Post by Mac nad Vatra on May 17, 2005 16:35:08 GMT -5
This is directly copy and pasted from MMM. Yurei requested that I posted it here. I'm currently in the process of testing more at the moment since it has been very useful for a large number of people. Here ya go!
------------
Version 1.0
Last Updated:
Recent Modifications:
If you're one of those people that think you have one program that will clean _all_ spyware for you, you're wrong. I hate to say it but I've used a ton of AntiSpyware programs and not one of them was able to catch everything; however, a combination of them has kept me fairly spyware clean. And because I see a _LOT_ of problems with computers because of spyware and people actually getting their computers because spyware reduced it to junk, I'm posting and pinning a list of the necessary programs to clean your computer along with a description of what they do. More categories and types of programs will be added in the future and this list will be updated frequently.
AIM Spyware: Click here for information on Spyware Bundled with AIM
General Anti-Spyware/Adware/Malware:
SpywareBlaster [FREE]
It's the first step in prevention. Yes, it's a prevention tool rather than a scanning. Scanning will come later on. Prevention is always the first step.
~ Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
~ Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
~ Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.
SpywareGuard [FREE]
More prevention from javacoolsoftware. It works like a charm mainly because it has to be the best at keeping your browser from being hijacked. I always leave it on and it hasn't failed me yet. Everytime something attempts to alter my browser, BAM, I get to make sure it never happens. That's great because browser hijackers are not your friends. They usually lead to viruses because it's an excellent method to deploy a virus.
~ Fast Real-Time Scanning engine - catch and block spyware before it is executed (EXE and CAB files supported) with signature-based scanning for known spyware and heuristic/generic detection capabilities to catch new/mutated spyware
~ Download Protection - prevent spyware from being download in Internet Explorer
~ Browser Hijacking Protection - stop browser hijacking activity in real-time
~ SG LiveUpdate - provides an easy updating solution
~ Small size - with a small size and small definition sizes, download and updates are quick
~ Report Capabilities - keep a detailed log of all spyware detected
~ Spyware files are blocked before being opened or run - they are not simply shut down after they are loaded in memory (and after they have performed their tasks)
Ad-Aware SE [FREE]
Scan and clean. For those that already have Ad-Aware, make sure to download this to upgrade your Ad-Aware. For those that don't have Ad-Aware, download this too. You can configure it to scan your drives and it's incredibly useful at finding spyware/adware and then you can quarantine it. If you find that you need the quarantined files, release them from quarantine. I recommend that you take the time to carefully examine the files that it finds so you never have to release files from quarantine. When you're sure you don't need the files just have Ad-Aware delete them.
Spybot S&D [FREE]
Scan and clean, yet again. Why twice? Because two is better than one at catching spyware. I have at least four different scanners and they all catch potentially dangerous programs that the others failed to catch. They work in conjunction and that's how it needs to be! It also provides a feature a lot like SpywareBlaster called Immunization. It works in the same way but not as powerful as SpywareBlaster because it's main function is to scan/clean spyware and adware. Use it anyway to help in prevention.
~ Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Microsoft AntiSpyware -Beta- [FREE BETA]
Real-time scanning, detection, removal, prevention! "Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC." For a beta version it's awesome. It's probably better than the current Spybot S&D. All users that are running Windows should download the Free Beta. It can be annoying to find all the info to properly download the software but it's worth the time and effort. NOTE: Since it is a BETA version it might be buggy; however, it is certainly powerful.
SpySweeper [30 DAY TRIAL]
Prevent, Scan, clean, REMOVE. Yep. Here's another one. Except this one comes with a ton of shields. I recommend turning off the memory shield. It has the highest detection rate on the market. The downside? It's not free like the others. To be honest I was in love with their older trial (which didn't expire, but wasn't the full version) that I was able to obtain a discount and purchase the full version. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made in this Spyware war. Great program. I was able to hook up Dave (Jake Blight) with it and I'm pretty sure he would agree. Quick, responsive, and helpful tech support as well.
