Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: black_moon on September 02, 2007, 11:31:52 AM
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right now im using AVG-AS and super anti-spyware as on-demand scanner. what else should i add to my arsenal? how many anti-spyware should you have and what's a good combination to stay malware/spyware free? thanks.. 8)
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That should be fine in conjunction with avast, you can get too much of a good thing. Remember for all the on-demand A-S scanners you have you need to keep the signatures up to date and run them regularly.
Some would say that you should have a resident anti-spyware (I haven't got one, but I have compensated for that) and neither of those are so the only reasonable free resident anti-spyware I'm aware of is SpywareTerminator.
If you installed a resident A-S then I would say you could get rid of one of the others.
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My suggestions: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=28395.msg231962#msg231962
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thanks guys. i think two scanners is fine with me along w/avast. but a friend suggested me to add another scanner as the chances of missed spyware is great. also i might add a good real time protection that is light on resources. :)
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also i might add a good real time protection that is light on resources. :)
Starter Edition from Spyware Doctor (Google Pack) could do it 8)
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also i might add a good real time protection that is light on resources. :)
From my experience Spyware Terminator is the lightest on resources of the free real-time anti-spyware programs & the best. I suggest turning off scheduled scans & just use ST for its real-time protection. Use AVG AS & SAS for on-demand scanning. That is my game plan.
I don't recommend ClamAV in ST, I recommend NOD32 Online scanner (http://www.eset.eu/online-scanner) for a second opinion with avast!.
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From my experience Spyware Terminator is the lightest on resources of the free real-time anti-spyware programs & the best.
I'd like it too. Only that Crawler toolbar has 'messed' with ST installation and WebGuard.
I know you don't have to install the toolbar, but the user could like ST and hate the toolbar.
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I haven't tried Crawler toolbar or WebGuard. I don't like toolbars. I don't want or need WebGuard. Opera's fraud protection does it for me.
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The three free on-demand a/s scanners that I like lately are SUPERAntiSpyware,A-Squared,and AVG-AntiSpyware.
Currently I use the first two.I update weekly and also scan weekly.
For real-time, Comodo BOClean is free or Spyware Terminator.
Another free option that isn't totally real-time is WinPatrol.The free version can be set to patrol some areas every x minutes.I bought the Plus version and really like it.
And then there is Windows Defender which has a weak scanner.The real-time component gets some praise on the internet.(Spyware Terminator's scanner isn't known to be strong either).
You could choose one of the free real-time programs and supplement it with a free scanner.
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I haven't tried Crawler toolbar or WebGuard. I don't like toolbars. I don't want or need WebGuard. Opera's fraud protection does it for me.
I have not used that toolbar neither ... nor the WebGuard. They might be good products ... but it's just that I have no need for them. ST is a very good resident anti-spyware that is free.
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What about Spyware Blaster? Isn't it a resident antispyware scanner? How good is it?
I use that and Windows Defender, should I install Spyware Terminator too?
I do update and scan with AVG-AS once a week.
I was just reading Tech's link. Some members list Spyware Blaster as an immunizer. I realize that it immunizes me against known spyware (as long as I update my database regularly) but what is the difference between that and what a resident antispyware scanner does?
Ro Ro ???
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SpywareBlaster isn't resident, nor is it on-demand, it is a passive, immunisation tool in that it adds to your browsers blocked addresses/restricted sites list.
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What about Spyware Blaster? Isn't it a resident antispyware scanner? How good is it?
Spyware Blaster review (http://www.majorgeeks.com/review.php?id=19) (From 2004 v3.1)
I use that and Windows Defender, should I install Spyware Terminator too?
When I used Windows Defender, Avg AS & SAS would find some infections. Switching to Spyware Terminator, AVG AS & SAS don't find any infections. Obviously ST does a better job than WD. I found ST uses less resouces than WD.
You can use both ST & WD, but that results in more system resource use & possible conflicts, although I never experienced any conflicts when I ran both. I only use ST now.
If you decide to use ST, I suggest turning off scheduled scans & just use ST for its real-time protection. Use AVG AS & SAS for on-demand scanning. That is my game plan.
I don't recommend ClamAV in ST, I recommend NOD32 Online scanner for a second opinion with avast!.
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I don't recommend ClamAV in ST, I recommend NOD32 Online scanner for a second opinion with avast!.
I prefer ClamWin AV since it's a simple right click away for any file. NOD32 Online Scanner like any other of the free
online scanners isn't as handy but, could always be used provided you can get on-line. IMHO
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If I am not mistaken, WinClamAV in ST can be used as either resident (not recomended with avast or any other av installed) or as an on-demand scanner. I had this installed in the last version of ST but have not yet installed it in the current version 2 which I just installed.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.
