AdAware2008Plus vs McAfee Security

[skwerlbaitbev]

Greetings, PCGuide Correspondents,

Perusing AdAware's site for their 'new' version, I see they're offering a free 'Plus' version, including an anti virus protection programme. I currrently use the AOL free version of McAfee, and have not been expecially satisfied with the scheduling of weekly scans - very tricky to figure out just how to schedule - and if it's running a scan while I'm 'surfing', it really bogs down the speed. I'm considering removing McAfee, and downloading AdAware2008Plus. Any comments or advice from those PCG correspondents with experience with both programmes will be appreciated.:)

[classicsoftware]

I prefer one of these:


AVAST (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)
AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/)
Antivir (http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html)

[SufferWell1396]

try one of the Anti-Virus apps listed above, my personal favorite is Avast, but i always used to use AVG. i don't think AVG supports Windows 9x anymore, sadly :(

[skwerlbaitbev]

Thanks much for the suggestions. AVAST looks like it will cover my needs quite well - my nb is running Windows xp home ed, and I'm using Atlanticbb for my isp. I'm not much on downloading gaming programmes , etc., or opf's (other people's files ...), excepting the occasional .jpg, and I'm trusting that not too many virus programmes are thus transmitted. I've never 'gotten' a virus - but surf pretty carefully, imho. I'm just looking for a simple programme, that's all. BTW, if I use AVAST, should I remove AdAware? Any reason to keep both?

I'm guessing it's always wise to first uninstall the existing av programme (in my case, the McAfee Security), but just wanted to check with PC Guide, before I do so remove ... please advise!

I'm considering also removing my aol 9.0, as I've found it takes less time to just use IE to visit AOL, than to bother opening the programme, and suffering through all its nonsense ads. Any reason PCGuide correspondents (and experts) can see that I should not so remove? (aside from the usual, 'who in god's sweet creation is dumb enough to be using aol, anyway' ... we minor 'net visitors find some comfort in the familiar - even if the savvy think we thus deserve to die ... lol!) And yes, I know these same savvy also say, 'IE? Can you be any dumber ...?' - but again, for my limited use, IE does the job well enough, I suppose. I don't hate Microsoft any more than I hate Exxon or Mobil - and I still buy gasoline, too. So, shoot me ... :~} or perhaps, live and let live. Whatever floats your boat.

[david eaton]

If you are using IE with AOL, there is no reason why you shouldn't try Firefox. With the "Noscript" extension, you are much safer from exploits, trojans. worms ect. I would also remove AdAware and use Spybot search and destroy instead.

[classicsoftware]

I would download Avast. Disconnect from the web, uninstall Mcafee, install Avast and then reconnect. I would uninstall Adaware and use Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html).

How to Protect Yourself While On-Line


Make sure you have an up to date Antivirus. Scan Regularly. There are many free versions:

AVAST (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)
AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/)
Antivir (http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html)


Make sure you have a software firewall and if you are on broadband, get behind a NAT router. There are also free versions:

Kerio (http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Office/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/)
Sygate (http://www.filehippo.com/download_sygate_personal_firewall/)
Zone Alarm (http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp%3bjsessionid=BzJnZDxzyCUCcyZMB2t0Q co5IgutuYlrOMI5snmy1ZptQ2vOr1l1!776180791!-1062696904!7551!7552!-2099742426!-1062696903!7551!7552)

Keep Windows up to date. Visit Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and Office Update (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/default.aspx) regularly.
Keep all of your software up to date. You can check on your software with the Secunia Software Inspector (http://secunia.com/software_inspector/). Sign up for e-mail notification and they will tell you when to check your system again.
Use Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/) with the NoScript (http://noscript.net/) extension as your web browser.
Download, install and keep an updated version of SpywareBlaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html).
Do NOT click on links in any I.M. program.
Use Thunderbird (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/) in place of Outlook or Outlook Express.
DO NOT open attachments from ANYONE. Download them, and scan them with your AV before opening and only if your expect to receive them.
If you use IE download a copy of IE-Spyad (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm).