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Subject: Best Computer Spyware Program?
Posted by: barilko6
- [393321210] Tue, Apr 12, 2005, 18:21
Hey there all...
My computer is riddled with crap. Pop-ups, slow running, the works. Just wondering what everyone thinks is the best cleanup program out there? |
| 1 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Tue, Apr 12, 2005, 18:23
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format c:
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| 2 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Tue, Apr 12, 2005, 18:27
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Just kidding - I think. I it depends on the depth of your computer's debauchery.
There are several other threads in here which will give a more detailed view, but my current one is:
I have been using a combination of Ad-aware and spybot S&D, with a good firewall, and an up-to-date, resident virus scanner.
Also, switch to firefox to get rid of the vast majority of pop-ups.
Also, the microsoft geek I talked to at a party a couple weeks ago says the ad-blocker/remover from Giant that Bill bought a few months ago and they are giving away for free is very good, though I haven't tried it.
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| 3 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Wed, Apr 13, 2005, 00:27
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Same as Bili with the firewall, Ad-aware and Spybot S&D. I also have Spyware Blaster running in the background which I believe is recommended by the maker of Spybot S&D.
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| 4 | Tree
ID: 76471215
Wed, Apr 13, 2005, 11:12
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as i've been trying to rid my computer of various critters for weeks, i think you can't have too much protection. use as many programs as possible.
i've got some particularly annoying b!tch right now that refuses to let me shut off my system restore, and it prevents my Norton from automatically coming on at Start Up.
there are other weird things it's doing too, and i can't find it yet, but it's one smart f*cker...
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| 5 | biliruben
ID: 531202411
Wed, Apr 13, 2005, 11:25
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Hence post #1.
I've had to do that on 5 machines so far that were so infested, deep in the registry, that there was no other recourse but to reinstall XP.
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| 6 | TB
Leader
ID: 031811922
Wed, Apr 13, 2005, 22:32
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I also use startupmonitor.exe so nothing can be added to my registry without my ok. Small little program, but it has notified me and allowed me to click no on a couple programs trying to get themselves onto my registry. Baldwin posted a link to it a long time ago and it's been running on my machine since.
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| 7 | Old Man Greene
ID: 113151315
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 04:59
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I've said this a few times on the forum and it's good advice..go to majorgeeks.com...click on the forum support and read..start with FAQ and then go on to the spyware forum..if you have problems these guys can help..they have all the "free" spyware,adware and malware software you will ever need..to format or have to re-install windows is pretty drastic and can be avoided...you can continue to have these kinds of problems or you can take the time to learn how to protect yourself against these kinds of attacks...I don't have these kinds of problems, haven't had for a few years because I've learned how to protect my computer..If your running XP make sure you get all the updates (you can turn them on so they automatically update) and install Microsoft Anti-spyware (beta)..only works on XP but is a good spyware program
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| 8 | Tree
ID: 212401018
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 07:02
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OMG - i went to majorgeeks and it was extremely helpful.
however, as bili said, there are some things that are just so deep, they can't be removed by most normal means, and there are other things so insidious they play with the programs that detect them, rendering them undetectable...
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| 9 | RecycledSpinalFluid
Dude
ID: 204401122
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 21:39
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One note about GIANTAntiSpyware (Microsoft's Stuff) is that the Beta-app you download is going to expire July 31, 2005. I just noticed this when installing on a friends computer yesterday (which I reimaged due to it being hammered by spyware/adware/crapware/pornware). It mentioned something about needing to get a replacement for it at that point. Now does that mean a new beta? Or does that mean a new For-Sale version will be available? Dunno. I'm guessing 40 Billion Dollar Bill likes the For-Sale idea better.
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| 10 | Toral
ID: 14263120
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 22:04
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Yahoo! popups are just killing me. Google toolbar doesn't block them. What's the best free pop-up killer that can deal with Yahoo! ?
Toral
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| 11 | culdeus
ID: 492152212
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 22:40
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Quit using IE and popups are a thing of the past.
