How is Microsoft Antispyware?

kelp · 12-11-2005, 09:20 AM

Service Pack 2 comes with all these security features that most of the time aren't that bad. There is something called Microsoft Antispyware in beta, but I haven't used it yet. What is everybody's opinions on it?

Bender · 12-11-2005, 04:45 PM

Not good, neither is SP2.
I would suggest not installing SP2 unless you want a whole load of junk software + a useless firewall installed.

cmpolis · 12-12-2005, 06:00 PM

I like it, it is alright, has picked up and blocked a few things for me.

bear · 12-13-2005, 10:25 PM

Its annoying, it pops up all the time and its completely unconfigurable.
Since its windows software, hackers know exactly how to get around it too!

JBN-Rob · 12-14-2005, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bear

Its annoying, it pops up all the time and its completely unconfigurable.
Since its windows software, hackers know exactly how to get around it too!

Actually, it's not "Windows software". Microsoft bought it from another company recently, and just rebranded it...

n3rdych1ck · 12-14-2005, 12:50 PM

Microsoft anything is awful. They actually allow spammers to know what you've been doing online through cookies etc. I'd reccomend not using their "protection" it's most likely a trojan horse, actually making things worse for your computer.

pyowomaniac · 12-14-2005, 07:20 PM

I never download those things. From what I understand, you're supposed to if you want to keep your computer free from viruses. It takes up a lot of space though.

deuce · 12-14-2005, 07:57 PM

All I know is that at my school, there were so many viruses until they installed it. So I guess it works, but I haven't installed it myself.

Fry · 12-15-2005, 02:56 AM

Thats because the actual security patches of SP2 are good, it's just the bundled software that is not.

Thats why I installed the patches only.

bear · 12-15-2005, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBN-Rob

Quote:

Originally Posted by bear

Its annoying, it pops up all the time and its completely unconfigurable.
Since its windows software, hackers know exactly how to get around it too!

Actually, it's not "Windows software". Microsoft bought it from another company recently, and just rebranded it...

Really, I didnt know that

Which company/software was it originally?

JBN-Rob · 12-15-2005, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bear

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBN-Rob

Quote:

Originally Posted by bear

Its annoying, it pops up all the time and its completely unconfigurable.
Since its windows software, hackers know exactly how to get around it too!

Actually, it's not "Windows software". Microsoft bought it from another company recently, and just rebranded it...

Really, I didnt know that

Which company/software was it originally?

"Giant" was the company I believe.

And for clarification - Microsoft Anti-Spyware WILL NOT detect and remove viruses. It is only designed to remove Spyware, Adware and Malware - NOT VIRUSES. If you're on the internet you will NEED another program for virus removal such as Norton Antivirus, AVG or Trend Micro.

compnut · 12-15-2005, 11:51 PM

I have used many different antispyware programs, and Microsoft Antispyware is definitely NOT one of my favorites. I repair and clean out computers as a side hobby, and I have used many programs. The two that I find most worth are Adaware SE Personal by Lavasoft and Spy Doctor. These two will pick up most any spyware you may have. I have picked up spyware with these two that MS Antispyware would not even pick up. I would definitely recommend the two I have mentioned above, and they are both free downloads. Good luck!

jess · 12-18-2005, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compnut

I have used many different antispyware programs, and Microsoft Antispyware is definitely NOT one of my favorites. I repair and clean out computers as a side hobby, and I have used many programs. The two that I find most worth are Adaware SE Personal by Lavasoft and Spy Doctor. These two will pick up most any spyware you may have. I have picked up spyware with these two that MS Antispyware would not even pick up. I would definitely recommend the two I have mentioned above, and they are both free downloads. Good luck!

Yes these are by far the most common and probably best spyware removal software around.
Everyone uses them, no doubt because they are free.

Is Spy Doctor free too?

compnut · 12-18-2005, 01:56 AM

Spyware Doctor is a free; however, if you want the spyware removal tool, you have to purchase the program, which I did for $29.95, but upgrades are free. It's really a great program.

bear · 12-18-2005, 04:40 PM

So you can see the results of the scan for free, but have to pay to remove them?
Hmm, well I guess we could try removing the spyware ourselves after scanning for it

Not sure how hard that would be.