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General discussion

spyware

Nov 29, 2003 12:54PM PST

I just recently updated my antivirus protection to the Norton AV 2004 which is supposed to have spyware protection in it. Question is should I still keep adaware or not? Am using windows ME and IE6 on a compac comp.

Thanks
Nancy

Discussion is locked

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Re:spyware
Nov 29, 2003 9:39PM PST
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Re:Re:spyware
Nov 29, 2003 9:49PM PST

Thanks for your help. Will keep !!

Nancy

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Alan...
Nov 30, 2003 5:43AM PST

The anti-parasite suite is more reactive than proactive. It's not something that I would run every day. Proactive measures would include an on-board virus scanner with up-to-date virus definitions (even that can be argued to be reactive) and safe computing/surfing practices. AdAware, Spybot, online scans, CWShredder and Stinger are all reactive tools - you've already been infected when these tools find something. We did have a case where CWShredder had a false positive (it happens). Stinger is a virus scanner that only checks for the top 45 (or so) viruses. You're better off running a full scan with your AV program.

What I run every day - virus scanner, trojan scanner and firewall. I have a second on-board virus scanner for a second opinion (only one scanner is scanning in real-time mode). I run AdAware and Spybot but not every day. I don't use IE as my default browser or OE as my email client. I have to use IE for some sites including Windows Update so it is configured to be more secure than the default settings. Unused services have been disabled (WinXP). Media players are very restricted by configuration and firewall rules. I don't download executables from questionable sites.

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Re:Alan...
Nov 30, 2003 9:45AM PST

Keith, I fully agree with you. I don't believe I mentioned anywhere that she should run these on a daily basis, only that her AV alone was not enought protection.

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Not sure which post to reply to. Here's my setup that seems to help.
Nov 30, 2003 10:30AM PST

While I use the five noted tools to clean up the most common pests, here's my personal setup.

1. Spybot S&D, use its immunize feature.
2. Install HPGuru's HOSTS file.
3. Use ANY other browser than IE.
4. Try to live without Java. (I can, your choice.)
5. Use Spyware Blaster or equivilent to lock out most intrusive items.

With this simple list, and a current antivirus, I rarely see anything happen at all. It's downright boring.

Bob

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Sorry, I misunderstood...
Nov 30, 2003 2:20PM PST

and Bob has reminded me that I too use a hosts file.