating malware products obtained from P2P networks. ST detected around 31% by scan and 49% on execution compared to 34% and 56% for Windows Defender and 42 and 71% for the class-leading product WebRoot SpySweeper. The sample size here is too small to get pedantic but it would be reasonable to say that ST approaches Windows Defender in performance but is a distinct notch below the top commercial anti-spyware products.

This conclusion needs to be qualified. ST has a much stronger HIPS capability than Windows Defender and this provides additional protection for experienced users who now how to interpret and respond to warning messages. Less experienced users will benefit less.

In the technical area ST was less impressive. It can be easily terminated using basic methods; Windows Task Manager was sufficient. It doesn't detect rootkits, can't detect process injection, it doesn't scan within archives and can only handle a limited number of compressed executable schemes. Mind you, most other anti-spyware products perform badly in these areas as well.

Where ST does shine is active protection against hostile web sites. Here it is the HIPS that is carrying the main load but the result is impressive. ST protected my PC against infection at my three standard hostile sites, easily outperforming most other anti-spyware products with the exception of SpySweeper.

In conclusion, Spyware Terminator is an excellent free spyware scanner with useful auxiliary anti-virus capabilities. Its active protection is well ahead of the other major free anti- spyware products: SpyBot, Ad-Aware, and Ewido Free. Its detection rates are good, just a notch behind Windows Defender but well ahead of Ad-aware and SpyBot. It does not, however, approach the rates achieved by the top commercial anti-spyware products.

So do I prefer it to Windows Defender? For users of older Windows systems it's a non-question as Windows Defender will not work on these systems. Windows 2000 and XP users do, however, have a choice. I'd have to say at a technical level I think Spyware Terminator's HIPS gives it the edge however this is offset in my mind by lingering concerns over how a high-support product like this can remain viable as a free product. Freeware, Windows 98 and later, 2.3MB

[1] http://www.spywareterminator.com
[2] http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#spyterm_note
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: roro on October 21, 2006, 08:15:59 AM
I have Windows Defender installed recently.  Should I also install Spyware Terminator along with all the other anti spyware programs I have? Also if I do install Spyware Terminator should I uncheck the Clamwin box?  I don't need another AV do I ?  I don't want to cause any conflicts on my system. 
I am wondering if it is time to uninstall Spybot S&D and Adaware as many have remarked that they are falling down in their effectiveness.
I have been very lucky as I have had no Viruses and only few tracking cookies which I delete once a week.

RoRo 8) 8)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: DavidR on October 21, 2006, 12:36:57 PM
I'm a believer in the 'you can get too much of a good thing' school of thought and you can go overboard in the protection stakes also. The more security programs you have the more you have to keep up to date, and the more investigation you need to do if they detect something.

I have uninstalled Spybot S&D and installed another anti-spyware program (not spyware terminator), whilst I trial it, the one thing I noticed is that scans are much longer. I was presented with an alert that no other anti-spyware/security program has ever flagged a key logger called SpyWorks (which has been on my system for years), after extensive checking I now consider it a false positive detection of a tool that has been named long before spyware was known about.

Whilst the one I'm trying isn't resident (that is how I have it set-up) in the free version, Spyware Terminator is resident I believe as is Defender so there you have two anti-spyware tools that are resident. My personal view would be only to have one resident anti-spyware program just like AVs.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Lisandro on October 21, 2006, 01:38:20 PM
Whilst the one I'm trying isn't resident (that is how I have it set-up) in the free version, Spyware Terminator is resident I believe as is Defender so there you have two anti-spyware tools that are resident. My personal view would be only to have one resident anti-spyware program just like AVs.
Sure. Just one of them, also to do not take that much resources from your computer.
But, what was my intention to post first? To show that Spyware Terminator, not only for me, is far better than Windows Defender in many ways  8)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: drhayden1 on October 21, 2006, 02:14:43 PM
hey tech....like davidr i have only 1 resident or real time spyware program running like my avast! but have a couple of others as scanners only-had spyware terminator on my computer awhile back but took it off because it was reproting too many false positives at that time-do you know if that has improved?? ???

have a good one my friends 8)



Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: drhayden1 on October 21, 2006, 02:18:55 PM
 :o ::) 8)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: bob3160 on October 21, 2006, 03:28:54 PM
Whilst the one I'm trying isn't resident (that is how I have it set-up) in the free version, Spyware Terminator is resident I believe as is Defender so there you have two anti-spyware tools that are resident. My personal view would be only to have one resident anti-spyware program just like AVs.
Sure. Just one of them, also to do not take that much resources from your computer.
But, what was my intention to post first? To show that Spyware Terminator, not only for me, is far better than Windows Defender in many ways  8)
Tech,
This is a little contradictory:
Quote
Its detection rates are good, just a notch behind Windows Defender but well ahead of Ad-aware and SpyBot.
It can't be both better than and also a notch behind Windows Defender.
I personally will stay with Defender.
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Dwarden on October 21, 2006, 07:55:00 PM
1 more post to get away from the certain number :-X
now its 1 more....... 8)
minus 1 from 667=if you dont't know what that number represents-ask someone :P

it's already know that number mean name of someone else ... typical busted myth ...
and if i remember correct even the number itself is wrong too ...
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Happy-Dude on October 22, 2006, 12:08:40 AM
Guys, I've been waiting for the final version of Windows Defender to DL as my last anti-spyware program, but is this a powerful alternative ? Its been taking a while to get defender to its final stage, and I'm accepting alternatives ... But there is the fact that Defender intergrates into IE well ...

Any suggestions ? (For reference, I use: Ewido Anti-Spyware, Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, Spyware Blaster, and A-Squared as my anti-spyware programs, as said on my signature.)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Dwarden on October 22, 2006, 04:58:49 AM
u can always use ST as offline ondemand scanner ...

same like rest u named ;)
Title: Re: Spyware Terminator
Post by: Spyros on October 22, 2006, 10:27:09 AM
... only-had spyware terminator on my computer awhile back but took it off because it was reproting too many false positives at that time-do you know if that has improved?? ???

Nope, never had any FP's on 2 PC's I'm using it.
But then again, it never found anything (thank God!!??)