WebRoot Spy Sweeper

G

Guest

Do I still need the services of Spy Sweeper software if I use Windows
Defender? My son argues that I do not need to use spyware or virus software
like webroot or trend micro if I use the tools within windows.
 
R

Richard Urban

Vista does NOT come with any antivirus. And, the protection provided by
Windows Defender is not anywhere near on par with what SpySweeper will
provide.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)
 
G

Guest

Should I disable Defender then while running Spy Sweeper?
and thanks for your guidance.
 
R

Richard Urban

I have done the following on my main computer. I have left Windows Defender
enabled. I installed SpySweeper. I then set SpySweeper to NOT automatically
start with Windows. I update it and manually run it for a scan about every 5
days. Then I shut it down till the next scan.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)
 
D

Dave T.

Richard said:
I have done the following on my main computer. I have left Windows
Defender enabled. I installed SpySweeper. I then set SpySweeper to NOT
automatically start with Windows. I update it and manually run it for a
scan about every 5 days. Then I shut it down till the next scan.
Click to expand...
That's interesting, Richard. I don't shut down SpySweeper ever, except
when I'm installing something. Why? Because SpySweeper has real time
scanners that do help in ways that others don't.

About 5 years ago, I was running Windows ME (ugh) on my computer, with
Norton AV, and I got a Virus in an attachment that came from an
otherwise trusted source. The Virus was brand new and Norton didn't see
it, but the instant I opened that attachment SpySweeper shot rockets in
the air alerting me that something serious was wrong. It actually gave
first notification of a virus! The reason of course is that SpySweeper
monitors changes to the system, no matter what the cause. I became a
loyal fan at that point.
 
G

Guest

Dave T. said:
The reason of course is that SpySweeper
monitors changes to the system, no matter what the cause. I became a
loyal fan at that point.
Click to expand...

hey, Windows Defender does the same thing if you configure the advanced
options:
Windows Defender -> Tools -> Options -> software or changes by software that
is not yet classified for risks
 
H

Hank Arnold (MVP)

mccookrh said:
Do I still need the services of Spy Sweeper software if I use Windows
Defender? My son argues that I do not need to use spyware or virus software
like webroot or trend micro if I use the tools within windows.
Click to expand...

First off, if you have SpySweeper, you have the best spyware software in
the business, bar none. The idea of using an inferior product like
Defender is too funny....

Defender is *NOT* an AV program. No version of windows contains any AV
software... You still need one. SpySweeper now comes with AV (an added
$10 or so). I'm using it now and it's awesome. Not a big drain on
resources, either. BTW, they just announced that in a few days,
SpySweeper w/AV will include a firewall (no charge).

I used to use Trend Micro, but it became, like Symantec, a resource hog.
Boot times went through the roof....

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
 
H

Hank Arnold (MVP)

mccookrh said:
Should I disable Defender then while running Spy Sweeper?
and thanks for your guidance.
Click to expand...

Yes.

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
 
H

Hank Arnold (MVP)

Richard said:
I have done the following on my main computer. I have left Windows
Defender enabled. I installed SpySweeper. I then set SpySweeper to NOT
automatically start with Windows. I update it and manually run it for a
scan about every 5 days. Then I shut it down till the next scan.
Click to expand...

Why?? SpySweeper is so much better....

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
 
R

Richard Urban

SpySweeper. on my older single core CPU computer (AMD Athlon XP 3200 with 2
gig of PC3200 RAM), puts a big drag on the system when I have it set to run
automatically, especially during startup. Therefore I run it upon demand. I
have put SpySweeper on new dual core computers with 1 gig of RAM and S/S
does not have the same effect.

I guess it is time I consider upgrading! (-:

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)
 
D

Dave T.

Hank said:
Yes.
Click to expand...
Hank, what are the ramifications of running Defender and SS at the same
time? I always have, and don't have any downside that I know of. Now, I
don't mean run scans at the same time, just having real time settings
enabled at the same time. Educate me.
 
H

Hank Arnold (MVP)

Dave said:
Hank, what are the ramifications of running Defender and SS at the same
time? I always have, and don't have any downside that I know of. Now, I
don't mean run scans at the same time, just having real time settings
enabled at the same time. Educate me.
Click to expand...
It uses resources that I want available.

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
 
H

Hank Arnold (MVP)

Richard said:
SpySweeper. on my older single core CPU computer (AMD Athlon XP 3200
with 2 gig of PC3200 RAM), puts a big drag on the system when I have it
set to run automatically, especially during startup. Therefore I run it
upon demand. I have put SpySweeper on new dual core computers with 1 gig
of RAM and S/S does not have the same effect.

I guess it is time I consider upgrading! (-:
Click to expand...

I can understand that. I was using Trend Micro on my old Dell 8200 and
it was a *major* drag during boot. I didn't try it on Vista, going back
to my favorite, SpySweeper w/AV....

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
 
R

rna

mccookrh said:
Do I still need the services of Spy Sweeper software if I use Windows
Defender? My son argues that I do not need to use spyware or virus software
like webroot or trend micro if I use the tools within windows.
Click to expand...
i want to remove spy sweeper. How do I do that
 
J

JerryM

Windows firewall and Windows defender do an excellent job keeping hackers
out, but you still need an good antivirus program to protect your computer
against viruses.
There are several very good free antivirus programs.
Avast! is one of them and if Spy Sweeper does a good job, keep it.
 
K

Kayman

i want to remove spy sweeper. How do I do that
Click to expand...

There are two ways to uninstall:
In the Start menu find Webroot | Spy Sweeper | Uninstall Spy Sweeper.
Or
In Add/Remove Programs find Spy Sweeper.
 

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