SpyStopper [15 DAY TRIAL]
Block intrusive spyware, Web bugs, worms, cookies, advertisements, and scripts. Protect you from being profiled and tracked. "When you use your computer and Internet, you may be monitored, tracked, and profiled without your knowledge or explicit permission. Hackers, advertisers, and corporations may use Web bugs, spyware, cookies, worms, advertisements, and scripts to gain access to your information and invade your privacy." And that's fairly accurate. I've noticed a GREAT improvement after trying it that I got the full version. Fortunately I didn't have to pay for the full version since I was able to get it for free. I wouldn't browse the web without it. Try it out and see if you like it. 15 days of use with this download. If you need more information about it, drop me an IM or a PM.
Neuber Software - Security Task Manager [30 Day Trial]
"Basically this is a site dedicated to listing the processes that you see when you run the Task Manager. It includes spyware, viruses, and the more harmless background programs, giving accurate and informative summaries about them. Its how I figured out how to get rid of msbb.exe." (Andrew)
Referring to the Security Task Manager -
~ Security Task Manager displays detailed information about all running processes (applications, DLL's, BHO's and services). For each process, it improves on Windows' Task Manager, providing:
* file name and directory path
* security risk rating
* description
* start time
* CPU usage graph
* embedded hidden functions
* process type
Web Browsers and E-mail
Firefox 1.0 [FREE]
Fast, efficient, and SAFE browsing. It's the best alternative, in my opinion, to Internet Explorer. And I don't plan on returning to Internet Explorer after this. To be honest, there are so many security flaws in Internet Explorer that currently it is not wise to browse the internet using IE (read up things like viruses that directly affect IE and are silently planted on websites). But enough about that. Here's a list of Firefox features:
~ Popup blocking
~ Tabbed Browsing
~ Built-in Google Search
~ Comprehensive set of privacy tools
~ Easy setup
Firewalls:
*Note: If you have a PC that is always connected to the internet (DSL, cable), then you absolutely need a firewall.
Zone Alarm Free [FREE]
Zone Alarm is a superb firewall. I've seen the mess the Norton firewall can be. The McAfee firewall is all right. Zone Alarm, however, seemed to be much better and even at no cost at all. I upgraded to Zone Alarm Pro since I was able to procure a copy for little cost, yet again, but it's not really that different from the free version. If you don't have any firewall whatsoever, this is a must. If you have a different firewall... test it out, at least. It's great.
~Easy-to-use firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats.
* Intrusion Blocking systematically identifies hackers and blocks access attempts.
* Stealth Mode automatically makes your computer invisible to anyone on the Internet.
Peer Guardian [FREE]
First off, here's a quick note. This is not your ordinary "firewall". Don't replace your firewall with Peer Guardian. Peer Guardian falls under the Firewall category because it is essentially the P2P Firewall. If you use any file sharing program (Kazaa, morpheus, LimeWire, etc), this is a MUST. It blocks specific IPs (RIAA, for example) so you're protected in case anything happens. Peer Guardian also falls under the anti-Spyware category. Like its firewallesque properties, it blocks a range of spyware. An excellent program for the active user and a MUST have for the P2P'er.
Anti-Virus
HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan [FREE]
"A free internet based virus scanning service using the potent PCillin engine. It's free, it's good, especially if you already run an anti-virus and want to double check, it also picks out spyware, usually classifying it as a trojan." (Andrew) That's right. It's powerful, free, and it will get you out of those tight situations. The possibility of an anti-virus missing a virus is always out there and I've seen it happen, but when used in conjunction with free scanners such as this one, that problem can be avoided. I have used HouseCall in the past and it has saved me a lot of time and money. Its major advantage is being both free and online - you don't have to download and install HouseCall.
AVG Free Edition [FREE]
A good, completely free anti-virus you can download off the internet. Has saved my ass a time or two and if you don't have the money to drop on Norton, Panda, McAfee, or the full version, then this your new friend; combine AVG Free Edition with House Call for better security." (Andrew)
AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).
