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Microsoft Anti- Spyware beta
- Thread starter Mike G
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2005
- Messages
- 317
Sort of on the topic, kinda.
I'm a network security tech, kinda semi-usetabe, and still do some home/home office PC security.
The MS antispy is, IMO, good for XP & later.. I don't run it on my Windows 2000 network and don't miss it.
The 'security' features built into XP are awkward enough to deal with, that compatibility becomes more than relevant, it's crucial.
I use Kaspersky's Anti-Virus, which has a vast 'extended' database of spyware/trojans, and optionally can be used to eliminate same. Works. Real well. Commercial, 40$ ? approx a year, worth the money and then some. I don't sell it or any other software, this is what i use on a 6 comp home net, with a 2+ year perfect record (and two teenagers!). Possible substitutes are 'Nod32' , first choice, bitdefender, 2nd choice.
AVG & Norton are inadequate, and nearly equally effective. Either will work, most of the time. That's not enough.
Spywareblaster is a gem. IE-Spyads is another. Both are pure passive prevention. Use em. Free and compatible and don't hurt anything if you don't need them.
Using an alterative browser (Firefox or Opera) will prevent much spyware from installing.
Use of a proper 'tweaker' program can block installs of general categories (ActiveX, javascript, some others) of exploits, at the cost of limiting certain functions (users choice whether the tradeoff is beneficial, net).
Adaware (free version) is likely the single most useful free security program, and Spybot Search & Destroy a fine adjunct. They both miss things, but often not the same ones, and do not conflict in any significant way.
MS anti-spy should be regarded as any beta program, and in fact if you read the disclaimer, they do NOT accept any responsibility .. not terribly reassuring in general, and not my idea of something to trust. Microsoft has made enough mistakes on 'updates' in the past to be cautious.
The single most important defense is 'Don't'.
Don't click that email attachment. Don't click that link from a chatroom. Don't surf porn. Don't go to online casinos. Don't download 'free' (ha!) games..
Just, .. Don't. Save tons of hairpulling.
Last, (or first, whichever).. No One should run a comp on the net without a firewall. Either a hardware (router) or software (Kerio old 2.15, Sygate, or dealers choice) ..
There are adequate free ones, and very Nice paid ones. Kerio is my default recommendation, Sygate I use myself, Zone Alarm is popular and sort of works OK but sometimes has nasty problems. I don't trust it, some folks do.
Security slows the computer. Not hugely if it's good, but noticeably even then. Checking everything incoming or outbound takes time. Background (antivirus/antispyware) scanners take up a bit of the CPU potential. Weekly scans, updating definitions, testing and installs and research.. (you weren't going to take my word for it, were you?)..
So. Making the load on the computer less is a great way to insure performance doesn't decrease unacceptably.
To that end, uninstall unwanted programs. (Don't uninstall any Microsoft products unless you know why, especially all those hotfixes and security packs).
But that game trial that's expired, those old toolbar things you don't use, anything you've decided is unwanted, .. get rid of. NOT 'just delete'.. but 'Uninstall' from either add/remove programs, or with the programs own uninstaller. Do NOT 'just delete' programs. (sometimes that works but when it doesn't it's annoying).
Spending much money isn't a requirement. It is possible with free programs to have nearly good security. Much care and good habits will allow moderate safety.
ONE good program, (the best Antivirus you can install) .. is worth spending money on. Check ratings. If they don't Put KAV and NOD32 in the top 5...
Check a different rating. That one lies.
I'm a network security tech, kinda semi-usetabe, and still do some home/home office PC security.
The MS antispy is, IMO, good for XP & later.. I don't run it on my Windows 2000 network and don't miss it.
The 'security' features built into XP are awkward enough to deal with, that compatibility becomes more than relevant, it's crucial.
I use Kaspersky's Anti-Virus, which has a vast 'extended' database of spyware/trojans, and optionally can be used to eliminate same. Works. Real well. Commercial, 40$ ? approx a year, worth the money and then some. I don't sell it or any other software, this is what i use on a 6 comp home net, with a 2+ year perfect record (and two teenagers!). Possible substitutes are 'Nod32' , first choice, bitdefender, 2nd choice.
AVG & Norton are inadequate, and nearly equally effective. Either will work, most of the time. That's not enough.
Spywareblaster is a gem. IE-Spyads is another. Both are pure passive prevention. Use em. Free and compatible and don't hurt anything if you don't need them.
Using an alterative browser (Firefox or Opera) will prevent much spyware from installing.
Use of a proper 'tweaker' program can block installs of general categories (ActiveX, javascript, some others) of exploits, at the cost of limiting certain functions (users choice whether the tradeoff is beneficial, net).
Adaware (free version) is likely the single most useful free security program, and Spybot Search & Destroy a fine adjunct. They both miss things, but often not the same ones, and do not conflict in any significant way.
