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Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus

Discussion in 'Windows Security' started by JamesJ, Sep 28, 2009.

  1. JamesJ

    JamesJ Guest

    I'm currently using AVG free.
    Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?

    Thanks,
    James
     
  2. uker

    uker Guest

    "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    news:ONJrVYIQKHA.5032@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm currently using AVG free.
    > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    Yes.
     
  3. On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm currently using AVG free.<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    choice.

    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    etc.

    Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    anti-*spyware* program.

    The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
    since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
    underprotected.

    The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    recommend getting and running both.

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  4. Dave

    Dave Guest

  5. JamesJ;1147524 Wrote: <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm currently using AVG free.
    > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    >
    > Thanks,
    > James<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    It's certainly not a bad idea, I think you would be wise to install
    'SUPERAntiSpyware ' ( run a malware
    scan every two or three weeks. SUPERAntiSpyware is pretty universally
    well thought of and quite thorough.

    This with AVG and you're pretty well set keeping your computer clean.


    --
    Brian the King
     
  6. JamesJ

    JamesJ Guest

    If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
    I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    should.
    My next question I think you answered.
    Is Malware and Spyware the same?

    James

    "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> I'm currently using AVG free.<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    > choice.
    >
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    > etc.
    >
    > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    > anti-*spyware* program.
    >
    > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
    > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
    > underprotected.
    >
    > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    > recommend getting and running both.
    >
    > --
    > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  7. "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
    tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
    conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
    applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
    will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    > should.
    > My next question I think you answered.
    > Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
    *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types
    of malicious software (viruses included).

    An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
    antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.

    You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
    antimalware in the current circumstances.
     
  8. JamesJ

    JamesJ Guest

    I don't understand.
    Does an antispyware program protect against malware?

    James

    "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
    news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    > news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    > Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
    > tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
    > conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
    > applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
    > will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    >> should.
    >> My next question I think you answered.
    >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    > Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
    > *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types of
    > malicious software (viruses included).
    >
    > An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
    > antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
    >
    > You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
    > antimalware in the current circumstances.
    > <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  9. On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
    <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
    about.

    There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
    both viruses and spyware.

    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    > should.
    > My next question I think you answered.
    > Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
    'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
    spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."

    That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
    another kind of malware.



    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    > > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> I'm currently using AVG free.<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    > > choice.
    > >
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    > > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    > > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    > > etc.
    > >
    > > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    > > anti-*spyware* program.
    > >
    > > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
    > > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
    > > underprotected.
    > >
    > > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    > > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    > > recommend getting and running both.
    > >
    > > --
    > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  10. Guest

    It protects against spyware. Spyware is malware. Viruses are malware.

    --
    ..
    --
    "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    news:umBmu2JQKHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    >I don't understand.
    > Does an antispyware program protect against malware?
    >
    > James
    >
    > "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
    > news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    >> news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >>
    >> Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
    >> tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
    >> conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
    >> applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
    >> will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
    >><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    >>> should.
    >>> My next question I think you answered.
    >>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >>
    >> Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
    >> *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types
    >> of malicious software (viruses included).
    >>
    >> An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
    >> antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
    >>
    >> You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
    >> antimalware in the current circumstances.
    >> <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  11. On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:43:32 -0400, "Dave" <Dave@beepbeepbeepbeep.com>
    wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > Vista comes with Defender.<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    Yes, and Defender is an anti-spyware program.

    However Defender is not one of the best anti-spyware programs and
    although I don't object to running it, if it is the only anti-spyware
    program used, you are *not* adequately protected.


    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    > news:ONJrVYIQKHA.5032@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    > > I'm currently using AVG free.
    > > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    > >
    > > Thanks,
    > > James <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  12. JamesJ

    JamesJ Guest

    A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
    antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?

    One more quick question if you please.
    If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
    should
    I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
    should I wait for Vista to download and
    install all updates which takes about and hour?