Highlights include:
* Automatic update functionality
* The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
* The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail
* The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests
* Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product
* AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files
* Great customer satisfaction!"
------------
Version 1.0
Last Updated:
Recent Modifications:
If you're one of those people that think you have one program that will clean _all_ spyware for you, you're wrong. I hate to say it but I've used a ton of AntiSpyware programs and not one of them was able to catch everything; however, a combination of them has kept me fairly spyware clean. And because I see a _LOT_ of problems with computers because of spyware and people actually getting their computers because spyware reduced it to junk, I'm posting and pinning a list of the necessary programs to clean your computer along with a description of what they do. More categories and types of programs will be added in the future and this list will be updated frequently.
AIM Spyware: Click here for information on Spyware Bundled with AIM
General Anti-Spyware/Adware/Malware:
SpywareBlaster [FREE]
It's the first step in prevention. Yes, it's a prevention tool rather than a scanning. Scanning will come later on. Prevention is always the first step.
~ Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
~ Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
~ Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.
SpywareGuard [FREE]
More prevention from javacoolsoftware. It works like a charm mainly because it has to be the best at keeping your browser from being hijacked. I always leave it on and it hasn't failed me yet. Everytime something attempts to alter my browser, BAM, I get to make sure it never happens. That's great because browser hijackers are not your friends. They usually lead to viruses because it's an excellent method to deploy a virus.
~ Fast Real-Time Scanning engine - catch and block spyware before it is executed (EXE and CAB files supported) with signature-based scanning for known spyware and heuristic/generic detection capabilities to catch new/mutated spyware
~ Download Protection - prevent spyware from being download in Internet Explorer
~ Browser Hijacking Protection - stop browser hijacking activity in real-time
~ SG LiveUpdate - provides an easy updating solution
~ Small size - with a small size and small definition sizes, download and updates are quick
~ Report Capabilities - keep a detailed log of all spyware detected
~ Spyware files are blocked before being opened or run - they are not simply shut down after they are loaded in memory (and after they have performed their tasks)
Ad-Aware SE [FREE]
Scan and clean. For those that already have Ad-Aware, make sure to download this to upgrade your Ad-Aware. For those that don't have Ad-Aware, download this too. You can configure it to scan your drives and it's incredibly useful at finding spyware/adware and then you can quarantine it. If you find that you need the quarantined files, release them from quarantine. I recommend that you take the time to carefully examine the files that it finds so you never have to release files from quarantine. When you're sure you don't need the files just have Ad-Aware delete them.
Spybot S&D [FREE]
Scan and clean, yet again. Why twice? Because two is better than one at catching spyware. I have at least four different scanners and they all catch potentially dangerous programs that the others failed to catch. They work in conjunction and that's how it needs to be! It also provides a feature a lot like SpywareBlaster called Immunization. It works in the same way but not as powerful as SpywareBlaster because it's main function is to scan/clean spyware and adware. Use it anyway to help in prevention.
~ Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Microsoft AntiSpyware -Beta- [FREE BETA]
Real-time scanning, detection, removal, prevention! "Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over 50 ways spyware can enter your PC." For a beta version it's awesome. It's probably better than the current Spybot S&D. All users that are running Windows should download the Free Beta. It can be annoying to find all the info to properly download the software but it's worth the time and effort. NOTE: Since it is a BETA version it might be buggy; however, it is certainly powerful.
SpySweeper [30 DAY TRIAL]
Prevent, Scan, clean, REMOVE. Yep. Here's another one. Except this one comes with a ton of shields. I recommend turning off the memory shield. It has the highest detection rate on the market. The downside? It's not free like the others. To be honest I was in love with their older trial (which didn't expire, but wasn't the full version) that I was able to obtain a discount and purchase the full version. That was probably one of the best decisions I've made in this Spyware war. Great program. I was able to hook up Dave (Jake Blight) with it and I'm pretty sure he would agree. Quick, responsive, and helpful tech support as well.
