Ewido: worth paying for the resident scanner?

[AShaR]

Hi all,

I have been using Ewido but as it was the free version, my resident scanner is now no longer functioning. I have been advised by McAfee that no additional AT is necessary as they have very strong detection of trojans but they all say that don't they? ;)

Anyway, I wouldn't dream of not having an active protection when it comes to AV, now am starting to think that trojans deserve the same respect. These days trojans seem to be every bit as much a threat as viruses, at least to the layman. Ok, I have McAfee 8 doing a great job against virus infection and probably a reasonable defence against most trojans too. Just looking for some advice; would the learned here consider it worth paying for a dedicated AT as well? I can read up on other threads about the relative merits of which software has what strengths. Boclean and Ewido seem to be the best bet for a non-techie, only question I have is whether Boclean updates automatically and regularly like Ewido does? I like to set and forget rather than download manually if I can help it. I can be away from the pc for long periods at a time and it's a permanent connection.

[,.-]

The real good thing is the MEMORY scanner. That's why you should consider the full version.

[Trout]

You can never go wrong with layered protection IMHO. Boclean or Ewido would make a fine addition to your setup. Boclean does update automatically and regularly.

Hope this helps..... ;D

[rdsu]

Hi AShaR,

McAfee have an excellent detection rate, but ewido also have it against Trojans and another Malware...
The new incoming version will be very good, and if you like the trial I highly advice you to buy it :)

Regards

[Mongol]

Trojanhunter is also worth looking into. It also has automatic updates and they have a 30 day trial you can take for a spin. You get free updates and upgrades with purchase. I confess that I went with Ewido but came soooo close to going with Trojanhunter, any of the three mentioned here would be an excellant choice. ;D

[JerryM]

I did not feel that a free AT provided all the real time protection that I wanted. Don't ask me to justify that, it just is.
Accordingly, I considered several and finally went with Ewido. I am well pleased with it, and it does not conflict with anything else on my system.

However, on my old computer which I intend to dispose of soon, I downloaded a trial of Trojan Hunter. I like it equally well. Since it is a trial version it does not update except manually from their site. It takes a relatively long time to download the module from there. I assume that the paid version will automatically download updates and do it without causing interruptions.

Assuming I am correct regarding the auto downloads of updates, I like both TH and Ewido equally well. I guess I would let price be the difference.

One could not go wrong with either, and will like whichever one he decides upon.

Jerry

[richrf]

Ever since I switched to KAV 4.5 and ProcessGuard, none of the ATs (including TFS-3) have detected any malware. So I would opt for PG before any AT addition to McAfee. RegDefend is another product I consider essential.

Of the four ATs, (TH, Ewido, TDS-3, and BOCLean), Ewido has found some tracking cookies, during on-demand scans, that were not uncovered by Ad-aware, Spybot, or any of the other programs I have run. I personally feel that TDS-3 has the most in-depth solution, but I only use it on-demand since it conflicts with many other programs. Sometimes I run Ewido in real-time (as I am now) and sometimes BOClean. Since I have both, I see if either finds something the other misses - but so far no. So Ewido has a minor (but I feel somewhat significan advantage) in its on-demand capabilities. Otherwise, it would be a tough call. Both update very regularly, both use about the same amount of CPU (though there is some discussion about BOClean running alongside PG), and both have decent support (buy BOClean directly from NSClean to be assured of timely updates).

So if you get stuck - flip a coin. It is essentially that close.

Rich

[AShaR]

Thanks all, seems that most of you regard a full blown AT as essential apart from rich who reckons PG is more important. I will look into that too, but I don't have an unlimited budget so will need to choose either the AT or Processguard and right now the general advice given to the rank and file is to have a decent AV and AT. Of these, Ewido and Boclean are getting the best current reviews with TH up there as well. I am inclined to go with Ewido if only because I know it won't clash with McAfee which is not great at sitting alongside other programmes.

Anyway, seems like not many here would recommend AV protection alone so thanks for the advice.

[sinbad370]

I had asked a similar question on this forum not to long ago. Everyone was a great help here (thank You). I couldn't decide between BOClean or Ewido; for I own both of them, but I decided to run with Ewido as my resident scanner.
I went with Ewido because I view BOClean and Ewido as equals for resident scanning abilities but Ewido has a an on demand scanner. Also, keep in mind that Ewido has yearly Sig subscription :( and BOClean is liftime. ;D If money is an issue, than you may need to take subscription fees into account.