    James

    "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    > No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
    > about.
    >
    > There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
    > both viruses and spyware.
    >
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    >> should.
    >> My next question I think you answered.
    >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    > No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
    > 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
    > spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
    >
    > That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
    > another kind of malware.
    >
    >
    >
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    >> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...<!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    >> >
    >> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    >> > choice.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    >> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    >> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    >> > etc.
    >> >
    >> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    >> > anti-*spyware* program.
    >> >
    >> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
    >> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
    >> > underprotected.
    >> >
    >> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    >> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    >> > recommend getting and running both.
    >> >
    >> > --
    >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    > --
    > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  13. *Some* malware, yes. Some types of malware it doesn't even attempt to
    detect. Same can be said of antiviruses although they are now striving
    to be as comprehensive as possible. You need AV and some say it is not a
    bad option to add more general antimalware (AM) detectors to your
    toolbox.

    "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    news:umBmu2JQKHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    >I don't understand.
    > Does an antispyware program protect against malware?
    >
    > James
    >
    > "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
    > news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    >> news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover
    >>> it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >>
    >> Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of
    >> antimalware tools. You could add what others have suggested as long
    >> as there are no conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit"
    >> detector may be applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all
    >> of your other tools will give you bad information completely missing
    >> the infestation.
    >><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what
    >>> I should.
    >>> My next question I think you answered.
    >>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >>
    >> Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts
    >> consider *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term
    >> for all types of malicious software (viruses included).
    >>
    >> An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
    >> antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral
    >> malware.
    >>
    >> You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably
    >> *want* antimalware in the current circumstances.
    >> <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  14. On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:42:10 -0400, "JamesJ"
    <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I don't understand.
    > Does an antispyware program protect against malware?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    An antispyware program protects against one type of malware--the kind
    called spyware. Spyware, to say it one more time, is only *one* type
    of malware.

    Moreover, no antispyware program is anywhere near perfect. The
    protection it offers you is only partial.

    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
    > news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    > > "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
    > > news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...<!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > > Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
    > > tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
    > > conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
    > > applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
    > > will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    > >> should.
    > >> My next question I think you answered.
    > >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > > Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
    > > *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types of
    > > malicious software (viruses included).
    > >
    > > An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
    > > antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
    > >
    > > You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
    > > antimalware in the current circumstances.
    > > <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  15. On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:15:16 -0400, "JamesJ"
    <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
    > antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    Should it be adequate? Yes.

    Is it adequate? No!

    To repeat the two points I made earlier:

    1. Spyware Doctor is *not* one of the better such programs available.

    2. No such program is anywhere near perfect, and no single program is
    good enough.

    You should run at least one excellent anti-virus program and at least
    two excellent anti-spyware programs. You don't run any of these.



    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > One more quick question if you please.
    > If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
    > should
    > I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
    > should I wait for Vista to download and
    > install all updates which takes about and hour?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->



    It isn't necessarily critical which you do first, but it's safest to
    install the anti-virus and anti-spyware software as soon as possible.


    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    >
    > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    > > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > > No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
    > > about.
    > >
    > > There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
    > > both viruses and spyware.
    > >
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    > >> should.
    > >> My next question I think you answered.
    > >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > > No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
    > > 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
    > > spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
    > >
    > > That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
    > > another kind of malware.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > >> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
    > >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > >> >
    > >> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    > >> > choice.
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    > >> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    > >> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    > >> > etc.
    > >> >
    > >> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    > >> > anti-*spyware* program.
    > >> >
    > >> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
    > >> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
    > >> > underprotected.
    > >> >
    > >> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    > >> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    > >> > recommend getting and running both.
    > >> >
    > >> > --
    > >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > > --
    > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  16. JamesJ

    JamesJ Guest

    Thanks much to all for all the info.
    I believe I got it it.

