Spyware terminator is it good ?

[Murtadh]

Hi

I have in my PC now SpywareBlaster, it's good but I think SpywareBlaster gust prevent spyware. So I searched for free programs do a realtime scan and scan for the system to delete or quarantine the spyware .. I found tow antispyware : the first one is Spyware terminator and the other one is Arovax AntiSpyware .

I tried Arovax AntiSpyware it's good but I couldn't do the update for it . so I will try the Spyware terminator but before I install it in my PC I want to know few thing :
1- is Spyware terminator good ?
2- I heard that this program is a spyware it self, is that's true ?
3- is their any other antispyware free and good that I can use ?


Murtadh

[snowbound]

There's a couple of entries for Spyware Terminator(different vendors) on the rogue list,

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm


snowbound

[trickyricky]

You'd be best off picking a few of the recommended antispyware apps from further down the Rogues list at http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy

Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta are all very good and all free.

[Zero3K]

According to a post on the product page for it on FileForum (http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Spyware_Terminator/1135951510/1), it isn't spyware. If you want a review of it, check my comment that's there.

[Eldar]

No, it isn't spyware but like I said previously in my review to crawler: having a connection with a known spyware distributor doesn't put trust in its app. :-\
For me what counts is that it's listed on the rogue's page, so my advice is to only use the trusted ones. :)

[spycatcherfan]

Is spycatcher express worth using?

I notice it's listed below spybot in this list

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "Is spycatcher express worth using?
I notice it's listed below spybot in this list" }-

-{ Quote: "Not On the List:
There are a number of lesser-known anti-spyware applications that I have tested but decided were not appropriate to include on the "Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware List" above. These applications include: Tenebril SpyCatcher" }-Use the trusted ones. ;)

[spywarecatcherfan]

I don't get it.

Why say that and then list Spycatcher under the header "Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products" (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy) ? It's listed just below Spybot S&D for Pete sakes!

Is it trustworthy or not?

[spywarecatcherfan]

-{ Quote: "Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products
Protecting your PC w/ quality anti-spyware applications...


When choosing anti-spyware protection, you should rely on products with deserved reputations and proven track records. That means avoiding the new and unknown, and not succumbing to impulse buys of anti-spyware products that you see on the Net, esp. those included in the "rogue/suspect" list on this page or advertised on Google.

At the very least, you should have an anti-spyware scanner, and there are several reputable anti-spyware scanners available on the Net -- some even for free. But anti-spyware protection goes beyond having an anti-spyware scanner like Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-aware. Even after installing and running an anti-spyware scanner, you should take steps to lock down your browser and protect your system against further infestation by spyware and adware.

What follows below is a set of recommended steps for installing anti-spyware protection for your PC. If your PC is already infested with spyware or adware, see the instructions for getting help included later on this page.
1. Install an anti-spyware scanner (or two...)



One basic tool in every user's toolbox of software ought to be an anti-spyware scanner. There are several excellent anti-spyware scanners available -- some free, some for pay. These include (but are not limited to):
Ad-aware
Microsoft AntiSpyware
Pest Patrol
Spy Sweeper
Spyware Doctor

Note to Vendors: please do not email me and request to be added to the above list of "recommended" products. This list of "recommended" products is based on extensive experience with the listed products and is not a list to which one can apply for admission.

In addition, there are several other "freeware" scanners that you may find useful:
Spybot Search & Destroy
SpyCatcher Express" }-

I'm confused

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "I don't get it.

Why say that and then list Spycatcher under the header "Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products" (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#trustworthy) ? It's listed just below Spybot S&D for Pete sakes!

Is it trustworthy or not?" }-If it's not listed as a rogue, you may use it.
I'm however not sure if it will have the same detection rate as SpyBot, Ad-Aware and the paid ones. ;)
Sorry, didn't look there. :-[

[confusedanddazed]

-{ Quote: "If it's not listed as a rogue, you may use it.
I'm however not sure if it will have the same detection rate as SpyBot, Ad-Aware and the paid ones. ;)
Sorry, didn't look there. :-[" }-

I know it's not rogue.

What i need to know is if Spyware catcher is 'approved' in the same way spybot is. From the page it looks like it is. What do you think?

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "I know it's not rogue.
What i need to know is if Spyware catcher is 'approved' in the same way spybot is. From the page it looks like it is. What do you think?" }-If it's listed there by Eric L. Howes, it's definitely approved. :D

[Zero3K]

Eldar: Are you sure they (Crawler.com) have a connection with a spyware distributor? Maybe they've had one in the past but since then have gotten rid of it.

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "Eldar: Are you sure they (Crawler.com) have a connection with a spyware distributor? Maybe they've had one in the past but since then have gotten rid of it." }-Do you know? I sure don't, so that's why I take my info from the rogues page. ::)
IMO If they cleaned up their act, I wish him well but it would be a long time before I could trust someone's app, who had a connection with a spyware distributor.
My motto: Use the trusted ones as mentioned on that list. ;)

[Zero3K]

So, anyone that actually tried it want to post their experiences?

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "So, anyone that actually tried it want to post their experiences?" }-I give up.
Already tried it, see my first review at FileForum. ;)

[Dusan Senkypl]

If you check http://www.crawler.com/news.aspx?id=1380 you'll find information about Crawler - I work for that company and all I can tell is that in my opinion Spyware Terminator is a top level antispyware application. It's realtime shield uses Windows Driver technology - similar to antivirus apps - not very common even in paid realtime shields in antispyware apps.

