Best Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus

[Raziel]

erm, BitDefender ?

[Mad]

For spyware, i use spywareblaster + spybot.

[Linktothepast]

I once had contacted with a very annoying spyware that only SUPERAntiSpyware trial version was able to detect and remove, and i tried about 5 known antispyware programs before that. I highly recommend it, although it is not freeware.

[Clements]

For spyware, I don't use anything. I used to for about 2 years, and I never got anything more than harmless cookies. You can clear those much easier with CCleaner and using a white list.

[Dark Watcher]

We like Spybot S&D
Scans for spyware, has prevention functions called Immunize, has the SD Resident / Teatimer that prompts you to Allow / DENY changes to your system and registry...and under Advanced settings has a registry analyzer / cleaner, Allows you to view / change applications that load under startup, a scheduler for running at appointed times, and a few other tools.

We suppose if you wanted overkill you would look for HITMAN PRO .

Feature overview

* Downloads and installs automatically well-known anti-spyware programs, such as CWShredder, Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, Spy Sweeper, Ewido Micro, Spyware Doctor, Spyware Blaster, NOD32, Windows security updates, hotfixes against unpatched security leaks, etc.
* Downloads automatically the latest updates (this is often a manual task without Hitman Pro).
* Controls automatically the third-party anti-spyware programs. Scans and removes found threats and protects against malicious ActiveX components.
* Makes use of (if applicable) purchased versions of commercial anti-spyware programs (such as NOD32, Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor).
* Configures the anti-spyware software for optimal results.
* Generates one comprehensive report and presents the user with a clear picture on contamination and protection.
* Expert-function for advanced users for full control over the found objects (files, registry keys)

[SCHUMI-4-EVA]

I heard a distrubing thing about Spybot S&D though (I also still use...the registry protection is awesome) and that was that the creators used to write spyware themselves...so there's no guarantee that they aren't still doing that...which can then obviously bypass their program.

It also apparently managed to crash my one harddrive (which was already slightly damaged though...but apparently worked fine again at least for recovery once the tech guy removed Spybot S&D)

Sine then I am a little wary of recommending it.

[Leiw]

Kapersky AV + Spybot + Hardware Firewall + No pr0n/warez websites = safe computer for 1 year

[SCHUMI-4-EVA]

Lol AVG+AntiVir+Spybot S&D+Windows Defender = safe computer for 2 years plus....although I switched out AntiVir for Avast! plus I now also have PCtools Threatfire and Firewall (I need the firewall to actually run one of my programs...without it it crashes XD).

[raksmey1309]

Kaspersky + Zone Alarm = Virus free

[Squall-Leonhart]

Raksmey, thats kind of redunant, Zone Alarm and Kaspersky both share the same AV and Firewall engines.... so theres no point, except Zone alarm is a critically retarded and dumbed down version...

[NamesSolidSnake]

Then try Comodo.

Anyway, I never needed a firewall or anti-spyware and never will. Instead, I just use NOD32 (Yes, I know it's spyware and firewall protection isn't the best). I just never get viruses.

Why? Cuz I'm safe as hell with my laptop.

So if you're looking for the best anti-virus AND anti-spyware, try Kaspersky. If you looking for a light, strong, and quick anti-virus, try NOD32.

[Twist]

I use Spyware Doctor for spyware supplemented by Spybot Search and Destroy and never have any spyware problems.

Firewall/antivirus - might get burned at the stake for this, but I use Norton. xD I've never had any problems with it and it doesn't interfere with anything I need to do, like P2P. I hear a lot of people dislike it but it works OK for me. If it ain't broke....

Have to admit that I like the sound of Kapersky though, might switch once my Norton subscription runs out.

[NamesSolidSnake]

Yeah, Kaspersky is a really nice one.

Norton? Okay, it's not as bad as everyone says and it DOES keep you protected. I had it once, I switched to NOD32 because I don't like anything slowing down my rig And I my subscription expired, so I thought I'd make a change.

[Elite Knight]

I tryed so many but it still cant be picked up mabey it's a new adware that hasent been found it allways loads wired things like O9464fSz.exe stuff like that i must of got it from a program i downloaded aww well mabey just use wipedrive and reinstall my pc that might work.

[ready2rumbelX]

Personally, i'd recommend ESET Smart Security and Spybot - Search and Destroy. There hasn't been a single problem occuring (whether on XP or Vista) since sticking with this combination.

I had tried Kaspersky a while ago....not a fan of it.

Norton....I haven't used it since it was bloat-ware AGES ago....I don't know how it is today.

McAfee...had used it for a decent period of time prior to encountering ESET NOD32/Smart Security...

r2rX

[Hard core Rikki]

i'd recommend ESET Smart Security......... There hasn't been a single problem...

ESS is not without flaws. Version 3 looks less of an improvement than a GUI update. The windows service is a horrible piece of hack to me, personally (if it significantly nullifies the former speed advantage, why bother updating to 3.0 , after all)

[ready2rumbelX]

Well, I don't really know Hard Core Rikki. The only twitchy thing about ESET SS that i've encountered is the Firewall....but only at times if you mess around with too many settings and add/remove it in the Network Settings/Preferences.

It is quite fast. It loads fast in Windows, and leaves a very small foot print. And so far, it's been quite on point in it's ability to decipher bugs/viruses (whether dependent on the virus definitions or it's internal ThreatSense technology).

But as i've been using it for the longest time now, i'm not much authority on the alternative suites available.

r2rX

[NamesSolidSnake]

Yup, I also like it because it is the fastest AV out there and has nice detection.

Well, I think I've been using ESET Smart Security for about four months without any added anti-spyware or firewall and my PC is (still) working like new! No troubles at all!

If I had to choose another AV, I'd go for Kaspersky.

[Elite Knight]

AVG picked it up mabey i sould of updated it earlyer it was a trojan i got ride of it.

[Xelbair]

Just make HDD image of system disc, and archive other stuff on dvd's regulary and you are done. ISO's are nearly impossible to infect and if your sys f***s up you just have it back and running with drivers in 5 mins. best solution. peroid.