Sean
join:2004-01-23
Toronto
 ·Bell Sympatico
1 edit | Need some anti-software to use in conjunction with AVG
Hi there,
Currently I use AVG Free for my antivirus needs. It runs quietly in the background, and every morning at 3 AM, it runs a deep system scan.
It just occurred to me while browsing this forum, that AVG is the only layer of security I have, other than my NAT enabled router (this provides a hardware firewall, no?).
I don't have any interest in running a software firewall. They are more bothersome than useful in my opinion, what with all the firewall rules you need to create.. especially if I'm using a router. Am I wrong with this?
I'd like some tips in the right direction as to what programs I can use for spyware, adware, malware, and any other ware that is undesirable. In other words, what programs can I use to fill in the holes left by AVG Free?
Much appreciated,
- Sean
Edit: While looking at AVG's website, it turns out they have a free verion of AVG Anti-Spyware. Is it any good, compared to the other spyware solutions out there? Does it run in the background, or is it an "open, scan, close" program? |
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The Snowman
Premium
join:2007-05-20
1 edit |
Hey Sean
The free version of avg anti-malware is On-Demand....you must run it yourself.......any good....well I guess thats a matter of opinion..as with many other such programs......but it has to be better than none at all....there is also SuperAntiMalware you could look at..free version.....seem as avg..on demand.
"I don't have any interest in running a software firewall. They are more bothersome than useful in my opinion, what with all the firewall rules you need to create.. especially if I'm using a router. Am I wrong with this? "
IMO. yes, you are wrong.....you don't need to write Rules for many free firewalls.......how else will you know if a trojan is connecting "outbound" ? But again..just a matter of opinion.
Spywareware Blaster
Process Guard (was a free version..not sure about that now )
Spybotsearch and Distroy
all free and all very good......and good for "layering" protection.
None of those programs will harm your system...none will use resources...set and forget. No scanning involved.
Well I am off to format a computer......have a pleasent day. |
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mikenolan7
Premium
join:2005-06-07
Torrance, CA
| reply to Sean
You didn't say whether you took any steps to close unnecessary services, or harden your system. I would list, in order of importance (ignoring running as a limited user, which creates too many arguments):
1. Make your system secure. Close unnecessary services. Make sure security updates are performed.
2. Protect your system from attacks. Your NAT router and AV are good for most home users. An anti-spyware and/or process control software would be good additions.
3. Detect/block unwanted outbound connections.
Make sure you have completed 1 before worrying about adding more to 2, or moving on to 3. To really be safe, as The Snowman pointed out, you need a way to detect outbound connections. As much trouble as software firewalls seem to be, they are probably the easiest way to accomplish 3. Ignoring 1 and 3, and piling on layer after layer of number 2 is a great way to make your life miserable, spend a lot of money, and not be much more secure than you are now. |
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jarrycanada
join:2004-12-02
Schenectady, NY
| reply to Sean
There is also Windows Defender, AVG Anti-Spyware, Ad-Aware, and Spybot - Search & Destroy. that last one you got to becareful about with the Immunize option, because it can cause false positives when you scan with online scanners. so you have to undo all the changes everytime you scan your system.
the snowman, whats the url for SuperAntiMalware ? |
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anon101
@cox.net
| reply to Sean
I use BOClean along with my AV. BOClean is an online scanner. Catches things before they get on your system. Works great for me. With Ad-aware or Spybot S&D I find nothing but a few spyware cookies. I then add those domains to my Restricted Sites and thats the end of them. No more cookies, flash ads, javascript, etc. because Restricted Zone does not allow this stuff to run.
Link to free BOClean. Previously a paid program but since they were bought by Comodo it became free. Good luck.
»www.comodo.com/boclean/boclean.html
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FiOS Dan
Premium
join:2001-07-06
Redondo Beach, CA | reply to Sean
Sean, FWIW I am running AVG Free, ZAF, and Spyware Termintator, on three rigs with no problems at all.
--
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.
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diver196
join:2003-12-09
| reply to Sean
Yeah buddy,anti-software, that is what I need.