Based on testemonials of our users I can just say that the application works great and if you are in trouble it can really help you.

I know that the app is listed on Eric's list - that listing is based just on Crawler relation to Ibis, nothing else. We're talking with Eric and I believe the app will be removed soon so as your comments are often based just on his list, I hope that you'll reconsider the app once it is delisted.

[ErikAlbert]

Dusan Senkypl,
Sorry, but even my experience with de-listed AS is bad.
I gave the de-listed XoftSpy a second chance and it reported the language indicator of win2000pro in the system tray as a threat during the very first scan.
An AS that makes such a big mistake isn't worth my time. Once a thief, always a thief.
Even when Spyware Terminator is clean, those who know aren't willing to use it right away.
That's the price a company has to pay for its bad reputation or its bad connections.
Aluria softwares are also on my blacklist for its deal with WhenU.
You have to DESERVE the trust of users and it's hard to get them back once you lose that trust.

[Dusan Senkypl]

Erik, Spyware Terminator had never an issue. The application is in my opinion very good since the beginning and already helped many users. Every user may of course decide whether they want to use it or not - all I'm saying this that people who are criticizing it just because of listing on Eric's list will find some other reason - just to be fair. If these people still don't like background, it is up to them and they have full right to have this opinion. On the other end company behind it made tremendous changes in last year and completelly updated products and got rid of all not trustworthy partners - I can see it from inside so I have huge trust in this process but all antivirus companies and antispyware companies we talk with like this process and they consider our products clean and valuable.

[cheater87]

I saw this at download.com. i'll give the link to the site. Can anyone tell me if this is ok to download or use or is it a fake spyware scanner?

http://www.spywareterminator.com/

[crofttk]

Well, I would hope that the fact that it's carried for download on CNET's download.com speaks somewhat to it's credibility but that's no guarantee. I've never tried it nor do I know anything about it's performance/effectiveness. I just wanted to make that one observation, FWIW.

[cheater87]

should i download it and try it out???

[crofttk]

If you're not sure yourself, I wouldn't do it just based on what I said. Wait until some other folks comment and see what they say. Sorry I don't have a more definite answer for you.

[cheater87]

the reviews on the site and download.com look good

[Eldar]

See also previous topic (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=116457). ;)

[gerardwil]

The only thing I can found on Spyware Warrior (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm):


-{ Quote: "Note on SpywareTerminator: We originally listed Spyware Terminator on this page out of concerns that Crawler, the company behind the product, had established connections with IBIS, a well known adware distributor responsible for such adware programs as Wintools, Websearch, & Huntbar. Although we found no problems in our initial testing with Spyware Terminator, and while the vendor itself announced that it was exiting the adware business , we decided out of caution to impose a three month probation period before we would consider re-testing and, if warranted, de-listing the the product from the Rogue/Suspect list. During that three month probation period we monitored the behavior of IBIS and Crawler. At the end of the three month probation period we re-tested Spyware Terminator, again finding no problems serious enough to justify listing the program on this page. As the vendor involved has not been involved in the distribution of adware for many months, and as the program itself exhibits no problems serious enough to warrant mention on this page, we have decided to de-list Spyware Terminator from the Rogue/Suspect list and can no longer regard the program to be "rogue/suspect." Note: not to be confused with Spyware X-terminator from Stompsoft
[A: 12-5-05 / U: 3-9-06]
" }-

[crofttk]

So, cheater87, after a period of probation, Spyware Warrior gave Spyware Terminator from crawler.com a clean bill of health, i.e., they say it's OK to download and try.

Personally, I believe I'm OK with SpywareBlaster, WinPatrol, SpySweeper, and either Zone Alaram Security Suite or Micro-Trend PC-Cillin Internet Security. That's the only reason I myself wouldn't bother trying it.

[Perman]

-{ Quote: "I saw this at download.com. i'll give the link to the site. Can anyone tell me if this is ok to download or use or is it a fake spyware scanner?

http://www.spywareterminator.com/" }-
Hi,all:I have been trying this app for the last 4 weeks. It is a freeware, updating every 4-5 days. I use it for on demand scanner only, although it does come with real-time monitor and other. It has its own merits, 85% trustworthy. Do check the list of findings after each scan, delete the ones you are certain. And do not trust it 100%--this caution applys to all anti-spyware apps, not just this above-noted. I would give it a go and you will not lose your shirts --for sure.:)

[cheater87]

I'll give it a go

[the Tester]

Spyware Terminator looks clean here.
The Realtime Shield is very nice feature-wise.
The version I have is a beta.You will want to quarantine or remove detected items with care! I had to use the restore point that Spyware Terminator set to get my internet connection back.
This program makes submitting false positives and contacting support easy.
Interesting program...I'm going to keep it for a while and see how it goes.

[TOMxEU]

The problem is that there are not many freeware AS with realtime protection.
In fact there is only one "real" AS and it is Windows Defender, which is weak.
So SpywareTerminator looks as a good alternative, if it is working as it should.

I mean something like instal and forget AS for common users, because even when eg WinPatrol is a great preventing spyware to instal, it needs user interaction and some skills about malware.

[erasmun]

Hi everybody!

I've made a deep research on this question in the last days and to be honest I can't say that's a problem with this s/w....
....but here's one more thing to understand ( myself or helped by all of you ).

When I run SpywareTerminator with real-time protection ON and my antivirus s/w (bd 9profplus) has to make it's liveupdating and installing the updatings I get a very nice BSoD!!! And that's happen every time.NO doubt!

