| rjmitche |
I know that Lavasoft's Ad-aware program for removing spyware has been mentioned several times on this site. I use it myself and have always found it to be good at what it does.
I thought those that were using it might be interested in the article (and follow-up) that recently appeared in the spywareinfo.com newsletter - titled "Stop using Lavasoft's Ad-aware"
Original article:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/newslett...02/12252002.php
Follow-up:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/newslett...12312002.php#ls
I'd be interested in others thoughts on this as I've been using a combination of Ad-aware and SpyBot Search & Destroy (along with ZoneAlarm and a virus scanner) for a while now to keep my machine 'clean'.
FYI - Spybot S&D has a new version out (1.1 rel 4) that is mentioned as well:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/newslett...-2003/09.php#sd |
|
|
| hammerX |
I've been using Ad Aware for quite some time now, along with Norton Internet Security and Anti Virus. I have no problems to date - knock on wood, and see no reason to discontinue using ad aware. :2:
2003 SS MDX - cdn model - res,back up sensor,cargo net,Husky all weather floor mats and cargo tray |
|
|
| TheWorm |
| I've been using Spybot S&D, NAV and have a hardware firewall. Stopped using Norton Internet Security after installing the h/w firewall, as it detected absolutely nothing for months (indicating the firewall was doing its job). |
|
|
| Warzau |
| Yup AdAware, Adshield, Tauscan, TDS-3. Fix it Utilities for virus scanning. :rolleyes: |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
| I use adaware and spybot, along with a h/w firewall and Norton security firewall. |
|
|
| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxxxx
I use adaware and spybot, along with a h/w firewall and Norton security firewall.
outta curiosity, mdxxxx, do you EVER get alerts on Norton and, if so, what kind? As I mentioned, my Norton alerts stopped entirely after installing a h/w firewall. So I unloaded to give Bill Gates' software more room to, uh, run :) |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
outta curiosity, mdxxxx, do you EVER get alerts on Norton and, if so, what kind? As I mentioned, my Norton alerts stopped entirely after installing a h/w firewall. So I unloaded to give Bill Gates' software more room to, uh, run :)
Worm, I get a Norton Alert only on outgoing info that I've previously configured not to go out.
Also, I occasionally get messages when using Kazaa lite. I guess its a peer who attempts to piggyback my downloads. For some reason, my hardware firewall misses it.:4: |
|
|
| TheWorm |
| Thanks, mdxxxx. Right after I had posted, I remembered that Norton also had the OUTBOUND alerts, too. So, it's still worthwhile to ensure there's not spyware transmitting info without your knowledge! |
|
|
| Desant |
Good point, The Worm.
In fact, Norton Internet Security will tell you when a program tries to communicate from your computer and you can block it. Not only it adds security, but also can increase performance of your Internet connection, since less programs are using the bandwidth.
Another interesting thing - Norton Internet Security 2003 has a "tracking" feature that can track to the origination of the hack. In other words, not only it stops the hack before it can hit your computer, but it tells you where it came from and shows on the world map.
I was in WA visiting my in-laws. I installed NIS on their home computer. First of all, it found 3 Trojan Horses. Secondly it found 8 programs communicating data from their computer without them knowing it. And finally, after sister in-law installed kazaa, every 5 minutes she would get a "subseven" Trojan Horse attempt that NIS would block. I traced it to South Korea.
Finally, NIS 2003 has a feature that blocks pop-ups. |
|
|
| hammermdx |
| Thanks for the link, rjmitche! Do you know if Ad-aware is going to update the reference file, I seem to remember that they had no plans to do this. I just installed it again, and the latest referemce file available is 05.02.2003? |
|
|
| hondacuraworld |
Please forgive my ignorance, but does this program stop those annoying pop-ups that generate when your computer is idle and on a DSL or cable connection? I get these things all the time popping up asking me if I want to see barely legal teens :3:
I wouldn't know what to do with a barely legal teen :confused: |
|
|
| hammermdx |
Hi Tim,
I don't beleive so. |
|
|
| rjmitche |
hammermdx:
I'm assuming that you installed the new version (6) from the links above. Are you still using the separate RefUpdate program? The new version actually has the reference file update function built in rather than using a separate program to do it (yea!). I'd look to give you more info on how to access this but, I'm not at the machine that has ad-aware installed right now.