MS anti-spy should be regarded as any beta program, and in fact if you read the disclaimer, they do NOT accept any responsibility .. not terribly reassuring in general, and not my idea of something to trust. Microsoft has made enough mistakes on 'updates' in the past to be cautious.
The single most important defense is 'Don't'.
Don't click that email attachment. Don't click that link from a chatroom. Don't surf porn. Don't go to online casinos. Don't download 'free' (ha!) games..
Just, .. Don't. Save tons of hairpulling.
Last, (or first, whichever).. No One should run a comp on the net without a firewall. Either a hardware (router) or software (Kerio old 2.15, Sygate, or dealers choice) ..
There are adequate free ones, and very Nice paid ones. Kerio is my default recommendation, Sygate I use myself, Zone Alarm is popular and sort of works OK but sometimes has nasty problems. I don't trust it, some folks do.
Security slows the computer. Not hugely if it's good, but noticeably even then. Checking everything incoming or outbound takes time. Background (antivirus/antispyware) scanners take up a bit of the CPU potential. Weekly scans, updating definitions, testing and installs and research.. (you weren't going to take my word for it, were you?)..
So. Making the load on the computer less is a great way to insure performance doesn't decrease unacceptably.
To that end, uninstall unwanted programs. (Don't uninstall any Microsoft products unless you know why, especially all those hotfixes and security packs).
But that game trial that's expired, those old toolbar things you don't use, anything you've decided is unwanted, .. get rid of. NOT 'just delete'.. but 'Uninstall' from either add/remove programs, or with the programs own uninstaller. Do NOT 'just delete' programs. (sometimes that works but when it doesn't it's annoying).
Spending much money isn't a requirement. It is possible with free programs to have nearly good security. Much care and good habits will allow moderate safety.
ONE good program, (the best Antivirus you can install) .. is worth spending money on. Check ratings. If they don't Put KAV and NOD32 in the top 5...
Check a different rating. That one lies.
All I can say is THANKS!!! I'm glad that I came across this thread. I didn't think that I needed anymore securty, boy was I wrong. I was using Norton and Ad-aware, but after reading this I loaded the Microsoft beta & AVG, which picked up two threats that the Norton & ad-aware didn't. Now it leaves me with a question. My Norton expires soon , so which virus protection should I go with? I am not much of a geek(no offence meant to anyone) and all the different brands out there confuse me. Any advice would be appreciated.
If you are looking for good virus protection I recomend any product that uses the Panda AV engine. not gonna find any free that use unless you "know where to look" but its worth it. I tested a bunch of programs when I was deciding which product my company would resell. I settled on Secure Resolutions. http://www.secureresolutions.com/home/
I love it. its anti virus and anti spyware in one package. auto updates and can be configured for auto scans. It runs both in realtime as well. no big fancy GUI or excessive memory drain. runs much more "silently" than most and works damn well. I have it on my system and I keep MS Antivirus as well for good measure.
I love it. its anti virus and anti spyware in one package. auto updates and can be configured for auto scans. It runs both in realtime as well. no big fancy GUI or excessive memory drain. runs much more "silently" than most and works damn well. I have it on my system and I keep MS Antivirus as well for good measure.
For my anti-virus/anti-spyware, I use Windows Defender, Spybot S&D, Ad-aware, and Avast AV. I have not suffered from any viruses in a long time. Which is a good thing too, since I have already wrecked a few computers with all the spyware/adware/viruses that got put on there because I didn't have any security programs.
I used to have Spysweeper, which did a relatively good job. I'm not sure how good it is now though.
I used to have Spysweeper, which did a relatively good job. I'm not sure how good it is now though.
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2004
- Messages
- 77
Been using Trend Micro since around '99. Low impact, reliable. Tried and bought Adaware... dumped it for Webroot's SpySweeper. I like the fact it checks cookies realtime and gives 'em the boot if they are tracking. Also protects startup items and registry from unauthorized changes. Between the two software packages, router w/NAT, firewall, blah, blah, blah... What's a virus?
BTW... totally agree w/mitchschrader above. Good practices go a long way in avoiding problems. Not unlike, "abstinence is the best birth control...", just not going there in the first place can save you a lot of grief...
BTW... totally agree w/mitchschrader above. Good practices go a long way in avoiding problems. Not unlike, "abstinence is the best birth control...", just not going there in the first place can save you a lot of grief...
Everyone's opinions vary - and without meaning any disrespect - a lot is simply "hearsay".
Might want to take a look at ConsumerSearch.com where they claim to be reviewing the reviews - ie: they survey what reviews are available and try to draw some concensus.
Spyware Reviews, Best Anti-Spyware, Free Spyware Remover
The new Microsoft anti-spy is now called Windows Defender (Windows Defender home)
I used it for a while - but Ad-Aware still kept finding spyware when I scanned.
