I have been trying a new (to me) anti spyware proggy. This is the previous version of the current offering, but this is free and still fully updatable.

Its called Spyware Doctor, and seems very thorough and goes deeper than the MS Anti-Spyware proggy.

The usual warning applies, use carefully as messing with your registry can be serious.

http://www.klitetools.com/comments.php?catid=44&shownews=3012

The link is from a 3rd party as PC Tools dont appear to have a link to this free version.

I have previously trialled the latest version of Spyware Doctor and found it to be good. However it needed to be registered and a fee paid to enable it to be used to delete any spyware detected. So it is good news that Andy has provided this link to a free earlier version which is not 'cracked' as I had wrongly assumed from researching its availability via Google. My apologies to Andy for wrongly deleting his thread.

No apology needed Denis.

:holmes: Interesting. SpyDoctor was recommended on a Beeb programme in the last week and I wondered why - since many others are freely available, and since most tend to pick up only so much, such that it is always worth having two or three, I wondered why theystated only that one (allowing not confusing viewers with too many options). No mention either of online free scans as belt and braces.

I certainly would not argue with recognised recommendations (and word of mouth) generally though, since not all spyware progs are spyware-free in themselves - and it's a great ruse to think that because you are paying for something (rather than a freebie) it must be OK.

For the sake of clarity, several spyware progs can work compatibly, but best to book a restore point so that you can go back if anything loaded doesn't sit well. (Firewalls are a different issue altogether of course.)

SpywareBlaster is a good one for stopping "it" getting on in the first place, rather than being a program which is run after the event as a removal tool.

Incidentally, FAO Kentish, I didn't think that spyware progs (as distinct from reg cleaners) affected the registry (or shouldn't), more working by disabling executable files in the layer above the registry?

Mo

You should always layer your protection, and multple programs to combat a similar problem are good to get problems that 1 program my miss.

Many wiping program will make registry changes, run it and see what it intends to remove. Of course some will go deeper, but even if the wording could have been better, you should always use software that can clear things out with a little caution if your not too sure.

I tend to use a mix of AdAware Personal Edition, Spybot S&D and I have the MS one running permanently.

If I get some weird behaviour I tend to run a few more tools but generally they'll catch most stuff

Ahhh, the joys of switching to macs.

I tend to use a mix of AdAware Personal Edition' date=' Spybot S&D and I have the MS one running permanently.

If I get some weird behaviour I tend to run a few more tools but generally they'll catch most stuff[/quote']

Same here I run Spyware Doctor, MS Antispyware and occasional use of Spybot S&D....also have Blueyonders PC Guard system running

Has kept me free from probs for 6 months now

I use Nod32, Netveda (firewall), Process Guard, Regprot and Regdefend, as well as Spybot SnD, Adaware. MS Anti Spyware, and Spyware Doctor for on-demand scans. TDS3 for anti-trojan,Winaso for the registry, and Tracks Eraser Pro to clear all temp file stuff, net cache, files and other nuggets placed on the system when surfing/working.

You can never have too much.

Ahhh, the joys of switching to macs.

As opposed to a normal jacket?

Here's a link to a very useful site for XP users. It explains very clearly how to optimise and secure your PC.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html

I tend to use a mix of AdAware Personal Edition, Spybot S&D and I have the MS one running permanently.

I use the same setup at work, but also use Spyware Blaster. At home I also use Zonealarm as a firewall. I agree with the multilayer approach when it comes to spyware. I know using too many programs can conflict, but if you have a core group, it shouldn't cause a problem.

Andy, in looking for the TDS3 anti-trojan you mentioned, i ended up on their site. It was basically explaining reasons why they took the decision to cease developing it.

Quote:"Put simply, we don't believe any anti-trojan scanners (TDS included) are doing an adequate job anymore, mainly due to the increasingly vast number of trojans that are being released every day of every week"

Scary huh?

Andy' date=' in looking for the TDS3 anti-trojan you mentioned, i ended up on their site. It was basically explaining reasons why they took the decision to cease developing it.

Quote:"Put simply, we don't believe any anti-trojan scanners (TDS included) are doing an adequate job anymore, mainly due to the increasingly vast number of trojans that are being released every day of every week"

Scary huh?[/quote']

It is very scary. I have had TDS3 for quite a long time, and its been very helpful as can be a very deep program. I could see it'shortcomings with the newer threats, which is why I invested in Process Guard. I know it does'nt detect or remove hostile software, but it does stop anything access to the net or even working on your pc without you giving it exact permission.

The Wilders Security site is a fantastic place to learn and get information in the fight against virii or nasty code/software.

It is very scary. I have had TDS3 for quite a long time' date=' and its been very helpful as can be a very deep program. I could see it'shortcomings with the newer threats, which is why I invested in Process Guard. I know it does'nt detect or remove hostile software, but it does stop anything access to the net or even working on your pc without you giving it exact permission.

The Wilders Security site is a fantastic place to learn and get information in the fight against virii or nasty code/software.[/quote']

Hi Andy

Isn't it Wilders that do Spyware Blaster?

All the Best

Chris

The only thing I would say on the multi-layered - avoid having loads of resident ones at the same time, they may conflict. Multiple software firewalls active on the same machine can work but usually doesn't.

I picked the MS one as my 'running' anti-spyware proggie but teatimer is good too, it's whichever one you're most happy with

As always, these things improve at different rates so one gets better than another program for a bit, then it changes again.

I don't have all these proggies running real time, only NOD32, Netveda, Process Guard, Regdefend, Regprot (free from DCS) and Wormguard. All the other proggies are on-demand only, and I scan the system about twice a week.

As you can see my main defences are against virus, and system intrusion/registry changes.

I have'nt had a successful hostile entry for some time now, and only have the spyware to remove normally.

Hi Andy

Isn't it Wilders that do Spyware Blaster?

All the Best

Chris

Yes its on their support forum

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/

As opposed to a normal jacket?

LOL!

I don't have all these proggies running real time' date=' only NOD32, Netveda, Process Guard, Regdefend, Regprot (free from DCS) and Wormguard. All the other proggies are on-demand only, and I scan the system about twice a week.

As you can see my main defences are against virus, and system intrusion/registry changes.

I have'nt had a successful hostile entry for some time now, and only have the spyware to remove normally.[/quote']

i have a firewall built into my router plus run microsofts firewall on xp sp2. My computer is completely undetectable on the internet, so need nothing else for this.

I run avg for virus protection (its free) and run the microsoft antispyware. I have never suffered from virus infection and any spyware that used to sneak on my machine has now been stopped by the microsoft blocker. Also I am vigilant in ensuring I dont open silly attachments, or anything that looks suspicious.

I wouldnt run any more then this as I do like to keep some memory free for me to do things on the pc.

Ahhh, the joys of switching to macs.

Ahhh lets all devolve. Soon we will be back swimming with the fishies