Can't avast become an anti-spyware software?

[Lisandro]

If a spyware application resident like SpywareBlaster or on-demmand as SpyBot (or Ad-aware) works with signatures.
If this spyware application can monitors some Windows Registry keys and startup menus (like TeaTimer or Ad-watch).

If avast has providers for resident and monitoring and an engine for scanning.
If avast Cleaner could repair and remove infections.

Why can't avast! replace any anti-spyware application? 

[DavidR]

Registry Shield, great idea, got my vote, could it be light on resources too?

There are a number of tools out there that can do the job (Diamond CS's RegProt, etc.) but people have to know about these and be able to find them.

I think because they only intercept registry changes (and most spyware/malware need to create a registry entry) and ask permission, resources shouldn't be high. So could this give avast another string to its bow, further protecting the user without becoming a resource hog?

[szc]

Wonderful idea, got my vote. That would be very very helpful and it would prevent all those wasted hours trying to search for changed values in Windows registry. Also, even when they have some "automatic" registry cleaning tool, some people still don't know what is safe to erase and what is safe to leave...

Cheers !

[Neron]

You got my vote too

[DavidR]

People just have to remember to switch it off when installing new programs

[szc]

Or maybe Alwil could add pop up window which would ask user does he wants to allow changes to registry... something like in ZoneAlarm regarding some certain applications accessing the internet...

[DavidR]

Or maybe Alwil could add pop up window which would ask user does he wants to allow changes to registry... something like in ZoneAlarm regarding some certain applications accessing the internet...

Yes, that would have to be there for normal use, but when installing a program with multiple registry entries, you wouldn't want to have to accept each one.

[szc]

No I didn't mean like separate questions for each and every single registry change. That would take forever sometimes... but, something like program/application name based. Just like in ZA...

Question: Some program name needs to change your registry. Do you want to allow it ?

If you don't trust the program which wants to perform registry changes, just don't let it perform those changes (usually those programs that likes to install themselves in the background without letting the user know about changes)... if you are installing some program and you trust it, just let those changes be performed.

[Lisandro]

An official comment from Alwil is wellcomen 

Vote here (poll): http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=11737.0

[xistenz]

It sounds like an Intrusion Detection System (e.g. Prevx) would be better than a signature based antispyware shield. Maybe avast! should include an Intrusion Detection Shield

[Lisandro]

It sounds like an Intrusion Detection System (e.g. Prevx) would be better than a signature based antispyware shield. Maybe avast! should include an Intrusion Detection Shield

I never liked Prevx... It promisses much more, but much more, that can offer.
I just was thinking in using the similar technology of virus against the spyware...

Won't Alwil comment?  :'(

[rdsu]

I think that avast! should cover all the types of Malware, i.e, Virus, Trojans, Worms, Spyware, Keyloggers, Hijackers, Dialers, etc...

We need a complete protection

[Lisandro]

Won't Alwil comment?  :'(

      :'(  :'(  :'(

[essexboy]

A registry change monitor gets my vote

Or maybe Alwil could add pop up window which would ask user does he wants to allow changes to registry... something like in ZoneAlarm regarding some certain applications accessing the internet...

  But as suggested by programme name e.g Can Acrobat amend the registry and then give a one off permission to do this

[essexboy]

A registry change monitor gets my vote

Or maybe Alwil could add pop up window which would ask user does he wants to allow changes to registry... something like in ZoneAlarm regarding some certain applications accessing the internet...

  But as suggested by programme name e.g Can Acrobat amend the registry and then give a one off permission to do this

oooooooops double post and I don't know how to delete   Sorrrrry