If you are good to understand the technical details about this fact I can post the files and message I have after re-boot (BCCode,manifest.txt,minidump.dmp,etc).

ps: I'm not very good with my pc,w xp,IT a.s.o but IF somebody can spend sometime I'll be gratefull and very pleased to him/her.
THANKS!

[Rekku]

Hi everyone!

I haven't find anything BAD to say about this program. It's running very nicely, even with the real time protection on. I will keep on using it. ;D

[rdsu]

This program seems very nice and could have a nice future, but we need some tests to see how efficient it is...

[aigle]

I tried it in real time against installation of some spywares and it seems good. It detected most of them grossly. Atleast in real time seems better than Windows Defender. Also prompts immediately on new windows start up enteries and change of home page.
I will give it a try as real time scanner.

[aigle]

I recently tried real time protection of SpywareTerminator and found it quite good. I tried to install,

WinFixer
SpyAxe
UnSpyPc
CEDP stealer fro MSN messenger
Marinefree (screensaver installer)
( plus some more- don,t remember now).

And it stopped all of them right from the root except one( even better than spyware doctor). Also seems light with not much slow down of system and loads rapidly( while spyware doctor takes ages to load). Has a nice GUI as well.

The question is that can u trust them? I might use my internet for my bank and I don,t even know how trust-worthy this company can be.

[Zero3K]

Well, I would have to say that they are very trustworthy.

[aigle]

Crawler used to eb in adware business or not?

[Zero3K]

I don't know. Search Google and you'll find out for yourself.

[crofttk]

-{ Quote: "Crawler used to eb in adware business or not?" }-Read the rest of this thread and you'll see this has already been addressed.

[aigle]

I have read already that,s why I still doubt.

[RadicalEdward]

Well from the looks of your sig, I see you use Comodo, which I am sure you know used to also contain malware (though it was unintentional), but now they have turned around and provide a very robust firewall (which still needs work because I have slowdown when I surf and the firwall is up). I don't know why it used to have malware, but from what I've been reading and from what people have said, they seemed to have turned over a new leaf. I think I will give this a try, however the only question I have for people is how well would this "real time" protection would work with my Mcafee realtime, Prevx1R, Comodo, and for the heck of it the "automatic" protection from Spybot and Spyware Blaster.

[the Tester]

I've been using Spyware Terminator for more than a month and I haven't had any troubles with it.
The updates frequency is more than weekly also.

About developers turning over a new leaf;if memory serves me well, Zero Spyware was de-listed before the program became known.Sometimes these de-listed programs are better than expected.

[Melih-Comodo]

-{ Quote: "Well from the looks of your sig, I see you use Comodo, which I am sure you know used to also contain malware (though it was unintentional), but now they have turned around and provide a very robust firewall (which still needs work because I have slowdown when I surf and the firwall is up). I don't know why it used to have malware, but from what I've been reading and from what people have said, they seemed to have turned over a new leaf. I think I will give this a try, however the only question I have for people is how well would this "real time" protection would work with my Mcafee realtime, Prevx1R, Comodo, and for the heck of it the "automatic" protection from Spybot and Spyware Blaster." }-


RadicalEdward

Just for the record. None of the Comodo products ever contained any malware at all!

If you look at our forums, you will see the apology letter the anti spyware company has written to us for their mistake!

So again, just for the record: None of Comodo products ever contained any malware or whatsoever!

thank you

Melih

[RadicalEdward]

Yes, I suppose I was incorrect to say that because I do recall that the toolbar was never malware, just missused by other companies and blemished the name, my bad!

Back to my original question, can someone please tell me how good this real time protection is, and how it fits in with other av/firewall/hips protection....?

[the Tester]

In answer to your questions...
Spyware Terminator co-exists with these programs on my box with no conflicts so far:
Comodo Personal Firewall,BoClean,Vba32 antivirus.No conflict with Spyware Blaster either.

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Yes, I suppose I was incorrect to say that because I do recall that the toolbar was never malware, just missused by other companies and blemished the name, my bad!

Back to my original question, can someone please tell me how good this real time protection is, and how it fits in with other av/firewall/hips protection....?" }-

Hi, see my post 36. I used it for a very short period though.

[dah145]

It is spyware free, and a very good utility comparing to others, but I prefer Ewido8)

[Yannis]

-{ Quote: "Hi

I have in my PC now SpywareBlaster, it's good but I think SpywareBlaster gust prevent spyware. So I searched for free programs do a realtime scan and scan for the system to delete or quarantine the spyware .. I found tow antispyware : the first one is Spyware terminator and the other one is Arovax AntiSpyware .

I tried Arovax AntiSpyware it's good but I couldn't do the update for it . so I will try the Spyware terminator but before I install it in my PC I want to know few thing :
1- is Spyware terminator good ?
2- I heard that this program is a spyware it self, is that's true ?
3- is their any other antispyware free and good that I can use ?


Murtadh" }-

Arovax Antispyware now is in v. 2.0.65 having live update (not automatic yet) plus you can localize it by yourself.Its database will be the biggest ever , very soon I hope and you will be able to send any suspicious file for analysis using the Analyser software.
I think its very promising software now that spydefense has been left.:'(
:)

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "Arovax Antispyware now is in v. 2.0.65 having live update (not automatic yet) plus you can localize it by yourself.Its database will be the biggest ever , very soon I hope and you will be able to send any suspicious file for analysis using the Analyser software." }-

I think it has no real time protection.

