Spybot-Search&Destroy / Ad-AwareSE

[sg_in_nc]

I just picked up a reconditioned laptop and the tech installed these programs on it. They are not full versions though..so full features are not usable.What are some opinions on these programs? Would buying full version be a smart choice?

[Eddy]

They definatly are good applications to have. Depending on your wishes you may want to buy them.
But for most users, the freeware versions will be enough. And both freeware versions are fully functioning.

It looks like the guy has put demo version on your system. I would say check it, and if they are remove them and get the freeware versions.

[DavidR]

They are both freeware programs (and full in their own right), so for most people this is fine.

Ensure that you have the latest versions and the latest defination files, etc.

1. Ad-Aware
2. Spybot Search and Destroy

Also get HiJackThis
3. Download HijackThis.zip

Have a look at some of the other programs in my signature and check out the Links Thread

[Spyros]

Take a look also at my website, in "pc security" you will find good programs that are free.

[sg_in_nc]

Thanks for the input guys. After reading your comments I called the tech back to see what he had to say...claims Spybot is not a monitoring program..only a scan/removal one and that Ad-Aware is only able to monitor if you buy Ad-Aware4. Is this the correct information?
Again, thanks for the help

[Eddy]

Read all about it at:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

[Lisandro]

Spybot is not a monitoring program..only a scan/removal one and that Ad-Aware is only able to monitor if you buy Ad-Aware4. Is this the correct information?

Nope..., well, half right 
Spybot has a monitoring tool called Tea Timer
SpywareBlaster is a 'resident-like' protector.
Ad-aware has a monitor feature only in the paid version 

[watchthisspace]

SpywareBlaster is a 'resident-like' protector.

I thought that was Spyware Guard?

[MikeBCda]

SpywareBlaster is a 'resident-like' protector.

I thought that was Spyware Guard?

Semantics problem here, I guess -- you'll see I've often described SB as "resident-like" or (even more often) "sort-of-resident".  Because most or all of its protection is through the registry, the protection's active even if the program itself isn't.

[Lisandro]

The protection's active even if the program itself isn't.

Thanks Mike... You was able to wrote what my poor English does not