Hi 6ra3-ga,
Flexbeta recently performed an extensive comparison test of
adware/spyware/trojan scanner & removal programs. These included both
freeware and commercial scanners. You can find the complete article
here:
http://www.flexbeta.net/main/articles.php?action=show&id=66&perpage=1&pagenum=1
The tester conludes with:
"The results not only show that SpySweeper was able to detect more
objects than the rest of the pack, it also shows how users should be
careful what they pay for. SpyRemover looks extremely similar to
SpyBot S&D, yet it was not able to detect more than the freely
available SpyBot S&D. In addition, SpyBot goes beyond SpyRemover by
creating a backup of the registry and a system restore point. I would
rather install SpyBot S&D and contribute to the cause by donating to
the authors, than to pay for a rip-off.
Though the apparent winner is SpySweeper, the best tactic for removing
spyware/adware is to run more than one application. Saying this, it is
recommended to run SpySweeper, AdAware and SpyBot S&D to ensure that
your system be as clean as possible. As for the other two
applications, I would not recommend them, being that both applications
charge a fee to remove half the objects another application can remove
for free."
In short, according to the test, the best commercial
adware/trojan/spyware removal program is SpySweeper and the best
freeware program is Adaware. Personally I'm using a combo of the
freeware programs Adaware and Spybot. Both can be easily updated by
(automatically) downloading the latest reference file. Spybot has an
always-resident scanner which intercepts and blocks spyware/trojans
while surfing.
Ad-aware:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Spybot:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Spysweeper (commercial):
http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/spysweeper/index.php
Some alternative programs with always-resident features:
SpywareBlaster:
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareblaster.html
This nifty program prevents spyware ActiveX controls from being
installed on your computer by setting your system so that these
controls are prevented from being installed or run. It also blocks
cookies from certain websites or companies that are known to use these
cookies to track a user's surfing habits.
SpywareGuard:
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
SpywareGuard runs behind the scenes to block spyware from being
downloaded or run on your computer. It also has the ability to prevent
browser hijacking (whether it is your start page or your ability to
search using a search engine or otherwise).
An extensive list of freeware addware/spyware/trojan/hijacker removing
software can be found here:
http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/spywareremoval.shtml
Remember that these programs target adware/spyware/trojans and not
viruses. Inversely, virus scanners are usually don't do a good job
when it comes to tracking down adware/spyware. It's a good idea to run
both a virus scanner as well as one or two adware scanners to cover
the whole spectrum.
Finally, you might want to consider trying a different web browser.
Internet Explorer is very susceptible to these type of take-over
attempts, as it allows the execution of Active-X components of
webpages (unless if you explicitly disable them). This way, you may
download and execute malicious programs without knowing it. Browsers
such as Mozilla Firefox are usually more resiliant to such attacks
(and often provide several other interesting features, such as
automatic pop-up blocking):
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox
Search terms used: adware, spyware, trojans, comparison, test
Sincerely,
rhansenne-ga |
