Author Topic: How good is Avast's antispyware?  (Read 20429 times)

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James01

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How good is Avast's antispyware?
« on: May 16, 2008, 11:38:15 AM »
Are there any tests/benchmarks comparing Avast's antispyware capabilities to other popular programs?

rassel

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2008, 11:42:28 AM »
Not sure but for your information, is better for you to download a anti-spyware program.

1.SuperAntiSpyware (Im using it)

James01

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2008, 12:07:46 PM »
Looking at the SuperAntiSpyware website, automatic scanning and updating doesn't work in the free version. I don't want to have to babysit my PC initiating these things manually.

I also like to install as few programs as possible, which is why I want to know if Avast's antispyware is up to scratch.

Splinter hell

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2008, 12:22:49 PM »
Well, Avast got 8 out of 10 which is just above average for detection and removal in Pcmag testing but for the realtime protection it got 9.6 out of 10 which is excellent.

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2008, 02:50:53 PM »
I want to know if Avast's antispyware is up to scratch.
Yes, it's a full antispyware detector. Even Microsoft acknowledges...
Note that avast is reported as being both antivirus and antispyware.
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Offline Vladimyr

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2008, 04:02:29 PM »
There is a way that seems right to a man,
       but in the end it leads to death
.” - Proverbs 16:25

ilker

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2008, 10:22:16 PM »
How many spyware definitions does Avast recognize ?

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2008, 11:23:49 PM »
How many spyware definitions does Avast recognize ?
Hmmm... This was discussed a lot in the past for the virus numbers...

1. There are a marketing issue involved. Companies estimate the number of viruses by high.
2. There are different counts possible: variants, etc.
3. There is not an international rule for virus naming, so same virus could be consider one or more by other company.
4. Scanning settings are very important.
5. Active viruses (ITW) are really more important then the whole number.
6. Generic signatures and heuristic detections cannot be really counted as 'virus detection'.

Well, etc. etc.
Trust avast!
The best things in life are free.

James01

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2008, 01:17:26 AM »
OK thanks guys, I think I'll stick with Avast and Windows Defender for antispyware.

wyrmrider

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2008, 03:56:36 AM »
HI
Windows defender is the old GIANT antispyware if I remember correctly
Windows defender would not be my first choice
either check out Avast (do they roll their own or is it licensed) further
I know AVG bought the fine EWIDO anti-spyware engine (Windows NT and later only) but I do not know about Avast
personal opinion  is that Sunbelt Counter spy is vastly superior to Windows Defender in keeping a clean system clean - in other words you can do better than Windows defender
Avast is also excellent at keeping a clean system clean but I have not directly compared WD with Avast but I think avast would be the better choice
to cleanup an existing really dirty system - well start with a couple of on demand anti virus scans after avast including both Kaspersky and Bit Defender then try Spyware Doctor then post a HJT at your favorite support site.
however prevention is the key
I do not know how much of a newbie you are but if using Internet Explorer install spywareblaster to block harmful active x and a hosts file with any browser, and "lock it down"
your firewall is also a key piece  windows firewall is, shall we say, half assed
post back with what else you are running, os , etc

I do not know if WD buys you anything in addition to Avast

James01

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2008, 10:16:36 AM »
I'm running Windows Vista, Avast, Defender, and using Vista's Firewall.

I think this is a good setup?

Offline Vladimyr

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2008, 11:00:47 AM »
How many spyware definitions does Avast recognize ?

Appears to be right up there according to the aforementioned PCMag review.
« Last Edit: May 17, 2008, 11:03:27 AM by Vladimyr »
There is a way that seems right to a man,
       but in the end it leads to death
.” - Proverbs 16:25

miscreant

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #12 on: May 19, 2008, 12:39:21 AM »
I'm running Windows Vista, Avast, Defender, and using Vista's Firewall.

I think this is a good setup?

Yes thats a good set up.You may want to use vista firewall control  (if you are not already using it)which provides a gui and some extra control outbound to vista firewall.
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html
If you decide to buy the full version rather than use the free ,then be smart in using the correct currency when purchasing.For instance it seems to charge the same price
(29.95)whether its in dollars euros or pounds.So if you lived in the UK then buy in dollars as it will be half the price.
m

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #13 on: May 19, 2008, 03:30:18 AM »
I'm running Windows Vista, Avast, Defender, and using Vista's Firewall.
I think this is a good setup?
I suggest you add on-demand scanning of SUPERantispyware and/or Spyware Terminator to scan for spywares and trojans. And immunize your system with SpywareBlaster or Windows Advanced Care.
Also check if you have insecure applications with Secunia Software Inspector.
The best things in life are free.

wyrmrider

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Re: How good is Avast's antispyware?
« Reply #14 on: May 19, 2008, 04:07:45 AM »
HI
Agree with tech
I am not familiar with vista firewall - is it more than XP inbound only?
double check some Firewall reviews
Spyware Doctor free is also vg as an on demand scanner
Spyware Doctor also has Active X controls as found in spywareblaster so you do not need both

A-squared has a free anti trojan on demand scanner

Hosts file -- go to Spywarewarrior and go to Updates thread - you will find two fine Hosts files who update regularly

also ie-spyads for IE restricted sites block file is available a Spywarewarrior

I still do not see where Windows defender fits in to a comprehensive scheme

a ps on my previous post
EWIDO has been discontinued by AVG as a stand alone product and support has been iffy as the transition to an integrated product

for around $20 US Sunbelt Counterspy is right up there with Webroot Spysweeper and PC tools Spyware Doctor if you need resident anti-spyware  protection
I do not have any experience with Super but for a long time I used Pest Patrol free for resident- PP free does scan only but will not fix anything

depends on what kind of surfing you do- p2p, warze, porn, etc - well then- think of a virtual machine or sandbox, process monitor, system safety monitor etc if available for Vista