You don't need new security programs. Learn how to run a limited user account with a software restriction policy and enable data execution protection for all programs.
--
Only those defenses are good, certain and durable, which depend on yourself alone and your own ability. -The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli. |
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MunichKid
join:2005-04-12
Berwyn, IL
| reply to Sean
I thought that data execution protection was Vista only.
Some of us refuse to upgrade to Vista as of yet.
Therefore, imho, Anti-virus, anti-spyware, and NAT is the route I am using also. Along with safe computing like not being nieve enuff to click on pop up ads. |
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CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County
| reply to Sean
Firewall - most firewalls will ask a question and you reply and check a box that says - "Make it a rule?" and you answer yes or no. Easier than scheduling AVG to auto-run/update. It is another layer of security and easy to do.
Both of my PC's have software firewalls and I have a NAT router as well. Security in layers....
--
Brian
Free health care is 100% a misnomer - it is not free and never will be free. |
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ALL DEP
@anonymouse.org | reply to MunichKid
@MunichKid
DEP is in XP also. System Properties, Advanced, Performance Settings, DEP. For protection on all programs, fill the second *dot*. |
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ZZZZZZZ
Premium
join:2001-05-27
PARADISE
|  reply to FiOS Dan
quote:
Sean, FWIW I am running AVG Free, ZAF, and Spyware Termintator, on three rigs with no problems at all.
Unreal~
Spyware Termintator is from Crawler ,who used to be on the rogue spyware list as of last year.
You might want to rethink your security defenses,especially with running AVG. 
--
~~Get our troops home...now!!~~ |
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ZZZZZZZ
Premium
join:2001-05-27
PARADISE |  reply to Sean
THREATFIRE
and Boclean with either Comodo or Online Armor firewalls would be a good choice.
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~~Get our troops home...now!!~~ |
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La Luna
Surviving Ashraful
Premium
join:2001-07-12
Warwick, NY
clubs:
 ·Optimum Online
 ·Vonage
| reply to Sean
said by Sean  :...I don't have any interest in running a software firewall. They are more bothersome than useful in my opinion, what with all the firewall rules you need to create.. especially if I'm using a router. Am I wrong with this?... Yep, you are wrong. While a router is great for protecting from inbound attacks, what about malware (or even programs you just don't want calling home) that may be trying to call out? A router doesn't stop that.
There are free software firewalls, such as ZA, that don't require any "rules" to be written. Just click "allow" or "deny" and "remember this action" one time for each program ("teaching" the firewall), and that's it. You will only be asked again for a new program or if an older one has changed.
Also, as mentioned above, consider Threatfire or BoClean (both free) and Spybot S & D and SpywareBlaster (also free).
Spybot S & D
From our own javacool , SpywareBlaster
--
10,784 DEADLY TERROR ATTACKS SINCE 9/11~~TEAM DISCOVERY
Can't feel you anymore, don't need you anymore, don't believe you anymore, I don't need you anymore
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FiOS Dan
Premium
join:2001-07-06
Redondo Beach, CA
 ·Verizon FIOS
| reply to ZZZZZZZ
From »www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_ant···ware.htm...
We originally listed Spyware Terminator on this page out of concerns that Crawler, the company behind the product, had established connections with IBIS, a well known adware distributor responsible for such adware programs as Wintools, Websearch, & Huntbar. Although we found no problems in our initial testing with Spyware Terminator, and while the vendor itself announced that it was exiting the adware business (1), we decided out of caution to impose a three month probation period before we would consider re-testing and, if warranted, de-listing the the product from the Rogue/Suspect list. During that three month probation period we monitored the behavior of IBIS and Crawler. At the end of the three month probation period we re-tested Spyware Terminator, again finding no problems serious enough to justify listing the program on this page. As the vendor involved has not been involved in the distribution of adware for many months, and as the program itself exhibits no problems serious enough to warrant mention on this page, we have decided to de-list Spyware Terminator from the Rogue/Suspect list and can no longer regard the program to be "rogue/suspect."
--
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.
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