Dump spy/other scanners?

[Adela]

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Ron Badour]

Pick one AV program and one or maybe two of the spyware programs and get rid
of the rest. I use Malwarebyte because it is a good program and they update
their definitions frequently. I just ran it and in two and a half days,
they updated 12 times.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[1PW]

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

Hello Adela:

The devil is in the details. I /do/ hope you mean SUPERAntiSpyware and
not as you sent. SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) is one of the industry leaders
in antimalware. The same may be said for MBAM and Spybot-S&D &
SpywareBlaster is also well regarded. However, an overlapping arsenal
is required to render good protection.

You didn't mention any antivirus application. I hope this was an error
of omission.

Many in the antimalware newsgroups would say that eliminating SAS would
be ill advised.

Even though your system might marginally benefit from a memory upgrade
to 768MB of SDRAM, its doubtful this would be a wise move. Your system
is probably inadequate and you are probably waiting for things to happen
quite a bit.

Consider upgrading to something newer with about 2GB of RAM.

Also update your Java ASAP.

Warm regards,

Pete

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

IMHO...

AVG Free v8.0 - Either upgrade to v8.5
(http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe; TIP: Uninstall v8.0, reboot, then
install v8.5 and opt-out of installing LinkScanner and both email scanners)
or replace it with, e.g., Avast4 (free), Avira AntiVir (free), or another AV
app of your choosing as long as it's not a Norton or McAfee app.)

S*UPERAntiSpyware Free - uninstall

Windows Defender (free) - Install! =>
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Spybot - Up to you; If you don't fully understand what Tea Timer does and
how it does it, leave it permanently disabled.

SpywareBlaster - Up to you

[NB: Do NOT install IE8 (should you be tempted) with Spybot fully Immunized
and/or with all SpywareBlaster Protections enabled!]

Adobe Reader v8.x - Uninstall it then install Adobe Reader v9.x
(http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/new.jsp; might wanna wait until
after 12 May when a more-secure version of v9.x will be released) or FoxIt
Reader (free; www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php)

Flash Player & Shockwave Player - Make certain you're running the
most-recent version (v10.0.22.87; v11.5.596) =>
http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/welcome/

Sun Java (JRE) v1.6.0_03 - Update to v1.6.0_13 =>
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=38895 (use Manual instructions)

=> And get WinXP SP3 installed ASAP! <=

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

The free unlimited installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3 has
been extended (but certainly not indefinitely) beyond the original 14 April
2009 cut-off date. Open your browser to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
S*PERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

S*PERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Jose]

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM.  If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites?  Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.    Adela

I agree about S&D - used to be cool, but now finds nothing!

Ad-Aware finds tracking cookies and that's about it for me.

I agree with Ron - Malwarebytes seems the best for me and has
contributed to the resolution of several problems here.

My ISP "gave" me McAfee and I can't stand it, so it is now deleted.
Takes too long and finds nothing. No refund though.

Symantec/Norton makes me shudder. Never used it, never will.

Pick a couple free ones that are popular here, keep them updated and
run every so often just for the heck of it or when you think you have
any weirdness. I haven't paid for any scanning software yet. Keep
your Windows up to date with manual or Automatic Updates for security
updates.

The free ones will have some options unavailable, like no automatic or
scheduled stuff unless you pay. Some things you can run for free
(maybe from a WWW site), but you have to buy it to fix anything it
claims to find. The old bait and switch.

I would also think real hard before using any Registry cleaners/
optimizers/defragmenters, and then decide not to do it. Come back
here first if you think or somebody tells you need something like that
to fix a problem.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

No, it's not at all true. *No* Anti-spyware program is anywhere near
perfect, and each catches things another doesn't. Using two or more is
the wise thing to do.

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Keep them. Just don't run them at the same time.

 

[smlunatick]

No, it's not at all true. *No* Anti-spyware program is anywhere near
perfect, and each catches things another doesn't. Using two or more is
the wise thing to do.



Keep them. Just don't run them at the same time.

I second this post!!!!! Spywares are constantly "changing" and the
more tools you have to detect these "infestation" on any of your PC is
recommended.

Also, Microsoft's tools appear to not complete catch all spywares /
viruses

 

[db ´¯`·.. >]

I have strong reservations
against software whose
privacy policies do not
protect the user(s)

in any case, you can release
programs from memory and

only run any of them at "your"
convenience.

then when your done shut them
down.

------------

to free up more ram:

click on start>run>msconfig

then go to start up tab and
disable those scanners, updaters,
auto registrations, etc.. line
items.

also, go to services tab
and "hide" all microsoft
services.

what is left may be disabled
as well.

for example, you may have
two firewalls running at
the same time, but you only
need one.