-{ Quote: "
I think its very promising software now that spydefense has been left.:'(
:)" }-

What do u mean by this?

[Yannis]

-{ Quote: "I think it has no real time protection." }-

Right, it should be added asap!


-{ Quote: "What do u mean by this?" }-

I think Spydefense was a rival of Arovax Antispyware but during the last months the first one has no support from the EverestLabs company.It has been left to die...

[zapjb]

Any further experiences with Spyware Terminator? Or else I'll have to decide for myself. And I'd rather not.;D

[rdsu]

It have a very good real-time protection, monitoring important system areas...

[Infinity]

I would never ever trust something installed on my system with a name like spyware 'terminator' ...

never ... ever ...!!

[Infinity]

probably .. they'll be back :) and sometimes in a sec. :) (and I must be a poet at the moment..)

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "I would never ever trust something installed on my system with a name like spyware 'terminator' ...

never ... ever ...!!" }-
And "Sweeper" or "Doctor"?

[Infinity]

that's better imho .. spyware terminator SOUNDS like snake oil, but that is just my personal opinion.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "that's better imho .. spyware terminator SOUNDS like snake oil, but that is just my personal opinion." }-
I respect you opinion... ;)

Just to know...

[zapjb]

So far I am very impressed. I'm using v1.5.0.718. ;D

[cheater87]

umm that takes me back here

[Baldrick]

Anyone done a comparison of Spyware Terminator vs Super Antispyware. I know that the latter does not have realtime protection in the freeware version but the on demand scanner is rated really highly and I was wondering how ST compares to that.

Objective rather than subjective answer please!;D

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "Anyone done a comparison of Spyware Terminator vs Super Antispyware. I know that the latter does not have realtime protection in the freeware version but the on demand scanner is rated really highly and I was wondering how ST compares to that.

Objective rather than subjective answer please!;D" }-
I use both!

ST for real-time protection because of its excellent HIDS protection, and now also have HIPS protection...

SA Free Edition for on-demand scanner because of its excellent malware detection...

I preferred ST for real-time protection and SA for on-demand, because SA have better detection against installed malware...

[Baldrick]

I use KIS 6 (inc. ProactiveDefense) for my main protection against all threats, together with ProcessGuard 3.4 as my main HIPS/HIDS. Therefore, I suspect that for me using ST (which is apparently stronger in real time protection) is a little pointless given that I already use SuperAntispyware for on demand scanning (and that is supposed to be stronger in that department than ST) unless I am looking for additional realtime protection.

I now multiple layers are good but I am concerned about potential conflicts (or the 'drag' on the system that they can cause) between KIS & ST real time protects. Anybodyt tried that combination.???

[cheater87]

i tried it out and the real time shield got annoying with the constant allowing of stuff

[aigle]

-{ Quote: "I use KIS 6 (inc. ProactiveDefense) for my main protection against all threats, together with ProcessGuard 3.4 as my main HIPS/HIDS. Therefore, I suspect that for me using ST (which is apparently stronger in real time protection) is a little pointless given that I already use SuperAntispyware for on demand scanning (and that is supposed to be stronger in that department than ST) unless I am looking for additional realtime protection.

I now multiple layers are good but I am concerned about potential conflicts (or the 'drag' on the system that they can cause) between KIS & ST real time protects. Anybodyt tried that combination.???" }-
I don,t think u need it with ur combo.

[dja2k]

Has there been any conflicts using spyware terminator and other products like prevx1 or online armor av+? I noticed that spyware terminator uses some internal av for scanning, is that a problem with other av's?

dja2k

[shek]

you could disable the clamav to intergrate into spyware terminator.

I have used ST for about one week and am really satisfied with it. It only has one process, which consumes about 13mb, and has updated four times so far.

[dja2k]

But does the clamav conflict with others or not? I mean it is probably an av only for execution and not real time scanning, so it should be okay to leave it on right?

dja2k

[shek]

If you leave it on, it would slow down the computer. Meanwhile, imho, most of AVs in the market are better than clamav. So one av in realtime is good enough.

For more information, you could take a look at ST's forum (http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=114)

[dja2k]

Okay thanks, I have unchecked the realtime av scanner. As for other settings, what are people using the seting at, advanced or expert? Have they also enabled all shields or not, by defualt some aren't turned on.

dja2k

[cheater87]

ill put this on the family laptop as a cleaner

[WSFuser]

-{ Quote: "Okay thanks, I have unchecked the realtime av scanner. As for other settings, what are people using the seting at, advanced or expert? Have they also enabled all shields or not, by defualt some aren't turned on.

dja2k" }-
i picked advanced and turned on all shields. i leave HIPS off.

[JerryM]

How often does ST actually update, and how will I know when/if it does?

Thanks,
Jerry

[Baldrick]

You can set it to automatically check for updates as often as every hour but in practice the availability of updates is more sporadic, ie, driven by the discovery of new threats.

I believe that the notification is provided by the real time shield function.

[JerryM]

-{ Quote: "You can set it to automatically check for updates as often as every hour but in practice the availability of updates is more sporadic, ie, driven by the discovery of new threats.