I uninstalled both the older version of Ad-aware and the RefUpdate program before I installed version 6. |
|
|
| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Please forgive my ignorance, but does this program stop those annoying pop-ups that generate when your computer is idle and on a DSL or cable connection?
Hi Tim -
There was another thread recently discussing pop blockers that you might want to check out:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...=&threadid=9031
As far as Ad-Aware goes... I don't think the free version includes a pop-up blocker but, it appears that the 'paid for' versions might.
The following is from this review of Ad-aware:
http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/39.htm#review1
quote:
Ad-Aware 6.0 Features by Program Version
At press time, Lavasoft handed me a word-processed document that compares the features in the three versions of Ad-aware 6.0. Since I haven't looked at the Pro or Standard Editions yet, some of the distinctions seem a bit hazy to me. But here's the list of features found in each version:
Ad-aware Standard Edition 6.0: <free>
Enhanced database, basic command-line parameters, Standard Edition plugins and extensions, automated scanning.
Ad-aware Plus 6.0: <$26.95>
All the features of the Standard Edition plus Ad-watch 3.0, automated blocking, Plus- and some Professional-version plug-ins and extensions, pop-up blocking, ActiveX blocking, browser-hijack and IE download blocking, customizable scanning, Registry protection, executable-file-extension protection, improved safety and redundant backups, improved logging capability, free email support, advanced filtering, and printable reports.
Ad-aware Professional 6.0: <$39.95>
All the features of Ad-aware Plus and full-featured quarantine support, process manager/viewer, additional command-line parameters, additional menu and export options for reports, Professional-only plugins and extensions, and mapped network and RAM disk scanning.
|
|
|
| hammermdx |
rjmitche,
Thanks for the reply. I was referring to ad-aware 6.0. Bonehead move on my part, the date of the reference file is February 5, 2003. Sorry about that, the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet.:bonk: |
|
|
| DaleB |
Still using 5.83
Between that, Kerio software firewall, a router, Norton AV 2002, I seem to be as well protected as can be expected. |
|
|
| rjmitche |
DaleB:
Good spyware removal software relies on reference file updates to stay current (much like virus scan software). Ad-aware 5.83 hasn't had a reference file update for months. So... while it might still be able to identify and remove older spyware, it's not going to catch any new variations. This would be like running your virus scan software without ever updating the signature files.
I agree that you sound pretty well protected but, better to be safe than sorry. Here's what I use to protect my machine:
software firewall = ZoneAlarm Pro
hardware = D-Link Wireless Broadband Router/Firewall
virus scan = McAfee VirusScan
spyware = Ad-aware 6 (Standard) & Spybot - Search & Destroy |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by rjmitche
DaleB:
Good spyware removal software relies on reference file updates to stay current (much like virus scan software). Ad-aware 5.83 hasn't had a reference file update for months. So... while it might still be able to identify and remove older spyware, it's not going to catch any new variations. This would be like running your virus scan software without ever updating the signature files.
I agree that you sound pretty well protected but, better to be safe than sorry. Here's what I use to protect my machine:
software firewall = ZoneAlarm Pro
hardware = D-Link Wireless Broadband Router/Firewall
virus scan = McAfee VirusScan
spyware = Ad-aware 6 (Standard) & Spybot - Search & Destroy
I agree I should update Ad-aware. Otherwise we have similar protection. I found Kerio easier to set up but as effective as ZoneAlarm. Although, I never had 'pro'. |
|
|
| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
Thanks for the reply. I was referring to ad-aware 6.0. Bonehead move on my part, the date of the reference file is Feburay 5, 2003. Sorry about that, the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet.:bonk:
I can see how you got a little confused. I just checked mine and did a double-take. Once you realize that the ref file date is written in dd.mm.yyyy format, it all makes sense. This is one of the reasons I've taken to writing dates out (i.e. Feb 7, 2003) at work, especially when dealing with the European offices.