(you may want to jot down
all the items you disabled
for future reference).

then reboot and enjoy.

------------

incidentally, you really should
to add a stick of 512 megs of
ram to your system or 1 gig
if the price is better than for
a 512.

you are really below microsofts
recommendation for memory
at this time

you will see a dramatic increase
in performance by giving your
computer more memory to process
more data efficiently and effectively..
plus

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @hotmail.com
"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan,
if I need, by going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or antis (could someone tell me which ones are
superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad files!); SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Adela]

Thank you Ron. I think you're right. I do have a good AV, the AVG free,
and I'll leave in probably Malwarebyte and some other spy or ad catching,
and will delete all the others. I also have MS Defender and some other from
MS too. Thanks again. Adela

Pick one AV program and one or maybe two of the spyware programs and get
rid of the rest. I use Malwarebyte because it is a good program and they
update their definitions frequently. I just ran it and in two and a half
days, they updated 12 times.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!); SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Adela]

Thanks Pete for your advice, and yes I'm sorry I didn't complete the
SUPERAntiSpyware word - my subconcious laziness? ;o)

When you say "an overlapping arsenal is required to render good protection."
do you mean then that's ok for me to have so many? I will delete Spybot-S&D
though because, as mentioned, it never found one bad file, while all the
others do all the time and it gives me some problems too.

I did forget to mention I have a good AV, the AVG free, which scans and
updates itself nicely without giving problems.

I didn't know there was an antimalware newsgroup, but I'll leave SAS in as
it too I found pretty good.

You are SO right that it wouldn't be a wise move to add memory. My computer
is very old (though still giving good service), that's why I try not to
aggravate it if I can help it. I intend to continue using it until it gives
its last sigh, at which time I'll be asking for advice as to a good but
affordable computer with updated powers too. ) According to my
experience, Dell seems to be good since I had this one since...1999 and
still going!!! lol!

I thought Java updated itself, but if you think I should, do I go to its
site to do it?

Thanks again for all your advice! Adela

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

Hello Adela:

The devil is in the details. I /do/ hope you mean SUPERAntiSpyware and
not as you sent. SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) is one of the industry leaders
in antimalware. The same may be said for MBAM and Spybot-S&D &
SpywareBlaster is also well regarded. However, an overlapping arsenal
is required to render good protection.

You didn't mention any antivirus application. I hope this was an error
of omission.

Many in the antimalware newsgroups would say that eliminating SAS would
be ill advised.

Even though your system might marginally benefit from a memory upgrade
to 768MB of SDRAM, its doubtful this would be a wise move. Your system
is probably inadequate and you are probably waiting for things to happen
quite a bit.

Consider upgrading to something newer with about 2GB of RAM.

Also update your Java ASAP.

Warm regards,

Pete

 

[1PW]

Thanks Pete for your advice, and yes I'm sorry I didn't complete the
SUPERAntiSpyware word - my subconscious laziness? ;o)

When you say "an overlapping arsenal is required to render good protection."
do you mean then that's ok for me to have so many? I will delete Spybot-S&D
though because, as mentioned, it never found one bad file, while all the
others do all the time and it gives me some problems too.

Spybot-S&D is very well regarded. It may very well be that your other
antimalware applications beat Spybot-S&D to the punch. But in light of
your computer's age/power, reluctantly I agree.

SpywareBlaster could also be retired for the same reasons as above.
....and again SpywareBlaster is also well regarded in the various
antimalware groups.

I did forget to mention I have a good AV, the AVG free, which scans and
updates itself nicely without giving problems.

AVG is very well regarded too.

I didn't know there was an antimalware newsgroup, but I'll leave SAS in as
it too I found pretty good.

SAS and MBAM have earned their reputations and should be very valuable
to you.

You are SO right that it wouldn't be a wise move to add memory. My computer
is very old (though still giving good service), that's why I try not to
aggravate it if I can help it. I intend to continue using it until it gives
its last sigh, at which time I'll be asking for advice as to a good but
affordable computer with updated powers too. ) According to my
experience, Dell seems to be good since I had this one since...1999 and
still going!!! lol!

It would be great if you could do a full disk backup and then get your
XP up to service pack 3. SP3 will allow your automatic updates to
continue while affording you a bit more protection.

I thought Java updated itself, but if you think I should, do I go to its
site to do it?

<http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp?detect=jre&try=1>

I believe you should be at update 13


BTW - Your Adobe Reader should be at 9.1 for safety.

Thanks again for all your advice! Adela

Filehippo.com is an excellent site to check your application's revisions
against.