SpyStopper [15 DAY TRIAL]
Block intrusive spyware, Web bugs, worms, cookies, advertisements, and scripts. Protect you from being profiled and tracked. "When you use your computer and Internet, you may be monitored, tracked, and profiled without your knowledge or explicit permission. Hackers, advertisers, and corporations may use Web bugs, spyware, cookies, worms, advertisements, and scripts to gain access to your information and invade your privacy." And that's fairly accurate. I've noticed a GREAT improvement after trying it that I got the full version. Fortunately I didn't have to pay for the full version since I was able to get it for free. I wouldn't browse the web without it. Try it out and see if you like it. 15 days of use with this download. If you need more information about it, drop me an IM or a PM.
Neuber Software - Security Task Manager [30 Day Trial]
"Basically this is a site dedicated to listing the processes that you see when you run the Task Manager. It includes spyware, viruses, and the more harmless background programs, giving accurate and informative summaries about them. Its how I figured out how to get rid of msbb.exe." (Andrew)
Referring to the Security Task Manager -
~ Security Task Manager displays detailed information about all running processes (applications, DLL's, BHO's and services). For each process, it improves on Windows' Task Manager, providing:
* file name and directory path
* security risk rating
* description
* start time
* CPU usage graph
* embedded hidden functions
* process type
Web Browsers and E-mail
Firefox 1.0 [FREE]
Fast, efficient, and SAFE browsing. It's the best alternative, in my opinion, to Internet Explorer. And I don't plan on returning to Internet Explorer after this. To be honest, there are so many security flaws in Internet Explorer that currently it is not wise to browse the internet using IE (read up things like viruses that directly affect IE and are silently planted on websites). But enough about that. Here's a list of Firefox features:
~ Popup blocking
~ Tabbed Browsing
~ Built-in Google Search
~ Comprehensive set of privacy tools
~ Easy setup
Firewalls:
*Note: If you have a PC that is always connected to the internet (DSL, cable), then you absolutely need a firewall.
Zone Alarm Free [FREE]
Zone Alarm is a superb firewall. I've seen the mess the Norton firewall can be. The McAfee firewall is all right. Zone Alarm, however, seemed to be much better and even at no cost at all. I upgraded to Zone Alarm Pro since I was able to procure a copy for little cost, yet again, but it's not really that different from the free version. If you don't have any firewall whatsoever, this is a must. If you have a different firewall... test it out, at least. It's great.
~Easy-to-use firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats.
* Intrusion Blocking systematically identifies hackers and blocks access attempts.
* Stealth Mode automatically makes your computer invisible to anyone on the Internet.
Peer Guardian [FREE]
First off, here's a quick note. This is not your ordinary "firewall". Don't replace your firewall with Peer Guardian. Peer Guardian falls under the Firewall category because it is essentially the P2P Firewall. If you use any file sharing program (Kazaa, morpheus, LimeWire, etc), this is a MUST. It blocks specific IPs (RIAA, for example) so you're protected in case anything happens. Peer Guardian also falls under the anti-Spyware category. Like its firewallesque properties, it blocks a range of spyware. An excellent program for the active user and a MUST have for the P2P'er.
Anti-Virus
HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan [FREE]
"A free internet based virus scanning service using the potent PCillin engine. It's free, it's good, especially if you already run an anti-virus and want to double check, it also picks out spyware, usually classifying it as a trojan." (Andrew) That's right. It's powerful, free, and it will get you out of those tight situations. The possibility of an anti-virus missing a virus is always out there and I've seen it happen, but when used in conjunction with free scanners such as this one, that problem can be avoided. I have used HouseCall in the past and it has saved me a lot of time and money. Its major advantage is being both free and online - you don't have to download and install HouseCall.
AVG Free Edition [FREE]
A good, completely free anti-virus you can download off the internet. Has saved my ass a time or two and if you don't have the money to drop on Norton, Panda, McAfee, or the full version, then this your new friend; combine AVG Free Edition with House Call for better security." (Andrew)
AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).
Highlights include:
* Automatic update functionality
* The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run
* The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail
* The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests
* Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product
* AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files
* Great customer satisfaction!"