spyware

[Rich]

hello and thank you very much for your time;
I just recently had symantec do a remote purge on my lap top,
I asked the technichian why it was that norton internet security 2007 did
not catch the spyware,
I also am using windows defender with all the updates, and I delete browsing
history with a passion,
niether aplication seemed to catch the so called spyware,
I am really wondering if indeed I had spyware or if it was just a case of
too many programs running at start up with only 512 megs of memory;
however, the symantec techician said some spyware id too sophysticated to be
picked up by antivirus software,
I really wonder if this is true, I still really am unsure,
any comment would further my knowlage and would be much apreiciated

 

[Straight Talk]

I just recently had symantec do a remote purge on my lap top,
Silly.

I asked the technichian why it was that norton internet security 2007 did
not catch the spyware,

It's like asking the seat belt manufacturer why you ended up with your
wheels in the air. The only one responsible for what gets on to your
machine is you.

I also am using windows defender with all the updates, and I delete browsing
history with a passion,
niether aplication seemed to catch the so called spyware,

Of course not. How could it do so, by concept, in the first place?
(Hint: Most users run with unrestricted privileges, in which context
any security discussion is moot).

I am really wondering if indeed I had spyware or if it was just a case of
too many programs running at start up with only 512 megs of memory;

Today every single odd looking cookie is classified as spyware to
increase hype and sales.

however, the symantec techician said some spyware id too sophysticated to be
picked up by antivirus software,

That's true. In fact any anti-this and anti-that is mainly bullshit
and doesn't prevent infections in the real world. With anti-crap
installed you are just fighting yesterdays malware. It's like catching
most of the little fish and letting most of the big ones go
unattended.

I really wonder if this is true, I still really am unsure,
any comment would further my knowlage and would be much apreiciated

It's true. I you rely on anti-this and anti-that to keep you safe, you
have a serious security problem.

 

[Dave M]

Rich;

No one security product, be it AntiVirus or AntiSpyware will catch
everything.
You're doing well to be running both, but I'd recommend that you consider
some additional layers of security:

Run an on-demand online scanner for a second opinion, occasionally:
http://safetyscans.googlepages.com/

See this article for "other" security applications you may want to consider,
but don't run two firewalls or two signature based real-time Anti-Virus
applications concurrently or you're risking contention problems:
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Roll_your_own_Free_Security_Suite

 

[Straight Talk]

You're doing well to be running both, but I'd recommend that you consider
some additional layers of security:

How about some *real* security instead?

Run an on-demand online scanner for a second opinion, occasionally:
http://safetyscans.googlepages.com/

Please explain how an online scan (which requires your system to be up
and running) can reliably detect malware that is already alive and
well.

 

[Dave M]

How about some *real* security instead?

OK I'll bite... what's you're favorite *real* security solution this month?

Please explain how an online scan (which requires your system to be up
and running) can reliably detect malware that is already alive and
well.

Sorry to hear your system is down, but neither mine nor the OP's seems to be.

 

[Straight Talk]

OK I'll bite... what's you're favorite *real* security solution this month?

Concepts don't change on a monthly basis.

And so called "layers" of security is useless as long as the
foundation stays unfixed. You gain security by fixing what is broken -
not by adding on top of it.

Sorry to hear your system is down, but neither mine nor the OP's seems to be.

Using a funny punch line don't hide the fact that you are obviously
clueless.