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If I am not mistaken, WinClamAV in ST can be used as either resident (not recomended with avast or any other av installed) or as an on-demand scanner. I had this installed in the last version of ST but have not yet installed it in the current version 2 which I just installed.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.
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You are correct i use ClamAV as on-demand only in the new ST 2.0. Nice addition IMO.
Is anyone using Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://safety.live.com) ? Scans for spyware&viruses, defrags the disks if necessary, cleans junk files and can also clean the registry.
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i was browsing softpedia.com for some security freewares and came upon
malware immunizer (http://faltronsoft.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=20) looks new and good to me. downloaded it but i did'nt install. just another collection of freewares. you might be interested. 8)
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I don't recommend ClamAV in ST, I recommend NOD32 Online scanner for a second opinion with avast!.
I prefer ClamWin AV since it's a simple right click away for any file.
I have portable ClamWin on an USB stick. It finds things (mostly fp) that the ST version doesn't, actually the ST version hasn't found anything. This has been discussed in ST forums.
It seems the completely separate version of ClamWin is much better than in ST. Provided you have internet access, BitDefender or NOD32 online scanners are a better choice for a second opinion with any av.
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Is anyone using Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://safety.live.com) ? Scans for spyware&viruses, defrags the disks if necessary, cleans junk files and can also clean the registry.
No thanks. MS does a very good thing: operational systems. Other things - browser, media player, security tools... - well, imho, just a joke.
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I wouldn't touch a MS security program with a 10 foot pole!
If you consider the quality freeware programs available Live OneCare is a waste of $.
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Thanks for the information. I will download and install ST now.
When I went to the ST site I saw that there were two options to download Spyware Terminator alone or with Web security guard. Since I already use Avast, I just downloaded ST by itself. Was that the correct thing to do?
Ro Ro ;D ;D
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Is anyone using Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://safety.live.com) ? Scans for spyware&viruses, defrags the disks if necessary, cleans junk files and can also clean the registry.
No thanks. MS does a very good thing: operational systems. Other things - browser, media player, security tools... - well, imho, just a joke.
No need to scan for malware ( altough i don't see any problems in letting it do it's thing after all second opinion never hurts ) you can deselect it if you want, i use the scanner to clean the junk files ( along with CCleaner and Advanced WindowsCare ) and cleaning the registry. So far i haven't had any problems with these features ( knocking on wood like crazy ... ;D ) .
I think MS knows best about how their own windows registry works that's why i only clean it with this scanner. The version for Vista is in beta though, but so far it seems to be doing it's job OK. At least for me. Just wondered if anyone else uses it and if so what's their experience with it ?
Anyway i am also currently trying to figure out a good security setup for my Vista rig. I've installed quite a few security apps these last few days and i am now trying to decide which to keep and which to get rid off.
I have these installed on Vista ( with UAC enabled ) :
Resident Anti-Malware:
- avast! Home ( well naturally ! )
- Windows Defender ( this one came with Vista and i left it installed )
- PCTools Spyware Doctor Starter Edition form Google Pack ( very nice program this one stays for sure ! )
- Spyware Terminator ( currently trying out the HIPS part of the program but i think i'll turn it off as soon as Comodo 3 is out )
Firewall:
- PCTools FW (I hate this one i am waiting for the new Comodo but i might try out Vista Firewall Control aswell altough i doubt it's any better than PCTools FW )
Immunisers:
- SpywareBlaster (yes it works just fine on Vista )
- Advanced WindowsCare ( god i love this program )
- PCTools Spyware Doctor Starter Edition form Google Pack ( this one also has immunisation ... )
- Spyware Terminator ( so does this one ... )
- Spybot S&D ( and this one ... )
On-Demand Scanning:
Besides the ones i already mentioned above that have scanning capabilities i also have these installed:
- AVG AS free ( the background service being the most annoying with this one, does anyone know if Ewido Micro Scanner works with Vista ? )
- Ad-Aware 2007 free ( another one running stuff in the background, bljak, this one will be the first to go i think ... )
- SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition ( background service again ... )
- i also use HijackThis (works under Vista but you have to run it as admin ) and Gmer anti-rootkit + Blacklight ...
Any opinions ?
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You could stop the AVG-AS service and set it to manual, which is what I do, I have a batch file, c:\startavg-as.bat (contents below), that has the start command and I launch that by shortcut before I want to update the signatures and run any on-demand scan. You must start the service first before starting avg-as or it reports no service running or words to that effect. So guard.exe isn't constantly running on my system, only when I want to run avg-as.
Net Start "AVG Anti-Spyware Guard"
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Since I already use Avast, I just downloaded ST by itself. Was that the correct thing to do?
Although you can use ST WebGuard you don't [i/]have to[/i]. Don't worry, avast is protecting you.
i don't see any problems in letting it do it's thing after all second opinion never hurts
Well... I thought it does not have a free service. I'll take a look. Thanks Mikey, living and learning.