I believe that the notification is provided by the real time shield function." }-

Thanks, I got it.
I installed and ran a scan. It looks like a good program to me.
Jerry

[Baldrick]

Hi Jerry

If you plan to run the HIPS function (Real-Time Protection, Settings, Advanced) then make sure that you either do not have another HIPS application running or enable each option separately to start with to check to see if you have any conflicts. I found some as I already run Process Guard and so have disabled the HIPS option as PG is superior (for the moment at least). The same can be true for the Real Time protection so if you find that you get any freezes disable all shields and then re-enable them one by one until you find the culprit...but only if you have any issue.

As yo say, it looks like a good program.;D

[JerryM]

Hi Baldrick,

I am not sure if I have any HIPS. I don't have PG, but have Win Patrol, SnoopFree, and UnHackMe. Not sure if any of them use HIPS.

I'll be aware of your instructions, and if I have problems will pursue that. If I do I'll probably have to ask for more instructions.

I am using ST for a test as much as anything, as I have lifetime licenses for SuperAntiSpyware, which I like.
I have a license for Counterspy, but am not using it right now.

I think that ST has the potential for someone who does not want to pay for an application, and does not want to be bothered by warnings and questions.

Best,
Jerry

[cheater87]

i god rid of windows defender to use this one's real time protection and prevx is my HIPS program

[cheater87]

I downloaded this on all my computers for the real time protection. I uninstalled Windows Defender and im going to enable HIPS on my main computer and family laptop. This is one program i will highly recomend. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:;D

[rdsu]

I'm using it on the last 2 months, and I'm very satisfied with its real-time shield :)

The support is also nice...

[cheater87]

can someone check out the site newgrounds and see if the real time thing stops stuff from that?

[WSFuser]

just visiting the site or viewing a flash shows no trigger from Spyware Terminator (I have HIPS disabled).

going to the mature section, i was unable to go very far as sitehound blocked the zango domain.

i disabled sitehound but then nod32 showed its red warning when i tried downloading the setup.exe

i disabled amon and imon, and ran on-demand scans on my desktop. spyware terminator did not detect it. nod32 did detect it.

***************************************************************

OT: u can also use the HOSTS file to block newgrounds entirely if u wish.

[cheater87]

thanks WSF sorry if it did any damage to your computer

[cheater87]

how do i have it block newgrounds?

[WSFuser]

no damage done. dont worry bout it.

to block newgrounds, open up your HOSTS file (located in C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc) and add these entries:
127.0.0.1 newgrounds.com
127.0.0.1 www.newgrounds.com
u can do the same for any other site you wish to block

[cheater87]

where do i add them?

[Trencherman]

One user's experience...

Spyware Terminator will not work on this setup:
XP Home SP2 (pristine and up to date), avast! Home Edition, Sygate PF 5.5 (2637) (free), WinPatrol 10.

CPU usage goes to 100%, split between Sygate and csrss, and stays there. The worst of it occurs when ST tries to connect. I was able to turn off automatic updates (not easy with CPU 100%), but never discovered how to prevent it from connecting for the pointless "News & Tips" -- and whatever else it connects for with updates turned off.

Guessing ST is incompatible with Sygate 5.5.

[trickyricky]

-{ Quote: "where do i add them?" }-
Anywhere in the file - at the end immediately following the last entry would be most sensible.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "One user's experience...

Spyware Terminator will not work on this setup:
XP Home SP2 (pristine and up to date), avast! Home Edition, Sygate PF 5.5 (2637) (free), WinPatrol 10.

CPU usage goes to 100%, split between Sygate and csrss, and stays there. The worst of it occurs when ST tries to connect. I was able to turn off automatic updates (not easy with CPU 100%), but never discovered how to prevent it from connecting for the pointless "News & Tips" -- and whatever else it connects for with updates turned off.

Guessing ST is incompatible with Sygate 5.5." }-
Why use ST and WinPatrol together?

[Trencherman]

-{ Quote: "Why use ST and WinPatrol together?" }-
Testing ST for possible use on some PCs that I help with.

[Dwarden]

i'm sure you will like this ST roadmap for upcoming features :)

http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&m=778&#778

[cheater87]

KICK ASS immunization W00t

[kdm31091]

Sounds like ST is really under alot of development

[Toby75]

I'm thinking of trying out ST. My question to you all is...if I use it's resident shield (Hips and all that stuff enabled)...can I disable spybot's SDHelper and TeaTimer? Does ST cover all of the aspects of these two services?...I know TeaTimer monitors homepage settings, activeX, as well as BHO entries...will ST do all this?

Regards,

Toby

[cheater87]

it will protect against BHO and other things like toolbars

[Toby75]

-{ Quote: "it will protect against BHO and other things like toolbars" }-

But won't monitor the homepage settings or ActiveX entries? Monitoring ActiveX is crucial IMHO.

Regards,
Toby

[cheater87]

keep spybot for that

[bigc73542]

Here are it's protections

[bigc73542]

and here

[Toby75]

Thanks cheater and bigc!

I'll keep TeaTimer enabled then

Regards,
Toby

[farmerlee]

-{ Quote: "The problem is that there are not many freeware AS with realtime protection.
In fact there is only one "real" AS and it is Windows Defender, which is weak.
So SpywareTerminator looks as a good alternative, if it is working as it should.

I mean something like instal and forget AS for common users, because even when eg WinPatrol is a great preventing spyware to instal, it needs user interaction and some skills about malware." }-
Don't forget good old spybot s&d has resident protection too with its teatimer. CA also has a free realtime version of pestpatrol available, its only downfall is it only removes low/medium rated spyware.

