Spydoctor/Anti-Malware etc.

[zodiacmaster]

Just wanting to know what free Spyware programs/Virus programs you all are running I personly am running Avast like it better van AVG but I am wanting a good spyware/malware program any suggestions between
Spydoctor
Spybot S&D
Ad-Aware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
any other suggestions

and my mothers computer has Spybot Sand D running with Avast and she gets a popup telling her virtual mem is running low every so often is that because I hav S&D and Avast running at same time?
Windows XP machine

[Dr Jay]

Is that Spyware Doctor, or Spydoctor the rogue?

[SuperDave]

SpywareBlaster- Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

You can also use Windows Defender which is also a full-time scanner. SAS and MBAM are not full-time scanners. You have to update them and run them unless you have the paid versions. These scanners should not interfere with your AV program. Just last month, I was running Avast, Threatfire, Spybot S&D and SpywareBlaster with no problems. Since then I've switched to MicroSoft Security Essentials for my AV which is free from MS and is not a resource hog and it's running smoothly with it's neighbours.
Here's some information about virtual memory

And no protection would be complete without a third-party firewall.

Firewalls protect against hackers and malicious intruders. You need to download a free firewall from one of these reliable vendors.

Remember only install ONE firewall

1) Comodo Personal Firewall (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage" and uncheck any HopSurf and/or Ask.com options if you choose this one)
2) Online Armor
3) Agnitum Outpost
4) PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.

[zodiacmaster]

Spyware blaster
Comodo
and MicroSoft Security Essentials installed
seems faster than Ad-Aware and Avast
Thank you Dave

[willythecat]

Hope this is not classed as hijacking the original post.
Interesting to read about Microsoft Security Essentials.
I use, and really like Avast, but it now seems to be a bit resource hungry (well, for me anyway).
Apart from SuperDave and now zodiacmaster, can anyone else recommend MSE or should l stick with Avast.
Thank you
 

[evilfantasy]

I've used MSE since it went final and like it. I don't see myself switching any time soon.

[willythecat]

Thanks evil, that seems a good enough excuse for me.
Will temporarily disable avast,download MSE, and give it a whirl.
Thanks

[evilfantasy]

I think you will like it.

Just be warned. It's a lot like Windows Defender in that everything it does, like updating and so on, is all in the background. It only makes itself known when it blocks something. And there is only one instance of it in Task Manager. 4,260k. Very lightweight.

[willythecat]

Cor blimey!
Have got rid of Avast (knowing that it can always be freely downloaded again if needed), and am now using MSE!
Wow, for me, what a difference in speed upon startup!
The interface seems brilliant. Pleasing on the eye and really simple to use. Your comments noted, so I'll stick with it and see how it performs. Thanks for that.
I also have Spywareblaster running in background, so should l stick with this or get rid?
And that's about it! I have the usual Superantispyware and Malwarebytes programs, but these are only run on demand.
Regards
WTC

[evilfantasy]

I also have Spywareblaster running in background, so should l stick with this or get rid?

Spywareblaster doesn't actually run unless you have it open. All you do with it is open it now and then (every two weeks or so) and get the updates then apply them. It puts restrictions on your browser through the HOSTS File and ActiveX controls which blocks known malicious websites.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware
* If you don't know what ActiveX controls are, see here

I also suggest using WOT - Web of Trust. WOT is a free Internet security addon for your browser. It will keep you safe from online scams, identity theft, spyware, spam, viruses and unreliable shopping sites. WOT warns you before you interact with a risky website. It's easy and it's free.