On Vista, I'm using:
Resident Anti-Malware:
avast! Professional, Windows Defender.
I have both PCTools Spyware Doctor Starter Edition and Norton Security Scan form Google Pack.
Spyware Terminator will be installed in the future...
Firewall:
Comodo version 3 Beta. Stable, running smoothly.
Immunisers:
SpywareBlaster and Advanced WindowsCare (Pro: I've got it as a gift of iObit company).
PCTools Spyware Doctor Starter Edition form Google Pack .
Spybot S&D
On-Demand Scanning:
AVGas free (I don't have problems with the background service... although it should stay running...)
Ad-Aware 2007 free (the service was let on Manual for me...)
Next would be SpywareTerminator and SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition.
So, I'm more or less the same as you.
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I just tried Ewido micro scanner and it appears to run fine on Vista .
Which means i will probably be getting rid of AVG AS ... Ad-Aware 2007 is already gone but i am still deciding on SAS .
@Tech: Yes the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a FREE service . I guess i should have mentioned that in my post ... :)
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You could stop the AVG-AS service and set it to manual, which is what I do, I have a batch file, c:\startavg-as.bat (contents below), that has the start command and I launch that by shortcut before I want to update the signatures and run any on-demand scan. You must start the service first before starting avg-as or it reports no service running or words to that effect. So guard.exe isn't constantly running on my system, only when I want to run avg-as.
Net Start "AVG Anti-Spyware Guard"
so you should first start the service everytime you wanna run AVG-AS (scan/update)? or starting the service only once and the batch file does the work(no need to start the service). did i get it right?
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I don't really understand the question, the only need for the batch file is if you don't want the service running all the time and you take the measures to stop the service running automatically. The batch file is only required if you change the service from Automatic start to Manual start. AVG-AS requires the service to be running first before you start it.
That is the idea of the batch file, so you don't have to open the services interface and manually start it.
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^thanks. so that's how batch file works it automatically starts the AVG-AS service. now what if you're done and closed the AVG-AS. will the guard.exe still be running on the task manager?
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Yes because you started it, it won't be there on the next reboot, you can also have another batch file to stop it stopavg-as.bat and instead of net start it becomes net stop, easy really.
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AVG As service is only 1500-3000k
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That may well be correct but it is just another unnecessary service that for the free on-demand version isn't required until you need to run avg-as, which for me is once a week.
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I thinks it's unnecessary, of course, but it's a "little-process". You can compare with Ad-Aware free process :D.
Ah!! i like more SuperAntispyware.
I scanned my PC with AVAST!, AVG AS, SS and RemoveIT(free version):
-AVG AS(the "great and famous" AS) didn't found nothing.
-SS found a threat.
-RemoveIT found the same thread.
Until i'm sure isn't a FP i don't delete or quarantine nothing.
I run runscanner(a great tool if you understand the results) and yes, i was infected, becuse RS showed "strange entries" in the regisry.
I run again SS and i desinfected my system. Whith help of RS i fixed bad entries of the registry.
I run again REmoveIt and SS and my system was again clean.
I mean, AVG AS isn't the mega-super-great-the best antyspyware.
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I don't think anyone is saying that, but I for one take other steps to ensure if there are zero day malware infections I can try to limit any possible damage. I run 'all' applications that access the internet (email, browsers, etc.) under DropMyRights so that that application doesn't have admin rights.
In order to place file in system folders and to write registry entries you need permissions so that can have a big effect in limiting the potential for any malware infection.
I assume that part of your cleansing process included sending a sample to avast ?
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Of course.
I hope avast will be A+ and i think they need our help.
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This is my first infection in 7 years :D
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So what was it ?
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SS and RemoveIt detected this thread:
(First i quarantined the files), after i restored and finally "cleaning action" :D)
(http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4791/ssri8.jpg)
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Definitely worth considering DropMyRights.
Bob3160 has a copy of the DMR plus instructions on his mysharedfiles pages, http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/ (http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/), look for DropMyRights in the list.
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Thank u very much David. Now i'm downloading and installing.
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Your welcome.
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Thank u very much David. Now i'm downloading and installing.
The direct link to the DropMyRights folder is http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/DropMyRights (http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/DropMyRights)
In that folder you'll find complete instructions on setting it up.
You'll also find the program itself and, some nice icons created by Sasha for some of the popular
programs usually set up to utilize DropMyRights.
Enjoy and stay safe. :)
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I D/led .msi file and help file, but now i'm trying to download icons by Sasha, but now when i click the links show me this page:
(see attatchment)
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You may need to try again on occasion I get a blank page, usually accompanied by a connection reset notification, or slow response from the server.
You don't need the icons immediately, you can use the icon of the original application file.
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The server is up. Try a refresh from your end.