[Hermescomputers]

Never eard of it...
But... If you want to keep informed about "Corrupt" Antispyware check this link.

http://www.2-spyware.com/corrupt-anti-spyware

They keep it fairly up to date...

[Cleatus]

According to Spyware Warrior it's a rogue
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#spyterm_note
Do not use ST:wacko:

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "According to Spyware Warrior it's a rogue
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#spyterm_note
Do not use ST:wacko:" }-


Guess you did not read the whole article. Copied in it`s intirety from the linked report which is under the heading of De-Listed Applications: "Note on SpywareTerminator: We originally listed Spyware Terminator on this page out of concerns that Crawler, the company behind the product, had established connections with IBIS, a well known adware distributor responsible for such adware programs as Wintools, Websearch, & Huntbar. Although we found no problems in our initial testing with Spyware Terminator, and while the vendor itself announced that it was exiting the adware business (1), we decided out of caution to impose a three month probation period before we would consider re-testing and, if warranted, de-listing the the product from the Rogue/Suspect list. During that three month probation period we monitored the behavior of IBIS and Crawler. At the end of the three month probation period we re-tested Spyware Terminator, again finding no problems serious enough to justify listing the program on this page. As the vendor involved has not been involved in the distribution of adware for many months, and as the program itself exhibits no problems serious enough to warrant mention on this page, we have decided to de-list Spyware Terminator from the Rogue/Suspect list and can no longer regard the program to be "rogue/suspect."

[Tommy]

I just gave SP a try after testing some other applications of its kind. So far i like it. Very view memory usage arround 14 MB (had no other resitent shield so far), no conflict with my security setup (i deinstalled Neoava Guard) and the best a free real time shield. I didn't tried the HIPS fetaure but will enable it now.

P.S. The beta has some nice new features.

[cheater87]

I went to some fishy sites on the old laptop with this and it blocked cool web search

[Tommy]

-{ Quote: "I went to some fishy sites on the old laptop with this and it blocked cool web search" }-
Can you send me the 'Fish' hunting places by PM. I am testing the Beta 1.6.0.789 right now.

[cheater87]

sorry tommy this was a couple months ago when i first downloaded it.

[rdsu]

I'm using it on the last 4 months, and I'm very happy with it...

It's an excellent complement to an AV...

The upcoming features also very promising... :)

[Tommy]

I just had a look at the database. It's only 237 KB, seams very little comparing with other databases from a-squaered, Ewido etc. Does that mean less detection rate because of less strings, or do i miss something?

[shek]

-{ Quote: "I just had a look at the database. It's only 237 KB, seams very little comparing with other databases from a-squaered, Ewido etc. Does that mean less detection rate because of less strings, or do i miss something?" }-

It's unfair to compare ST with a2 and ewido, which are AT. However, I also question about ST's database. Let's think about the size of superantispyware, spybot S&D, adaware. SAS's size(zipped) is ~1200KB(core+trace). Adaware's is 765kB. The size of Spybot S&D(zipped) is more than 1MB(not sure the exactly size, but i could tell from the update). Therefore i would doubt the ST's detection rate is on the par with those three, although it's really good on other aspects.

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "I just had a look at the database. It's only 237 KB, seams very little comparing with other databases from a-squaered, Ewido etc. Does that mean less detection rate because of less strings, or do i miss something?" }-
It could detect less than the best AS programs, but its Real-time Shield is great, doesn't slow down your system because is well designed, and is free... ;)

The installation also a have a great feature, that you can decide the level of acknowledge, and this way you can adapt the program to the user to prevent to receive alerts that they doesn't understand...

I found this very useful to install on my friends computers... :)

[lodore]

one thing that i have thought of is i know they used to be a companie spreading spyware called crawler but i was thinking have they made spyware terminator because they now want to help people stop spyware and learned there lesson?
or could they turn back to there old ways?


lodore

[QBgreen]

I've been running ST now for a week with HIPS enabled. It fits in very well with my armada of security apps. I'm impressed with the depth of protection offered as well as the low system hit.

[duke1959]

Me too, and I'm liking this program more and more. I think it beats out Windows Defender by a long shot, and and runs much lighter too. I also have used Arovax Shield in the past as a light weight HIPS, and can't see going back to it with Spyware Terminator having HIPS and so many other Features.

[Tommy]

As i use Neoava Guard, a HIPS which is getting better and powerfuller each time by only 4 MB memory use, i am more interested in the malware/spyware/trojan detection of ST. So question is detects it malware as good as others even it has this small database?

[rdsu]

-{ Quote: "So question is detects it malware as good as others even it has this small database?" }-
I mainly use it because its Real-Time Shield can protect important system areas to control what is happen, without slowing down your system, even if its detection is better or worst than others AS programs...
For me is the best program to complements an AV...

I also don't use its HIPS feature because I don't like how the current HIPS programs works...

[KDNeese]

I have been using Spyware Terminator for some time now, and am very impressed with the product. I read everything I could find until I was convinced it was a trustworthy program, then installed it to try it out. I was seeking a real-time replacement for CounterSpy. I had become very fed up with CounterSpy's hefty resource usage as well as some updates taking well over an hour on my dial-up connection. I tried the HIPS function, but did not like it as well as System Safety Monitor. However, I love ST's small footprint and very quick updates. There is a comment I read at TechSupportForums that I found very interesting regarding ST's prevention capabilities:

"Unlike Windows Defender it works with all versions of Windows so it's the stand-out choice for Windows 9x users. It's no slouch either. Like Windows Defender it has strong active protection. Indeed with its built in HIPS system that warns you of any unrecognized intruders, it has stronger protection against unknown threats than the Microsoft product. This was confirmed on some tests I ran on drive-by download site where Spyware Terminator proved to be impregnable."

