Spyware cures may cause more harm than good

C/Net News.com ^ | 2/4/2004 | John Borland

[robertpaulsen]

The index.dat file is in the Internet Explorer History file. Since it is in use by Windows, it cannot be deleted.

You'd have to exit Windows then delete it from DOS. I found that using Spider is easier, plus it cleans other files at the same time.

If you want to see this file, you can use a program like Directory Snoop -- I got it free from briggsoft.com.

[xrp]

Unless you manufacture your own firearms, any firearm is a 3rd party firearm.

[dts32041]

Nope that would be redundant and multiple anti virus programs actually interfere with each other

[GSWarrior]

I've been using SpySweeper by WebRoot.....seems to do what it is supposed to do.

[Mannaggia l'America]

Spyware Blaster will prevent kids from downloading spyware, or even seeing the offers.

Thanks! That should help.

[Mannaggia l'America]

Take all privileges (to install software, change settings, etc.) from the default user.

It's on my list - we are in the process of converting all of the PC's to XP first from Win98. There's not much use in doing it with Win98 since you can bypass the login window.

[weegee]

The boom in spyware, adware and other PC hijackers has led to increasing calls for regulation from lawmakers, including presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., and from public-interest groups.

If Edwards were an effective Senator, couldn't he have actually done something about spyware viruses on Algore's internet?

The president doesn't write legislation; if Edwards can't get it done before he "is" elected President then his "me too, me too" claims of opposing spyware are for nothing.

[js1138]

Can't guarantee it to be perfect, but I've installed it on four machines with no known ill effects.

Two suggestions. If you install Spyware Blaster, run the upgrade before running the blaster. It'll save you a step. It gives a list of a thousand or so possible spyware programs. There's a button to select all. If for some reason it flags a useful program, you can undo it. It doesn't remove any files or programs. It just tells Windows not to run them.

Second, as with all similar programs, you need to keep running the updates. The cretins who design these things are always trying to work around the fixes.

[PAR35]

Great products, many of which I already use. I would add one thing to your list. Mozilla (or Firebird) should be used as a primary browser. They meet your criteria of free downloads, and they have the advantages of great cookie control and tabbed browsing.

[Terpfen]

"Explain to me how it can find new spy-ware after it's last run, when I have had my computer off-line since then?

It may still be an outstanding program and I am most likely wrong."

I think you're wrong. Every time I scan with Spybot after just having turned on my PC, it doesn't catch anything. Back when I used Spybot and Ad-aware both, neither one caught anything.

I think you may have a different problem.

[Terpfen]

"False logic, thats like saying if 95% of cars were Volvo's they would be just as dangerous as any other car. sometimes something is safer because of its design.."

No, it's like saying that if 95% of all cars on the road were Volvos, then they would be in 95% of all car accidents.

[Terpfen]

"Firewalls and AV will do nothing to combat adware. Adware is not a trojan or virus. It is a program like any other and you "voluntarily" download it.."

Agreed. I was responding to someone discussion how adware scanners should be used in conjunction with other programs for overall security. Context, please.

[July 4th]

Yup...those two programs combined catch just about everything. A very good tactic.

[N3WBI3]

which is not a staticstical fact the brakes could be better, the car could be more responsive...

[Terpfen]

"I've had some spyware that Spybot didn't catch and Adaware did, so I use both now."

Same here, but this was back in the days when Spybot was lean on updates. The program's been pretty good with definition updates lately (in fact, I just downloaded one this morning). I don't think Ad-aware is necessary anymore.

[Hunble]

As I said, I find SpyBot to be an outstanding program.

I will trust and accept the wisdom of Freepers. They know everything!

For years now, it has always amazed me. Ask any question, and some Freeper will know the answer.

However, just like anti-viral software, I simply do not trust it yet.

[Terpfen]

"which is not a staticstical fact the brakes could be better, the car could be more responsive..."

Indeed. But the inevitability of its overwhelming presence on the road would skew accident statistics.

If Linux gets the market share that Windows currently has, it will suffer the same amount of attacks. Those attacks may not be as damaging--that would depend largely upon the stability of the code and the ability of open source coders to respond quickly and anticipate the hacker mind--but the attacks would still happen. Switching to Linux will not on its own cause an abatement of security issues and flaws.

[Terpfen]

Well, I've learned to trust Spybot over the course of its existence. My virus scanner of choice, AVG 6.0, is earning my trust as it catches things Norton doesn't, but it's got a little way to go.

[Charles Martel]

How does Ad-Aware compliment Spybot? I've been led to believe that'd be like saying although you have a Corvette, you really need to keep a Camaro close at hand to make sure you get around the racetrack.

Why limit your toolbox? I've run Ad-Aware and then immediately run Spybot S&D (and in the reverse order as well). Often the second program finds spyware missed by the first.

Another good one to try is SpySweeper. It has a shield that can be set to prevent home page hijacking, etc.

[Teacher317]

Honestly... how many people would oppose the death penalty for virus-makers?