Also it had a bad habit of always notifying me of a program change to IE (normally a good thing) - but this was the same program(s) doing the same changes - and I had/have to approve it repeatedly every single time - I could not find a way to approve it and have Windows Defender "remember" the setting. Now of course this could just be my ignorance and there may be a way - I just haven't found it.
So in the end I UNinstalled Windows Defender - as the annoyance outweighed any perceived added spyware protection I was getting -
as I already have SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard resident -
and scan at least once a week with ad aware se personal
Other ConsumerSearch surveys that may be relevant -
Firewalls: Firewall Reviews, Best Firewall
Antivirus Software Reviews, Best Antivirus Software Program
--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
Might want to take a look at ConsumerSearch.com where they claim to be reviewing the reviews - ie: they survey what reviews are available and try to draw some concensus.
Spyware Reviews, Best Anti-Spyware, Free Spyware Remover
The new Microsoft anti-spy is now called Windows Defender (Windows Defender home)
I used it for a while - but Ad-Aware still kept finding spyware when I scanned.
Also it had a bad habit of always notifying me of a program change to IE (normally a good thing) - but this was the same program(s) doing the same changes - and I had/have to approve it repeatedly every single time - I could not find a way to approve it and have Windows Defender "remember" the setting. Now of course this could just be my ignorance and there may be a way - I just haven't found it.
So in the end I UNinstalled Windows Defender - as the annoyance outweighed any perceived added spyware protection I was getting -
as I already have SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard resident -
and scan at least once a week with ad aware se personal
Other ConsumerSearch surveys that may be relevant -
Firewalls: Firewall Reviews, Best Firewall
Antivirus Software Reviews, Best Antivirus Software Program
--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
MicroSoft Anti-Spyware is now Windows Defender -
The following is an excerpt from the article
"Vista gives a view of a new world" -
Internet law professor Michael Geist casts an eye over the fine print in Windows Vista and is concerned at what he finds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6319845.stm
"Vista also incorporates Windows Defender, a security program that actively scans computers for "spyware, adware, and other potentially unwanted software". The agreement does not define any of these terms, leaving it to Microsoft to determine what constitutes unwanted software.
Once operational, the agreement warns that Windows Defender will, by default, automatically remove software rated "high" or "severe" even though that may result in other software ceasing to work or mistakenly result in the removal of software that is not unwanted. For greater certainty, the terms and conditions remove any doubt about who is in control by providing that "this agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights". "
It would appear that MS Defender Anti-Spyware has the role of "vetting", or less politely, SPYing on one's PCs.
--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2007
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
The following is an excerpt from the article
"Vista gives a view of a new world" -
Internet law professor Michael Geist casts an eye over the fine print in Windows Vista and is concerned at what he finds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6319845.stm
"Vista also incorporates Windows Defender, a security program that actively scans computers for "spyware, adware, and other potentially unwanted software". The agreement does not define any of these terms, leaving it to Microsoft to determine what constitutes unwanted software.
Once operational, the agreement warns that Windows Defender will, by default, automatically remove software rated "high" or "severe" even though that may result in other software ceasing to work or mistakenly result in the removal of software that is not unwanted. For greater certainty, the terms and conditions remove any doubt about who is in control by providing that "this agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights". "
It would appear that MS Defender Anti-Spyware has the role of "vetting", or less politely, SPYing on one's PCs.
--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2007
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2006
- Messages
- 16,703
Never mind...found out Defender looks for more than viruses and spyware...
I think most of the security programs are full of holes. I am currently using beta defender, surf secret and spyware doctor. Together they seem to work. I had problems of getting emails with viruses that were stopped by my internet provider. Then I installed Surf secret and set it to stealth mode and the emails with viruses stopped. Spyware doctor will warn me of sites containing spyware when I am surfing, when it does I do not click to enter, but heed the warnings and stay away from such places.
There's lot you can do. Any email that I am not expecting I delete immediately. Stay away from the porn sites, as they are full of mal ware.
When you are on the net, watch your back just like you would do in any public place.
There's lot you can do. Any email that I am not expecting I delete immediately. Stay away from the porn sites, as they are full of mal ware.
When you are on the net, watch your back just like you would do in any public place.
a friend of mine is an xp tech and he told me to stay away from beta programs. i tried a beta program once and it caused all kinds of problems. another program he told me to stay away from is anything norton. i used to run norton systemworks and it messed up my system. i have plenty of saved posts from people who have used norton only to have problems. one guy bought system works, installed it and got a virus later that day which locked up his hard drive so it couldnt be recovered. needless to say he wasted his money on a useless product plus had to spend more money on a new hard drive. he said it gave him pleasure to smash the wasted hard drive and the norton disc. plus norton is the biggest memory hog out there that will rob memory from other programs. dont waste your time on any beta, microsoft programs especially. i dont get spyware as much since switching to avant browser which is safer than explorer. you can set up avant browser along with how your browser deals with cookies to prevent almost all spyware. all it takes is some simple setting changes.