The quote is from: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm

I don't use the ClamAV function, as I already have NOD32 2.7 set to maximum protection. I have used ClamAV in the past and haven't been impressed. It was good for finding a lot of false positives, but that's about it.

After a great deal of experimentation, I found a setup that works wonderfully without any conflicts or problems whatsoever. I have ST's resident shield active and set to scan everything except Services and INI files. I assigned those duties to System Safety Monitor (free version 2.0.8.583). I also turn the HIPS duties over to SSM and have HIPS disabled in ST. With this setup there are (as least to my knowledge) no overlaps or conflict of duties. At first I made the mistake of failing to disable ST's HIPS while running SSM - wasn't a good idea - take my word for it. However, disabling ST's HIPS function solved the problem, and they have been working like a charm since.

I was also formerly using WinPatrol mostly to watch over startups and the Hosts file. I have turned that duty over to ST also. Main reason is that WinPatrol polls to find the changes, while ST monitors real-time. As an example, last night I updated the Hosts File with my Hosts Manager. As soon as I hit the "save" button to update my Hosts File, ST came up with a warning and asked to block or allow the change. WinPatrol was also running, and warned me about the change some 10-15 minutes later. Personally, I would rather be warned about any changes to my system or files immediately rather than long after the damage has been done.

What I love most about my setup (NOD32, Sunbelt Kerio Firewall, ST & SSM) is the vast improvement in resource usage as compared to my former security setup. My current setup runs takes about 100mb less memory than my former setup of NOD32, Kerio, CounterSpy, Winpatrol & Ewido.

I have tried to use apps that are more preventative in nature and that prevent malware from installing in the first place, rather than attempting to scan, find and remove the damage that's already been done. Also, I have also been using SuperAntiSpyware free just for scanning, and found it be extremely reliable. As far as scanning itself, ST does have it's share of false positives, but I rely on my other on-demand scanners more for that function, and use ST mainly as a resident shield. I love ST so far, but wouldn't rely on it as my only AS scanner. However, I would have to say that CounterSpy, Ewido, A2, Spybot S&D generated more false positives on average than ST. So far, SuperAntiSpyware is the only scanner (that I use) that hasn't generated one FP.

While my setup is far from fullproof (as no setup is going to stop everything), it's a pretty powerful group of apps, especially considering how little resources it takes to run it. I hope this helps some of you who have been trying to decide whether to try this product or not. I think it's a pretty effective weapon when used in conjunction with the right apps.

[Tarq57]

Originally posted by KDNeese:
-{ Quote: ""Unlike Windows Defender it works with all versions of Windows so it's the stand-out choice for Windows 9x users. " }-

It doesn't work on Win98 in realtime. (not that I disagree with the rest of your post, I like this program. Thanks for your informative comments.)
http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=476

[acr1965]

-{ Quote: "So, anyone that actually tried it want to post their experiences?" }-

I have used Spyware Terminator and thought it was a very good program. Actually I have a couple other anti-spyware programs and shut them all down for a couple days using ST exclusively. The ST active protection proved very good and none of the other programs reported any spyware on my computer as I scanned with each after using ST. The other programs I scanned with were CounterSpy, Spy Sweeper and AVG Anti-Spyware. I also use NOD32 and had it running while I was using ST but NOD32 has not stopped much spyware on its own.

If you use ST I would recommend not utilizing the Clam AV. It seems to be a bit of a resource hog.

I don't believe that ST has any spyware included and my firewall did not indicate anything unusual going on while ST was running. I doubt Crawler has "come clean" with its previous involvement in propulgation of spyware. And I cannot say that ST ignores Crawler spyware either. I did not test it for that and no longer use ST. It would be interesting to run some tests to see if ST recognizes the Crawler toolbar as spyware though. But anyway, if you go to the Crawler web site you will find they are still pimping their toolbar as well as suspect screensavers. And their privacy statement in regard to those downloads reveal they collect user info. Whatever their definition of "personally identifiable user info" is probably set by their own standard.

A couple other things, in response to the comment about the ST user reviews on download.com: I once downloaded a screensaver from download.com which had a 4 star editor's rating. But the SS (developed by scenicreflections.com) contained a trojan. Scenicreflections had 100+ screensavers on download.com, many with 4 star editor reviews, but dozens of complaints by users who also found trojans. It was nearly a full year before scenicreflections screensavers was taken down from download.com. In an email response I received from scenicreflections I was told that the trojan reports were false positives. I reported the issue to download.com and all the screensavers were off their site within 48 hours. So download.com's response is great, but I would suspect their policy of not allowing spyware on their web site is questionable. At least they need to review their follow-up policies in regard to that issue. It may be possible that the screensavers were later "updated" to include spyware. Who knows what happened?

Another thing is that there seem to be other companies formerly affiliated with spyware which have come out with some great products lately. I believe Comodo used to fall into this category and they have a very nice firewall, free for public use. There is a lot of money to be made in security apps. And purchasers of such apps seem to be a pretty loyal following once they find a product they like. So maybe the tide is turning and some of these companies are simply making a financial decision?

[KDNeese]

-{ Quote: "Originally posted by KDNeese:


It doesn't work on Win98 in realtime. (not that I disagree with the rest of your post, I like this program. Thanks for your informative comments.)
http://forum.spywareterminator.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=476" }-

The above statement was a quote from the website I was referencing. I've only tried ST on my current computer, which runs XP - was unaware that it didn't run real-time on Win98 platforms (my older Win98 computer went belly-up a while back). I guess my main purpose in quoting the author was to give readers an idea about it's real-time protection (particular the quote concerning the drive-by download blocking).

Also, I do want to clarify one issue in reguard to one of my previous posts - something that I found out earlier today: ST does a good job of letting you know if your hosts file is in the process of being changed, but it doesn't seem to let you know after the fact. Today I shut down ST before updating my hosts file (didn't want to be bothered with answering pop-ups), updated my hosts, then started ST again. Though the hosts file had been altered, ST did not notify me of the change. I then started WinPatrol and it soon alerted me that the hosts file had been modified. So, apparently ST's shield does a good job of alerting you concerning events at the time of occurance (if it is running resident at that time), but doesn't detect system changes after the fact. While ST seems to be a decent program, the longer I've used it the more weaknesses I seem to find in it. I still think it's a decent program, but it seems to be somewhat limited in its overall scope of protection.

As for acr1965's statement concerning Clam AV, I would definitely agree (I believe I said something similar in a previous post). I would think that running ST with Clam AV would cause some real conflicts if one is running another AV, since it is a BSOD in the making if someone is running two AV's at the same time. While I applaud the efforts of those who work on the Clam AV project, it is not an AV that I would rely on for good protection.

Regarding Download.com reviews:

I read at a particular security website (although can't confirm) that even though software websites like Download.com and others test applications for malware, that can't ensure that malware is not included when the app is downloaded. The reason is that the files are not physically at the Download.com servers (or whoever - Snapfiles, Softpedia, etc), but the "download" link is actually linked to either the author's site or another mirrored site, where the integrity of the downloaded file cannot be totally verified to be free of malware. I know that this has been a real conflict with Softpedia.com, and is why their website is blocked in many Hosts File lists (including mine). Since they cannot completely verify that the files customers are downloading are free of malware, I would think the only way they would learn of them is through customer notification (such as with the Download.com screensaver issue), thus enabling them to remove those particular downloads. Also, I don't know about anybody else, but I take the reviews at Download.com with a grain of salt. There are too many variables, such as user competency levels, software conflicts, etc, to be able to determine how a certain software might act on your own particular system. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.

[the insider]

Can anybody tell me if ST has also kernel level protection like AVG anti spyware does ? ???

[Get]

-{ Quote: "WinPatrol was also running, and warned me about the change some 10-15 minutes later." }-

That's the default setting. You can set it as low as 1 minute in the free version. Real time in the paid version.

[KDNeese]

-{ Quote: "That's the default setting. You can set it as low as 1 minute in the free version. Real time in the paid version." }-

I have the paid version of Winpatrol and have it set to monitor real-time. Maybe it's just the peculiarities of my system, but Scotty has never popped up immediately after updating my hosts file - usually takes it a bit before notifying me. However, I still like the fact that WinPatrol can undo the changes made, which is an area where ST seems to be limited. Plus, WinPatrol was the first security app I ever used, and I've grown pretty fond of little Scotty - couldn't bear to part with him.

[Chuck57]

I've been using ST for the past several days. I found it at Snapfiles.com in their huge freeware section. I've also been running it with their Clamwin real time thing which, I think, makes Clamwin a real time protector rather than on demand. Not the best antivirus yet, I know, but for a safe surfer I think it's probably adequate - and getting better.

I trust Snapfiles, and don't think they feature a known spyware company in their lists. I'm impressed with ST so far. It found 4 bugs that Defender and a couple other programs I tried missed.

[Yannis]

I do like ST.:)
I made a Greek translation , and waiting Crawler for implementation.
It works fine along with Avast free, ArovaxShield 2.062, CounterSpy, SpyBot,
AVG free, SpywareBlaster.
My PC is P4 3GHz, Win XP home.
:thumb:

[KDNeese]

-{ Quote: "I'm impressed with ST so far. It found 4 bugs that Defender and a couple other programs I tried missed." }-

One thing I've noticed about ST as compared to some of the other apps is that it is really prone to false positives. I doubt that the other scanners "missed" the files that ST found. Rather, I would say that there is a greater chance ST is misdiagnosing them. I know ST has flagged many of my legitimate files as some kind of malware. Most of the malware scanners do that from time to time, but ST a little more often than most. The way I figure it, if NOD32, Ewido, a2, SAS Spybot S&D & Ad-Aware don't flag my files as bad (but ST does), I go for the majority opinion on that one. Anyway, just be careful with ST's findings, as you may end up deleting a critical file. I will say, however, that ST's resident protection is excellent, and takes up a heck of a lot less resources than CounterSpy (which I was using as a resident scanner before).

[Chuck57]

I find ST a great program. The only change I've made is to remove Clam AV and go back to my regular antivirus. Despite what I said in my other post, the Internet can be a dangerous place even for a very safe surfer, and I'd rather be safer than sorry.

[acr1965]

-{ Quote: "I've also been running it with their Clamwin real time thing which, I think, makes Clamwin a real time protector rather than on demand. QUOTE]

Do any other programs have ClamWin as a real-time scanner? One thing I noticed about ClamWin is that the system scans take forever. I think I had some viruses old enough to vote by the time the scan was complete.