What are some must have windows utilities for Spyware, etc.

[EasyB]

I remember listening to TWIT or some tech pod-cast and they mentioned 3 program that you want to run on a windows machine if you might come in contact with spyware or viruses.

I know not to use IE, not to open attachments, etc.

But I do try some programs that are floating around out there and would like to be protected as best possible while exposing myself to some slight risks.

Please give some advise.

 

[10-Dee-Q]

i'm used to be a 100% windows user,
but now after buying MBP, i'm currently a 50-50 user
heeheh
still learning mac though
anyway for window security, i recommend you to:
-Disable the WinXP oiginal Firewall
-Install ZOne Alarm Firewall and anti-spyware
-Instal Kaspersky Anti-virus

i've been using that setting for years without a problem, and i did that too on my MBP via bootcamp :
hope it helps

if u want free anti virus , avast! also not a bad choice

just don;t install norton and mcAfee, they are sucks! INMHO

 

[treblah]

Windows Defender has been working well for me. You can find the free beta here.

 

[JonD25]

Ad-aware
Spybot Search and Destroy

Those combined with virus scan and Mozilla Firefox and I kept clean for years.

 

[michaelwarren89]

Ad-aware
Spybot Search and Destroy

Those combined with virus scan and Mozilla Firefox and I kept clean for years.

Sounds like you're a reformed drug addict

But yeah, Spybot Search and Destroy in conjunction with Lavasoft Ad-Aware will work in tandem to remove any nasties you may have.

 

[JonD25]

Sounds like you're a reformed drug addict

But yeah, Spybot Search and Destroy in conjunction with Lavasoft Ad-Aware will work in tandem to remove any nasties you may have.

Haha, now that you mention it, you're right Oh well.

 

[Macer]

zonelabs security suite.

 

[NJuul]

Nice thread, especially for us naive OS X natives suddenly being able to venture into the wild land of Windows and its inherent dangers.

 

[Macer]

I have an idea, stick with OS X then you won't need any virus or spyware software.

 

[EasyB]

I have an idea, stick with OS X then you won't need any virus or spyware software.

I have an idea, if you don't have anything useful to add the the thread, KEEP YOUR DUMB @$$ IDEAS to yourself.

And thanks to everyone who posted useful stuff.

EzB

 

[5683565]

AVG, very good free Anti-Virus program.

 

[sorryiwasdreami]

I have an idea, if you don't have anything useful to add the the thread, KEEP YOUR DUMB @$$ IDEAS to yourself.EzB

Is this necessary?

Anyway, I've found this to be very informative.

 

[cardude280]

Avg or avast
and spyware docter or adaware

 

[j26]

AVG
Zone Alarm (disable the Windows firewall first)
Spybot
AdAware
And the MS Anti-Spyware thingie (it was beta last time I saw it, but it's quite good, and used to catch some things missed by Spybot)


Also another vote to stay the f*** away from Norton.

 

[erikamsterdam]

There is a bundle called Hitman Pro that bundles all major anti-spyware apps. Can recommend it.
But the best idea is to not use the internet when booted into Window$. Really.
Use it for compatibility, but realize it's never ever secure.

 

[habibbijan]

Windows Security guide

Though it's now somewhat dated, here's an "Essential Security Guide to Microsoft Operating Systems" that I wrote a couple years ago.

http://habibbijan.com/guides/windows_security.php

I hope its of use to someone.

 

[B-Line]

On my previous windows computer I used AVG and ad-aware. Ad-Aware is great, its finds all sorting of trackers ect. However a tech a local computer store said that AVG free was spyware. AVG worked well for me when I used it and wa able to remove some viruses I couldnt remove with norton or macafee

 

[4JNA]

build pc computers for a living. recommend avg, windows defender, firefox, and leave the windows firewall in place and working. avoid working with ANY email if you can. ad-aware if you get infected to remove whatever got you. works well, is all free, and can be set to work automatically in the background.

spyware/adware is the fastest way to kill a windows box, norton/mcafee are the second fastest way to kill a windows box. and you have to pay for them

i would hope the internet on the windows side would only be used now and then when you have x only a reboot away!

 

[Str8edgepunker]

^^Avg has gone downhill but it's still great stuff and certainly not spyware.

Another app I'd recommend is spyware blaster. It's not a removal app but it prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, etc. in the first place. You can download that from here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

 

[Timepass]

For my on my windows box (and what I recomend)

Is window defender to cover you spyware needs
I just use the windows firewall and I also behind a hardware firewall as well (aka my router)
For Antivirus Symantec Antivirus Corpate edition. Nortain is crap but Symantec Antivirus Corp. is a great and is one of the best AV programs out there.. Not bloated and very simple and powerful. Hardest part is getting it legelly. I got it though my school and if you can get it I would strongly recomend it over AVG. It much better over all.

Nortan AV is crap and very bloated. Even the sharky people will say that. But at the same time they will praise Symantec Corp edition as the AV program to go to. Both verson 9 and 10.1 are among the best out there.

Of course run Firefox as your main browser. Do keep IE around because some site just work a lot better with it. Just be careful you trust the sites you use it with then the problems that plag IE will not effect you.

Also another good place to get infomation on what to run is http://www.sharkyforums.com/


I will like to make this clear that i not bashing, or putting down Macrumor forum memeber. Only reason I am saying suggesting also look there for help is the forum is more PC based and the memebers are those people who you turn to for tech support any how. The knowleged based and experince in windows there is by far better than here not because this place is poor but because of the type of people the forum is geared for and who the memebers are. It just like if some had a mac question on that forum sending them over here would be a better solution becasue the people here have a better understanding of mac in general than over there.

 

[Ladybug]

Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster.