Need advice on what Anti-spyware software to use.

[Zanatar]

I know there are a thousand similar topics to this. But I think I need to explain my specific dilemma.

I've been out of touch for a few years. The last time I trolled here and looked at what was a good and powerful combination of programs to use to protect my PC , I was using AVG Free anti-syware (for Anti-virus), Ad-aware (for anti-spyware), combined with Spy-bot Search and Destroy.

At the time, that was the best thing to do.. to run Ad-aware SE edition with Spybot. The two worked well together, What one missed, the other caught, etc.

I then switched out my anti-virus to Nod32, and added a 3rd anti-spyware to the mix (Windows Defender).

So this is pretty much what I had been using.

Now, I'm still using:

-Nod32 (for Anti-Virus)

-Spybot Search and Destroy (as one of my Anti-spyware).

-Windows Defender (Build in to windows - I'm still on Windows Xp).

But for the longest now my Ad-aware SE has stopped updating (too old). And I've been trying to decide what to replace it with.

It has got me re-evaluating thing, such as if I even need to still be using some of the application in my list above.

I've heard good things (from this site), for Windows Security Essentials. But as I use Nod32. I am not sure if I should have both on at the same time.

But if I keep Nod32.. what should I do for Anti-spyware? I don't think Spybot Search and destroy on it's own, is enough. At least it wasn't so in the past.

And if I do need to add something, what should I now be using?

I'd appreciate any help you guys can provide.

Thanks,

Zanatar.

[MeddleMan]

I just use Symantec Endpoint Protection. Picks up just about everything from malware to trojans and updates regularly. Not very heavy on system resources (although if you are SHUTTING down, not hibernating, your comp, it's like having to kickstart a dead elephant when you start up) and is fairly small. Symantec seems to have really pulled up their socks with this.

I am however not using anything else. I have't really trustem Microsofts antivirus products because until they can come up with a system with less holes than a sponge (I'm still using XP and don't plan to use 7), 3rd party is the way to go. NOD32 works great too, so if it has worked for you so far, take some risks with some new AV's and see if they get along nicely like a good group of buddies. :rofl: :no: :cool:

[Minchino]

...

I have a question that I've always been meaning to ask and just never have.. When any Anti virus program quarantines a file due to an infection, it is still on your PC right? It is neither cleaned nor deleted. So what exactly does quarantining it do?

Do I need to remove those 3 quarantined files after? Or is it safe to just leave it as is now that they are quarantined. I've never known what to do with a quarantined file in the past.

...

To actually answer, instead of just bashing each other, files are quarantined in case the file is something you need - an important word document for instance that has been infected, it can cause no further damage. Some files can be repaired, or opened in a safe environment (i.e. a sandbox/vm) later on to recover the data. Unless you recognise and need any of the quarantined files it is perfectly safe to just delete them all.

[MeddleMan]

Quarantining is also useful when for you decide to use the most dusty and least used button labelled "Send Virus to Labs for Inspection So We can Better Protect You in Our Next Update"

Doesn't happen very often but quarantining does have it's uses

[+Warwagon MVC]

It let a virus through about 5 hours ago on my machine, so I say it blows.

How did you acquire the viruse? Usually a virus doesn't install automatically unless you have an exploit of some kind they got through.

Yes MSE missed "This one" but MSE might also catch one that another AV might miss.

Just by saying "It let" a virus though, means you are relying WAY to much on the AV. Might want to try CS 2.0

[Barney T. Administrators]

Thread cleaned

Please post maturely.

[Riggers]

One thing i would say which i don`t think anyone has mentioned yet is whatever you choose Do Not have it set to automatically Remove a suspected Malware, you need to have some user intervention so if the detection is a false positive and a critical system file, it doesn`t get deleted and bork your system. This has happened many times in the past and will in the future, at least if you have the option you can investigate further...

[MeddleMan]

Umm, one more thing, there is a stickied thread up the top of this forum page (Definitive Best Anti-Virus Software) which kinda encompasses 90% of this matter. I'm sure that the thread would also say what programs play nice with others and which ones don't and I would be VERY surprised and dissapointed if it didn't.

Not to say I have any choice in the matter, but if thats ok with you OP, might I reccomend an auto-distruct on this thread set to maybe 5 days? All in the interests of keeping the place tidy, and not to say that everyone's efforts were in vain, but I get the feeling this matter is wrapped up tighter than a taco.