Is there any benefit in using additional spyware/adware detection software if I’m using avast?
Right now I’m using adaware in addition to avast. Seems to slow my computer down and not sure if it
is adding any benefit.
Welcome
Ad-Aware has not kept up with the times so it can be un-installed.
What are your system specifications as to CPU type and speed and amount of RAM?
I recommend Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) that can be uses as an on demand scanner after definition updates:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
Download MBAM then get the latest definition updates then run a Quick scan then post its log here.
Hi newbie2009,
The range of malware in various forms is such that no single av solution can protect you a full 100%. Allthough avast is the best resident av solution there is, you could combine it with non-resident solutions to close the vulnerability gap further. I think of free SAS (SUPER AntiSpyware) and free MBAM. You can download these here:
http://www.superantispyware.com/downloadfile.html?productid=SUPERANTISPYWAREFREE
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php
Also you could use a program to protect the settings of your browser. I think of SpywareBlaster:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html (free for personal use only)
Another great step towards protection is to use normal user rights for your normal online activities,
re: http://cybercoyote.org/security/drop.shtml
Because 97% of all known malware for the Windows platform with normal user rights cannot any longer make changes to your OS (system32, register) they loose the possibility to do harm.
You use full admin rights only then when you want to install downloads or for installing your Microsoft downloads, upgrades and patches. Your third party software can be checked with Secunia PSI.
If you apply these measures you have set a great step towards security of your computer,
polonus