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| 12 | Toral
ID: 14263120
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 22:41
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I wouldn't understand this mozilla stuff.
And what would my friends say?
Toral
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| 13 | GoatLocker
Sustainer
ID: 060151121
Thu, Apr 14, 2005, 22:49
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But, based on how happy I have been with Microsoft Antispyware Beta, probably would be able to convince myself to pay for it.
Cliff
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| 14 | Challenger
Donor
ID: 481126818
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 00:04
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My understanding is Microsoft is going to offer the AntiSpyware for free.
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| 15 | Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 02:30
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etrust Pest Patrol is now my favorite. It's even better than Yahoo's AntiSpy which I prefer to adaware and spybot. Both were free. Yahoo works immediately and etrust makes you reboot. But etrust finds things that yahoo misses--just a couple though.
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| 16 | Tree
ID: 76471215
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 14:53
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I wouldn't understand this mozilla stuff.
And what would my friends say?
downloading something a challenge to you? it works just like IE, only without all the headaches...
and your friends would say "about damned time you joined the 21st Centurt..."
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| 17 | Matt G
ID: 253481513
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 15:48
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Working in the computer industry I have some thoughts...
Microsoft did not Develop their own Anti-Spyware... There was a rating thing a few months ago, and this tiny little company was rated the best spyware blocker, Microsoft bought them out, and slapped their logo on it... I use it, it is very GOOD... I'd recommend it even in beta mode, if you still don't like MS then use Adaware...
Firewall? The built in one with XP2 is decent, but anything built into an OS has vulnerabilities... I don't use a firewall, I just watch what I surf. I'd recommend ZoneAlarm. Most of the internet nuts I work with swear by it, I've used it here or there, it is decent and easy to use.
Popup blocker? Again XP2 comes with one built into IE, but IE still has some vulnerabilities.... Personally I use Google's Popup blocker, I swear by googles products. Have had NO problems.
Looking for virus scan? try www.grisoft.com look for AVG Free, just as good as the pay ones, I have gotten a virus while using it, but I only knew I had the virus cause it warned me, and cleaned it... You can also use it to scan email in Outlook...
Any questions, let me know.
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| 18 | Toral
ID: 14263120
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 18:11
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Funny that Google toolbar works for everyone else except me against Yahoo! popups. What would be the reason? I recently reinstalled it, so I have the latest.... Some sort of things deep in my system? Bad luck?
I tried to install Microsoft Beta, but I'm running ME and the 2 don't go together.
Adaware cleans for me but it doesn't block, right? I have a lot of windows open often and every few hours now I can't close browser windows and have to clean Adblaster out.
What's the next best blocker after Google?
If I choose mozilla I just download and install? It's not "techie" in any way? I won't have to recite a magic mantra to go to a site with it?
Toral
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| 19 | Old Man Greene
ID: 113151315
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 18:24
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Toral..I use the Google toolbar..No popups from Yahoo..mine come from Roto World..if your looking for a spyware "blocker"..Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard are the 2 best free ones out there
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| 20 | Toral
ID: 14263120
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 18:29
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RotoWorld is a big problem too. I'll look into Blaster and Guard, thanx.
Toral
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| 21 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 19:06
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Sounds like you already have some sort of hijacker deep in your computer somewhere, Toral. At least that was the case when I was getting pop-ups over the top of google toolbar. Try spy-bot. It identified (though didn't remove) the beastie.
Mozilla is a breeze. Light and fluffy and not at all stuffy. Little effort, no snoops, no jumping through hoops.
Caveat: I can't vouch for running anything on ME.
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| 22 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 19:14
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Mozilla Firefox Free Download.
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| 23 | Toral
ID: 14263120
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 20:02
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No needs to uninstall IE? I can just have both on my system and choose the one I want?
Toral
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| 24 | biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Apr 15, 2005, 20:03
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Uh huh. In fact, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be able to uninstall IE.
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