What recommendations do you have for top of the line software to remove and control ''Spyware, malware, pests and what ever else in that line'' ? So many of them available out there they can't all be the best !

Spybot Search & Destroy is a good one.

James at Slysoft recommended this and i use it. Seems to work ok > http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/ When you want to check it again some day download it again as it will be different and have updates. It doesn't auto update as it's FREE........

Spybot Search & Destroy (already mentioned) for prevention and removal
Lavasoft Ad-Aware for removal
SpywareBlaster for prevention
IE-SpyAd for prevention

Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

+ other specific tools for specific problems

Do you know if this proggy can be run with other anti-virus software already installed? I use Kapersky Internet Security Suite and I know that sometimes having 2 anti-virus programs running can conflict.

You'd be hard pressed finding any AntiSpyware that'll beat the detection Kaspersky already has.

If you feel the need for extra conformation try the free version of SUPERAntiSpyware or use Firefox/Opera and don't worry about it

Thanks FastGame, Kapersky has never let me down. But sometimes different programs detect different things. Some can be "false positives" also, like Kapersky detects and squeels everytime it detects a software that " calls home", you just have to confiqure it to "allow" those programs.

I´ve been using Firefox for about 3 months now

I always ran Spybot Search & Destroy with IR6 and now also with FF

I am not so sure that I get fewer bugs than before.

But, to answer the original question, I think the lesson is clear: a good anti-vir, and a firewall...properly configured, combined with some decent clean-up software and from time to time an alternative scan.

Zone-Alarm is helpful, but as already mentioned, watch-out for conflicts.

My only protection nowdays is Kaspersky and the Windows-own firewall. I scan every day with Spybot or SE-Adaware and run CCleaner. Above all read the instructions and get online to read what the users say.

For a free anti-virus, there are several good options. I favour AVG. Others may recommend Anti-vir, or one or two others. Again, read about it...Google is your friend!

I run it with McAfee no problem is all i know. There is no calling home. There's no update it's free ya know?

Thanks Rolling56, maybe I will give it a try.

I also run McAfee and have for years (I love it). The cost is very little as I always play the rebate game. This year, I'm using Total Protection 2007, it updates frequently and is highly configurable.

Comments: Spybot - I was so pleased with the product I sent the author a $10 donation via Paypal. I never got a thank you but that's okay - I didn't expect one. Approximately 3 years ago, Spybot disappeared for the longest time and I was never notified that they were backup on another website. I thought since I donated twice as much as was asked for, I could at least get a heads-up.

Ad-Aware: Quite some time ago, LavaSoft also abandoned their free spyware program (but eventually decided to continue their support).


I don't have a problem with freeware/sharware programs but there is an incentive for for-profit manufacturers to protect their market. This is especially important for spyware &/or virus protection.

I agree Kapersky Internet Suite V6 was not cheap but I have to say it does the job.

Don't forget Ewido 4.0. It's exellent for detecting spy cookies and trojan horses which Spybot and AdAware do not. Now it has become AVG Anti-Spyware, but I prefer the old version Ewido 4.0

theres also A squared & spy sweeper

Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.0 all the way, and Ad-aware SE for free use.