[AShaR]

sinbad, another thing to take into consideration is Boclean can be used on more than one pc, something which makes it very attractive to me as I have a family pc as well. The fact there is no on demand scanner isn't an issue as ewido free can do that ;)

Only issue which puts me off slightly is it didn't get a great review here:

http://www.anti-trojan-software-reviews.com/

wrt rich's comment that Processguard is a must this is what they had to say about Ewido on that issue :

-{ Quote: "The kernel level monitor is very well protected from attack by hostile trojans. We tried all nine techniques available from the DCS Advanced Process Termination utility and none worked. Even if you shut down the monitor from within the Ewido control panel, a reboot is required to actually remove the monitor." }-

[,.-]

Not 100% correct, see the boclean Eula:

-{ Quote: "Value based, or feature based version releases will be offered in the future at half the regular price to our customers." }-

[AShaR]

Just reading through some other threads and came across these very helpful comments:

-{ Quote: "McAfee by itself gives very good virus and trojan detection. Therefore, unless your wife's partner is a high-risk surfer, this AV by itself should be sufficient.

If you definitely need extra trojan protection, save your dollars and use the free Ewido as a back-up on-demand scanner. This will also solve the greater resource hit by Ewido's running Guard.

Overall, nothing against BOClean as I am a very satisfied user, but in your case there may be other options to consider." }-

and also:

-{ Quote: "I agree with Blackcat. McAfee is a VERY good virus remover (slightly better than Kaspersky) and good trojan killer (but cannot come close to Kaspersky). BOClean will help in fortifying your defenses, but McAfee has caught every Trojan I've thrown at it till date, so I feel BOClean is unnecessary." }-

Some useful advice there for anybody in a similar position to me I guess. looks like I'm pretty well protected by McAfee but if money wasn't an issue I would probably opt for a dedicated AT as well. Still in two minds after reading that. LOL.

Thanks though, very useful advice and I'm still reading up other threads as well.

[sinbad370]

-{ Quote: "sinbad, another thing to take into consideration is Boclean can be used on more than one pc, something which makes it very attractive to me as I have a family pc as well. The fact there is no on demand scanner isn't an issue as ewido free can do that ;)

Only issue which puts me off slightly is it didn't get a great review here:

http://www.anti-trojan-software-reviews.com/

wrt rich's comment that Processguard is a must this is what they had to say about Ewido on that issue :" }-

Even though I am using Ewido, I would suggest that you might give BOClean serious consideration. Since money is a concern (as it is with most people), The value added for your situation might tip towards BOClean.

1 - 1/2 price for major Upgrades. I.E> BOClean 5.0. This I think is fair and not a bad thing. Kevin needs to eat, too. ;)
2 - No annual sig fee.
3 - As you stated BOClean is allowed on more than one home computer. Big plus.
4 - I have read that Version 5 is supposed to have an on demand scanner.Can anyone tell me if this is true?

I find that most of the major AT programs are very good. One that also doesn't charge annual sig updates is Trojan Hunter. I don't know what their policy is on major upgrades such as 4.2 to ver 5.0.

As far as the review you are referring to, they mainly don't like the fact that BOClean doesn't have an on demand scanner. I believe that is supposed to be out for version 5. As far as being able to shut it down, that was based (I think) on version 4.11 not version 4.12.

Ken

[AShaR]

Ken,

I am leaning towards BOclean now. The intial purchase of 2 Ewido licenses would only work out at a difference of about £8 (I'm in the UK) but the yearly sig fees would be costly on two pc's.

As you have mentioned, BOclean not having an on-demand scanner is not really a handicap as Ewido provide a very good free scanner. Both seem to be high quality ATs and with all my current problems with the kids pc (you can see my various threads all across the boards LOL) I think it might be worth investing in BOclean to safeguard two pc's. Thanks for your time!

[Don Pelotas]

AShaR, whether you buy Ewido or BOClean, rest assured that you will have good extra layer in your protection (i own & like both). The on-demand scanner should not be what decide's it for you, the real-time monitor is by far more important. :)

To Ken: Yes, BOClean 5 (or Anti-Malwarekit, i believe it will be called) wil have an on-demand scanner.