Best wishes,

Pete

 

[Adela]

Thank you Ron. I think you're right. I do have a good AV, the AVG free,
and I'll leave in probably Malwarebyte and SUPERantiSpyware or ad catching,
and will delete many of the others. I also have MS Defender and some other
MS scanners too. Thanks again. Adela

P.S. Strange - I answered you and Peter 2 days ago. They appeared in my
"Sent Items" but not in this forum(???) So I'm bringing them here. )

Pick one AV program and one or maybe two of the spyware programs and get
rid of the rest. I use Malwarebyte because it is a good program and they
update their definitions frequently. I just ran it and in two and a half
days, they updated 12 times.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!); SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Adela]

Thanks Pete for your advice, and yes I'm sorry I didn't complete the
SUPERAntiSpyware word - my subconcious laziness? ;o)

When you say "an overlapping arsenal is required to render good protection."
do you mean then that's ok for me to have so many? I will delete Spybot-S&D
though because, as mentioned, it never found one bad file, while all the
others do all the time and it gives me some problems too.

I just followed your advice and updated AVG free to 8.5).

I didn't know there was an antimalware newsgroup, but I'll leave SAS in as
it too I found pretty good.

You are SO right that it wouldn't be a wise move to add memory. My computer
is very old (though still giving good service), that's why I try not to
aggravate it if I can help it. I intend to continue using it until it gives
its last sigh, at which time I'll be asking for advice as to a good but
affordable computer with updated powers too. ) According to my
experience, Dell seems to be good since I had this one since...1999 and
still going!!! lol!

I thought Java updated itself, but if you think I should, I'll go to its
site to do it.

I'll continue to follow your advice below...a little at a time... ;o)
Including NOT to get IE8 since I have enough trouble with what I have, let
alone changing into new stuff. lol!

Thanks again for all your advice! Adela

IMHO...

AVG Free v8.0 - Either upgrade to v8.5
(http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe; TIP: Uninstall v8.0, reboot, then
install v8.5 and opt-out of installing LinkScanner and both email
scanners) or replace it with, e.g., Avast4 (free), Avira AntiVir (free),
or another AV app of your choosing as long as it's not a Norton or McAfee
app.)

S*UPERAntiSpyware Free - uninstall

Windows Defender (free) - Install! =>
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

Spybot - Up to you; If you don't fully understand what Tea Timer does and
how it does it, leave it permanently disabled.

SpywareBlaster - Up to you

[NB: Do NOT install IE8 (should you be tempted) with Spybot fully
Immunized and/or with all SpywareBlaster Protections enabled!]

Adobe Reader v8.x - Uninstall it then install Adobe Reader v9.x
(http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/new.jsp; might wanna wait until
after 12 May when a more-secure version of v9.x will be released) or FoxIt
Reader (free; www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php)

Flash Player & Shockwave Player - Make certain you're running the
most-recent version (v10.0.22.87; v11.5.596) =>
http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/welcome/

Sun Java (JRE) v1.6.0_03 - Update to v1.6.0_13 =>
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=38895 (use Manual instructions)

=> And get WinXP SP3 installed ASAP! <=

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

The free unlimited installation and compatibility support for WinXP SP3
has been extended (but certainly not indefinitely) beyond the original 14
April 2009 cut-off date. Open your browser to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
S*PERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

S*PERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Adela]

Hello Jose and thank you! I also deleted Ad-Aware since I had problems with
it. I think if I keep SUPERAntiSpyware and AntiMalware they'll do the
trick.

When I bought my computer in...1999! ) it came with McCaffe but
everybody had told me to get Norton, so I paid good money for that, but I
got rid of both! AVG is fine with me.

Windows updates itself, which is nice. But I'm afraid to update to SP3 as I
heard bad things about it, so it's waiting in my taskbar and each time I
open the computer it appears to remind me...

Yes, I noticed that free software on their sites have some options
unavailable and also that they'll scan but not give you the results, so
perhaps it is better to download them after all. I just don't wish to
overdo it.

Re Registry Cleaners: You are so right, and the temptation is there of
course in the hopes of cleaning my registry once and for all but...I always
opt for NOT doing it as I read enough scary things about it. I'm having a
hard enough time to understand the simples things that I wouldn't dare
penetrating the "snake pit" of the registry. lol!

Thanks again! Adela

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!);
SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

I agree about S&D - used to be cool, but now finds nothing!

Ad-Aware finds tracking cookies and that's about it for me.

I agree with Ron - Malwarebytes seems the best for me and has
contributed to the resolution of several problems here.

My ISP "gave" me McAfee and I can't stand it, so it is now deleted.
Takes too long and finds nothing. No refund though.

