Are there any tests/benchmarks comparing Avast’s antispyware capabilities to other popular programs?
Not sure but for your information, is better for you to download a anti-spyware program.
1.SuperAntiSpyware (Im using it)
Looking at the SuperAntiSpyware website, automatic scanning and updating doesn’t work in the free version. I don’t want to have to babysit my PC initiating these things manually.
I also like to install as few programs as possible, which is why I want to know if Avast’s antispyware is up to scratch.
Well, Avast got 8 out of 10 which is just above average for detection and removal in Pcmag testing but for the realtime protection it got 9.6 out of 10 which is excellent.
Yes, it’s a full antispyware detector. Even Microsoft acknowledges…
Note that avast is reported as being both antivirus and antispyware.
The PCMag review is here http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2282699,00.asp
How many spyware definitions does Avast recognize ?
Hmmm… This was discussed a lot in the past for the virus numbers…
- There are a marketing issue involved. Companies estimate the number of viruses by high.
- There are different counts possible: variants, etc.
- There is not an international rule for virus naming, so same virus could be consider one or more by other company.
- Scanning settings are very important.
- Active viruses (ITW) are really more important then the whole number.
- Generic signatures and heuristic detections cannot be really counted as ‘virus detection’.
Well, etc. etc.
Trust avast!
OK thanks guys, I think I’ll stick with Avast and Windows Defender for antispyware.
HI
Windows defender is the old GIANT antispyware if I remember correctly
Windows defender would not be my first choice
either check out Avast (do they roll their own or is it licensed) further
I know AVG bought the fine EWIDO anti-spyware engine (Windows NT and later only) but I do not know about Avast
personal opinion is that Sunbelt Counter spy is vastly superior to Windows Defender in keeping a clean system clean - in other words you can do better than Windows defender
Avast is also excellent at keeping a clean system clean but I have not directly compared WD with Avast but I think avast would be the better choice
to cleanup an existing really dirty system - well start with a couple of on demand anti virus scans after avast including both Kaspersky and Bit Defender then try Spyware Doctor then post a HJT at your favorite support site.
however prevention is the key
I do not know how much of a newbie you are but if using Internet Explorer install spywareblaster to block harmful active x and a hosts file with any browser, and “lock it down”
your firewall is also a key piece windows firewall is, shall we say, half assed
post back with what else you are running, os , etc
I do not know if WD buys you anything in addition to Avast
I’m running Windows Vista, Avast, Defender, and using Vista’s Firewall.
I think this is a good setup?
Appears to be right up there according to the aforementioned PCMag review.
Yes thats a good set up.You may want to use vista firewall control (if you are not already using it)which provides a gui and some extra control outbound to vista firewall.
http://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html
If you decide to buy the full version rather than use the free ,then be smart in using the correct currency when purchasing.For instance it seems to charge the same price
(29.95)whether its in dollars euros or pounds.So if you lived in the UK then buy in dollars as it will be half the price.
m
I suggest you add on-demand scanning of SUPERantispyware and/or Spyware Terminator to scan for spywares and trojans. And immunize your system with SpywareBlaster or Windows Advanced Care.
Also check if you have insecure applications with Secunia Software Inspector.
HI
Agree with tech
I am not familiar with vista firewall - is it more than XP inbound only?
double check some Firewall reviews
Spyware Doctor free is also vg as an on demand scanner
Spyware Doctor also has Active X controls as found in spywareblaster so you do not need both
A-squared has a free anti trojan on demand scanner
Hosts file – go to Spywarewarrior and go to Updates thread - you will find two fine Hosts files who update regularly
also ie-spyads for IE restricted sites block file is available a Spywarewarrior
I still do not see where Windows defender fits in to a comprehensive scheme
a ps on my previous post
EWIDO has been discontinued by AVG as a stand alone product and support has been iffy as the transition to an integrated product
for around $20 US Sunbelt Counterspy is right up there with Webroot Spysweeper and PC tools Spyware Doctor if you need resident anti-spyware protection
I do not have any experience with Super but for a long time I used Pest Patrol free for resident- PP free does scan only but will not fix anything
depends on what kind of surfing you do- p2p, warze, porn, etc - well then- think of a virtual machine or sandbox, process monitor, system safety monitor etc if available for Vista
Yes. It can, with Advanced settings, control the outbound traffic.
Take care about false positives.
SpyBot can handle hosts file too.
SpyBot and AdvancedWindowsCare could do the same job with a better interface.
SpyBot can handle hosts file too.The Spybot S&D HOSTS file is not verified for accuracy like hpHost and MVPS HOSTS file: http://www.hosts-file.net/?s=Download http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Windows Defender does a good job of monitoring the HOSTS file for changes.
I’m impressed with MBAM:
http://malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
Yo
you are reasonably correct on Spybots host file capabilities- good in it’s day, not updated as often
however I do not find many errors in it
I have used a hosts merge program to check vs MVPS- and have found no need to be able to connect to anything Spybot and or MVPS block
ie-spyads is not updated as often as it needs to be so perhaps there are other choices for IE users for restricted sites lists
Spybot’s restricted site list is not very comprehensive - same league as its hosts file
however I still update spybot every Wednasday and immunize- old habits- not running T-timer
Thanks TEch for the info on Vista firewall did they write their own?
Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
While providing complete inbound AND outbound protection, by default, the Vista firewall does not contain any rules for controlling of outbound traffic. That is, every program is allowed to go out.
If you decide to define your own rules, make sure to enable
- avast.setup access on port 80 (http)
- ashWebSv.exe access on port 80 (http)
- ashMaiSv.exe access on ports 25 (smtp), 110 (pop3), 143 (imap4)
Configure Vista Firewall to support outbound packet filtering: http://searchwindowssecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid45_gci1247138,00.html
Or use Vista Firewall Control 32-bit: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Vista_Firewall_Control_32-bit_d5578.html
Thanks tech
IS vista firewall ms written or licensed?
no outbound filtering without writing rules
that’s going to be way past a lot of users