    James

    Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    news:r5p2c5le63jj0v5mquvgt7262e3jlkmgee@4ax.com...<!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:15:16 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
    >> antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    > Should it be adequate? Yes.
    >
    > Is it adequate? No!
    >
    > To repeat the two points I made earlier:
    >
    > 1. Spyware Doctor is *not* one of the better such programs available.
    >
    > 2. No such program is anywhere near perfect, and no single program is
    > good enough.
    >
    > You should run at least one excellent anti-virus program and at least
    > two excellent anti-spyware programs. You don't run any of these.
    >
    >
    >
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >> One more quick question if you please.
    >> If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
    >> should
    >> I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
    >> should I wait for Vista to download and
    >> install all updates which takes about and hour?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    >
    >
    > It isn't necessarily critical which you do first, but it's safest to
    > install the anti-virus and anti-spyware software as soon as possible.
    >
    >
    ><!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    >>
    >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    >> news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...<!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
    >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    >> >
    >> >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
    >> > about.
    >> >
    >> > There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
    >> > both viruses and spyware.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    >> >> should.
    >> >> My next question I think you answered.
    >> >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
    >> >
    >> >
    >> > No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
    >> > 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
    >> > spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
    >> >
    >> > That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
    >> > another kind of malware.
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >
    >> >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    >> >> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
    >> >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    >> >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    >> >> >
    >> >> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
    >> >> >
    >> >> >
    >> >> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    >> >> > choice.
    >> >> >
    >> >> >
    >> >> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    >> >> >
    >> >> >
    >> >> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    >> >> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    >> >> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    >> >> > etc.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    >> >> > anti-*spyware* program.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one
    >> >> > (and
    >> >> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very*
    >> >> > much
    >> >> > underprotected.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    >> >> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    >> >> > recommend getting and running both.
    >> >> >
    >> >> > --
    >> >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    >> >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
    >> >
    >> > --
    >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup<!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    >
    > --
    > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     
  17. On Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:10:05 -0400, "JamesJ"
    <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > Thanks much to all for all the info.
    > I believe I got it it.<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->


    You're welcome. Glad to help.

    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > news:r5p2c5le63jj0v5mquvgt7262e3jlkmgee@4ax.com...<!--coloro:green--><span style="color:green <!--/coloro-->
    > > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:15:16 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
    > >> antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > > Should it be adequate? Yes.
    > >
    > > Is it adequate? No!
    > >
    > > To repeat the two points I made earlier:
    > >
    > > 1. Spyware Doctor is *not* one of the better such programs available.
    > >
    > > 2. No such program is anywhere near perfect, and no single program is
    > > good enough.
    > >
    > > You should run at least one excellent anti-virus program and at least
    > > two excellent anti-spyware programs. You don't run any of these.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >> One more quick question if you please.
    > >> If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
    > >> should
    > >> I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
    > >> should I wait for Vista to download and
    > >> install all updates which takes about and hour?<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > It isn't necessarily critical which you do first, but it's safest to
    > > install the anti-virus and anti-spyware software as soon as possible.
    > >
    > >
    > ><!--coloro:darkred--><span style="color:darkred <!--/coloro-->
    > >>
    > >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > >> news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...
    > >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > >> >
    > >> >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> > No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
    > >> > about.
    > >> >
    > >> > There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
    > >> > both viruses and spyware.
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
    > >> >> should.
    > >> >> My next question I think you answered.
    > >> >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> > No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
    > >> > 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
    > >> > spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
    > >> >
    > >> > That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
    > >> > another kind of malware.
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> >
    > >> >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
    > >> >> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
    > >> >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
    > >> >> > <jjy_darwin@roadrunner.com> wrote:
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
    > >> >> > choice.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
    > >> >> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
    > >> >> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
    > >> >> > etc.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
    > >> >> > anti-*spyware* program.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one
    > >> >> > (and
    > >> >> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very*
    > >> >> > much
    > >> >> > underprotected.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
    > >> >> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
    > >> >> > recommend getting and running both.
    > >> >> >
    > >> >> > --
    > >> >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > >> >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
    > >> >
    > >> > --
    > >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup<!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
    > >
    > > --
    > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup <!--colorc--><!--/colorc--><!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->

    --
    Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
    Please Reply to the Newsgroup
     
  18. Uri

    Uri Guest

    Hi ,

    yes you should , it never ends to amaze me how people do not protect
    themselfs , they will lock up a car , but a comp , oh no they just refuse ....

    spend a few bucks and buy a serious program , avast , zonelarm etc , malware
    is plenty out there , now one had to care about a thousand and one nasty
    things out there , not just a plain simple virus

    avg free , okay go for avast free , microsoft defender , updates , high
    settings , a good dsl router with firewall and proxy and aybe zonealarm free
    firewall

    have a nice day

    "JamesJ" wrote:
    <!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue <!--/coloro-->
    > I'm currently using AVG free.
    > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
    >
    > Thanks,
    > James
    > <!--colorc--><!--/colorc-->
     

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