Author Topic: How Useful is WinPatrol?  (Read 13998 times)

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BRANDONN2008

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How Useful is WinPatrol?
« on: March 11, 2010, 01:12:39 AM »
I've had WinPatrol for a while now, but I'm not sure if it is worth having. I know having many layers of protection is good, but it doesn't seem very useful. When I install some new programs, it will alert me that it wants to start on startup, but even if I hit no, it bugs me again a bit later. I check in it and the program is set to run at startup, even if I hit no. It also alerts me if a new IE add-on has been installed, but I very rarely use IE anyway. So I'm just wondering if it's even worth having.

Offline Chris Thomas

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2010, 11:24:09 AM »
Prevention is better than cure.  8)

You will be notified if anything tries to change your system settings like HOSTS,start ups etc

Quote from their website

A robust System Monitor, WinPatrol will alert users to malware attacks, hijackings and critical changes made to a computer without their permission. WinPatrol PLUS includes our unique  R.I.D. technology  . This tiny program runs in the background without slowing you down.

 1) The smallest footprint of any system monitor able to prevent critical system changes without impacting normal system performance like…

    * Autorun/Startup programs & Services far beyond the easy to find programs listed by MSConfig.
    * Browser Add-ons & Toolbars which may redirect web pages including default home and search pages.
    * File Type associations even by legitimate programs wanting to be the default jpg or mp3 player.
    * ActiveX programs that suddenly appear with no user interaction.
    * Windows settings like Autoupdate preference, User Account Control and domains found in the HOSTS file.

2) Clean up crapware that populates the Autorun/Startup list.

    * Decrease boot time and get yourself working faster.
    * Move some autorun/startup program to WinPatrol’s Delayed Start list to speed up boot time even more
    * WinPatrol will remember those annoying programs which keep coming back and remove them without interruption.

3) Malware Clean up and Removal

    * WinPatrol shows you the most recently installed files and registry entries in a single easy to review and remove list.
    * Unlike Windows Task Manager, select multiple files to kill off with a single click.
    * Mark files to be deleted on reboot before they can be locked or reproduced.
    * Exposes secret startup locations used by keyloggers or other programs that claim to hide.

4) Education is the focus of PLUS Info. WinPatrol PLUS lets users know the purpose of a file and if it’s really necessary.

    * Even with long names available, Windows uses filenames like ctfmon.exe, svchost.exe, lsass.exe, smss.exe, etc… PLUS Info tells you why they’re important.
    * When malware file names suddenly appear PLUS Info alerts users to their danger.
    * PLUS Info allows users to decide if a file like QTTask.exe is really needed at Startup

« Last Edit: March 11, 2010, 11:26:42 AM by Chris Thomas »

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2010, 12:12:24 PM »
It's a good tool.
But like you, I've dropped it. It's installed, but not running anymore. I don't feel guilty ;D
The best things in life are free.

YoKenny

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2010, 12:29:16 PM »
@ Chris Thomas
Quote
Prevention is better than cure.  8)

I am with you :)

WinPatrol Free vs PLUS
http://www.winpatrol.com/compare.html

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2010, 12:36:34 PM »
I agree that "Prevention is better than cure"... but I think WinPatrol is not preventing anything in my computer... It's just there running...
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YoKenny

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2010, 12:42:59 PM »
The little Scotty dog just sits there in my Taskbar and barks when something is trying to do something to my system.

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2010, 12:47:05 PM »
The little Scotty dog just sits there in my Taskbar and barks when something is trying to do something to my system.
So do mine... and so?
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Offline bob3160

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2010, 04:31:14 PM »
The little Scotty dog just sits there in my Taskbar and barks when something is trying to do something to my system.
So do mine... and so?
It gives you the opportunity to stop something that you don't want running.
It gives you the opportunity to investigate what is running and check it you really need it.
It's one little pet that I've relied on since Windows 95  :)
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Offline Chris Thomas

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2010, 05:11:52 PM »
You will only find it more useful if you have the plus version not the free version

YoKenny

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2010, 08:27:58 PM »
@ Chris Thomas

The things that PLUS get over the Free version:
Access to WinPatrol PLUS Knowledgebase (24/7)
Real-time Infiltration Detection  
Increased PLUS Performance  
Automatically respond and/hide specific alerts

That's only minor compared to:
Detect and Review New Auto-Startup Programs
Alerted you to New Brower Add-Ons like BHO's and Tool Bars  
Alerts you to newly installed Window Services  
Alerts you to creation of Scheduled Tasks  
Alerts you and Locks Changes to File Type Associations  
Alerts you to newly registered ActiveX components
Alerts you to changes in IE Home and Search pages
Alerts you to changes in the Windows HOST File
Lets you know if your AutoUpdate or UAC settings change
Add/Remove and Review Auto-Startup Programs
Automatically Disable Reoccuring Startup Programs
Delay Auto-Startup programs for quick bootup
Review and Remove unwanted Scheduled Tasks  
Remove Unwanted Brower Add-Ons like BHO's and Tool Bars  
Review, Display and Kill Multiple Running Tasks with a single click
Review, Stop and Control Window Services  
Manage and Automatically Remove Unwanted Cookies  
Review and Edit your Windows HOST File
Review and Remove Hidden Files  
Track Date/Time when programs are first detected on your system
Multiple System Report Options
Undocumented or HIDDEN Registry Startup Keys Now Available Free
Review and Remove ActiveX components

I even have a WinPatrol PLUS Sport Shirt
http://winpatrol.stores.yahoo.net/wispsh.html

« Last Edit: March 11, 2010, 08:31:09 PM by YoKenny »

Offline Lisandro

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Re: How Useful is WinPatrol?
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2010, 08:39:34 PM »
Side note: I have Winpatrol Plus license as I've translated the software. I've not posting against it. Just lost the passion for it.
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