Symantec/Norton makes me shudder. Never used it, never will.

Pick a couple free ones that are popular here, keep them updated and
run every so often just for the heck of it or when you think you have
any weirdness. I haven't paid for any scanning software yet. Keep
your Windows up to date with manual or Automatic Updates for security
updates.

The free ones will have some options unavailable, like no automatic or
scheduled stuff unless you pay. Some things you can run for free
(maybe from a WWW site), but you have to buy it to fix anything it
claims to find. The old bait and switch.

I would also think real hard before using any Registry cleaners/
optimizers/defragmenters, and then decide not to do it. Come back
here first if you think or somebody tells you need something like that
to fix a problem.

 

[Adela]

Thank you Ken. Okay, I'll see if I can keep most of them. Thanks again.
Adela

 

[Adela]

Thanks smlunatick (love your name!) lol!

Wow, 2 of you said to keep them all. I'll delete only one or 2 and will
keep the rest. I have also Windows Defender and some other windows too
which could be as additional.

Thanks again. Adela

No, it's not at all true. *No* Anti-spyware program is anywhere near
perfect, and each catches things another doesn't. Using two or more is
the wise thing to do.



Keep them. Just don't run them at the same time.

I second this post!!!!! Spywares are constantly "changing" and the
more tools you have to detect these "infestation" on any of your PC is
recommended.

Also, Microsoft's tools appear to not complete catch all spywares /
viruses

 

[Adela]

Hello db and thank you:

"in any case, you can release

programs from memory and> only run any of them at "your"
convenience. then when your done shut them
down."

How do you "release" (delete?) from memory, run them, and then shut them
down?

I'll try doing the other advice you gave me, and I'll probably have a
question or 2 after trying. )

Thank you again, Adela

I have strong reservations
against software whose
privacy policies do not
protect the user(s)

in any case, you can release
programs from memory and

only run any of them at "your"
convenience.

then when your done shut them
down.

------------

to free up more ram:

click on start>run>msconfig

then go to start up tab and
disable those scanners, updaters,
auto registrations, etc.. line
items.

also, go to services tab
and "hide" all microsoft
services.

what is left may be disabled
as well.

for example, you may have
two firewalls running at
the same time, but you only
need one.

(you may want to jot down
all the items you disabled
for future reference).

then reboot and enjoy.

------------

incidentally, you really should
to add a stick of 512 megs of
ram to your system or 1 gig
if the price is better than for
a 512.

you are really below microsofts
recommendation for memory
at this time

you will see a dramatic increase
in performance by giving your
computer more memory to process
more data efficiently and effectively..
plus

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @hotmail.com
"share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player 10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!); SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank you Ken. Okay, I'll see if I can keep most of them. Thanks again.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Ron Badour]

You must have missed them because they are here. Good luck.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

Thank you Ron. I think you're right. I do have a good AV, the AVG free,
and I'll leave in probably Malwarebyte and SUPERantiSpyware or ad
catching, and will delete many of the others. I also have MS Defender and
some other MS scanners too. Thanks again. Adela

P.S. Strange - I answered you and Peter 2 days ago. They appeared in my
"Sent Items" but not in this forum(???) So I'm bringing them here. )

Pick one AV program and one or maybe two of the spyware programs and get
rid of the rest. I use Malwarebyte because it is a good program and they
update their definitions frequently. I just ran it and in two and a
half days, they updated 12 times.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

[WinXP Home 2002-SP2; OE 6; IE 6; OfficeXP; Dell Dimension XPS T448MHz
Pentium III; 384MB RAM; AVG Free Version 8.0; spybot S&D;
SUPERAntiSpy Free Ed.; high speed cable; WordPerfect8; Lexmark Laser
printer
"Optra E310"; Windows Media Player; Adobe Reader 8; Adobe Flash Player
10
Activex..]

Hello All, is it true what I was told by an acquaintance that the
scanner
SUPERAntiSpy isn't necessary to keep since nowadays the (I don't
recall which he mentioned (could be MS?)) catches any spies and other
undesirables before they penetrate?

I'd love to get rid of these hungry programs as I must save my not very
strong RAM. If I do get rid of them, I could always scan, if I need, by
going to their own websites? Right now I have the following scanners or
antis (could someone tell me which ones are superfluous?):

SUPERantiSpy; Malwarebytes; spybot S&D (which never ever finds bad
files!); SpywareBlaster; ie-spyad; Java 6 updated 3.

Thanks so much for any suggestions. Adela

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

[Not everyone feels that AVG (any version) is a "good" anti-virus
application, even among the handful of free ones, Adela.]