For those that are interested, here's what the new interface looks like: |
|
|
| rjmitche |
One thing I forgot to mention in my previous post. With one of the recent reference file updates to Ad-aware 6, it started identifying Weatherbug as spyware (and offered to remove it).
I like/use Weatherbug so, went searching for info on this. The official statement from Weatherbug's website can be found here.
Here are a couple of threads in the Spywareinfo & Lavasoft support forums discussing this:
SpywareInfo thread #1
Lavasoft thread #1
Lavasoft thread #2
So far, I haven't found any reason to make me discontinue my use of WeatherBug. However, if you are interested in an alternative program that does similar things (although not as neatly as WeatherBug, IMHO), check out Desktop Weather from The Weather Channel here. |
|
|
| harmonr1 |
Wow! I just loaded Ad-Aware and it found 153 "data-miners" out there. No wonder I get so much "free porn" email:o
I've been running PopUp Killer on another PC (Win-XP) but when I tried awhile back to load it on my laptop (Win2000) the site said it had been discontinued. I just loaded the "Free Surfer MKII" to see how that works.
I'm running on a DSL line through SBC-Pacbell with 2Wire Home Portal which has a firewall built in but I don't know how effective this is. Anyone out there have any suggestions? |
|
|
| A2MDXer |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Please forgive my ignorance, but does this program stop those annoying pop-ups that generate when your computer is idle and on a DSL or cable connection? I get these things all the time popping up asking me if I want to see barely legal teens :3:
I wouldn't know what to do with a barely legal teen :confused:
Tim, sorry I am late to this thread. I use a program called Pop-Up Stopper for this. It works well but takes some getting used to. Overall I am quite happy with the results (hardly ever get popups). There are many similar products. Do a search on Google and you can find it. |
|
|
| rjmitche |
Hi Tim -
If you are getting nasty pop-ups when your computer is idle there could be something more at work and a traditional 'pop-up blocker' might not do the trick. If it is still happening (your post was from about a month ago), you should look for any suspicious programs that are loading at startup. There are various ways/places these programs can hide (some of them not so obvious) and several ways to track them down.
MSCONFIG is built into most versions of Windows and can help. I use a free program called StartupCPL. Once installed it places an item in your Control Panel that can be used to enable/disable and/or remove items from all the various locations that these things can hide.
StartupCPL can be found here:
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
Good luck... and let us know if you are still having problems! |
|
|
| rjmitche |
quote:
Originally posted by harmonr1
I'm running on a DSL line through SBC-Pacbell with 2Wire Home Portal which has a firewall built in but I don't know how effective this is. Anyone out there have any suggestions?
Hi harmonr1 - your firewall can only do so much when it comes to protection from tracking cookies, etc. It's good to have multiple layers of protection. As posted earlier, here's how I (attempt to) protect my machine:
software firewall = ZoneAlarm Pro
hardware = D-Link Wireless Broadband Router/Firewall
virus scan = McAfee VirusScan
spyware = Ad-aware 6 (Standard) & Spybot - Search & Destroy
For popups, I currently use a program called 'Popup Manager' (http://www.endpopups.com). So far, it works pretty well. Although nothing I've found is perfect.... some necessary popup is blocked eventually. I might give "Free Surfer MKII" a try just to see... |
|
|
| hammermdx |
I just installed the new Google beta tool bar. It includes a pop-up blocker and it works very well, better than Pop-Up Blocker in my opinion. Here's the link:
http://toolbar.google.com/index-beta |
|
|
|