[AShaR]

Don,

If it weren't for the cost issue I would probably go for Ewido which I like very much, but when I have to double the costs for two pc's then BOclean seems very attractive with it's option to install on up to 4 machines at the same price. That's a great offer for a top notch AT :)

[Don Pelotas]

-{ Quote: "Don,

If it weren't for the cost issue I would probably go for Ewido which I like very much, but when I have to double the costs for two pc's then BOclean seems very attractive with it's option to install on up to 4 machines at the same price. That's a great offer for a top notch AT :)" }-
It sure is a good offer, i'm somewhat surprised that other vendors does not have something similar to offer. :)

[tazdevl]

-{ Quote: "Yes, BOClean 5 (or Anti-Malwarekit, i believe it will be called) wil have an on-demand scanner." }-

Ah but we have yet to see BOClean 5. It's been talked about since late 2003, yet haven't heard anything about it since.

I have licenses for both. However, I'm using BOClean as my resident AT, has a much lesser impact on my system than Ewido.

[AShaR]

One more question which might seem a bit dumb but I'd like it cleared up anyway before I go ahead and purchase BOClean. On the website there's an option to purchase a download or a CD. The download is the cheaper and quicker option but will there be complications for downloading to 2 different PCs? I ask because on the purchase page it says

-{ Quote: "Protect your purchase with our Extended Download Service! For only $4.99, we'll keep a back-up copy of your digital file should you need to re-download it for any reason. " }-

Is this extended download necessary to put it on two computers or just extra insurance? Anyone have any idea?

Thanks.

[sinbad370]

I have the extended download. You don't really need that though. You can simply download BOClean and burn it to disk. That way you have a backup, plus you can then install it on your other computer. When BOClean does an update such as from 4.11 to 4.12, you send Kevin an email for the upgrade. He will than email it to you. With the extended download, you can simply download the upgrade - with the proper password and name of corse.

No - you don't need extended.

[AShaR]

Thanks sinbad, but I have a problem copying files to disk unless I use Nero. If the download to disk fails will I still be able to make two seperate downloads two the different pc's directly?

I assume the password and user name would be sufficient?

[sinbad370]

I think the only download option gives you only a certain amount of time to complete your download;and the extended download is much longer period of time. I used my extended download up to a year after I purchased BOClean. To be on the safe side, you can email BOClean to be certain. They are very good at responding to email. I still would recomend burning a backup. You can us Nero to burn a copy.

With the extended service, you can download it to two seperate computers. Remember to save all you email . They will have you access password and user name on them.

[tazdevl]

As previously stated, extended isn't worth it. You can download from the link included in the email for a week I think.

Just download the app, save it to your desktop, install it and burn it to a CD later.

[AShaR]

Ok thank you both, that's cleared everything up I will go ahead and purchase.

Final rationale for going with BOClean: It is highly recommended here and seems to be up there with Trojan Hunter, TDS-3, and Ewido performance-wise. Although McAfee means my own pc is fairly safe, I am running Avast! Free on my kids pc which is where most of the problems occur. Ewido and others are wonderful programmes but BOClean is the only cost-effective method for me to run a high quality AT realtime on both pc's. When you start doubling up the cost of every security programme it mounts up. BOClean deserves credit for offering us suffering parents a cheaper option!

[Blackcat]

-{ Quote: "Thanks sinbad, but I have a problem copying files to disk unless I use Nero. If the download to disk fails will I still be able to make two seperate downloads two the different pc's directly? " }-
Simply COPY to floppy or FlashDrive and then use this to transfer to your second machine.

But even with BOClean it may still be worthwhile using the free Ewido as an on-demand AT file scanner ;)

[AShaR]

-{ Quote: "Simply COPY to floppy or FlashDrive and then use this to transfer to your second machine.

But even with BOClean it may still be worthwhile using the free Ewido as an on-demand AT file scanner ;)" }-

Well that's the beauty of it. I have Ewido's on demand scanner installed on both pc's anyhow and they update automatically very nicely ;)

I am just looking through the Processguard forum right now though and there seems to be a dispute as to how well BOClean/PG runs with other programmes wrt CPU usage. I am wary about conflicts with other running processes so will hold off making a decision just yet. Ewido works fine with other programmes but I don't want to pay for the privelege twice every year. Against that, BOClean's cost efficiency will only be worthwhile if there are no conflicts.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=68888&page=2

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "Ewido works fine with other programmes but I don't want to pay for the privelege twice every year." }-You don't have to pay once or twice a year IIRC. I've read it somewhere here, but can't find the topic.:-\
You only have to pay for a new version = 3.0 to 4.0. Signatures are included in your version or am I wrong.
I also bought Ewido, because it plays nicely on my system and it gives me extra protection.;)

Edit: I must have been dreaming I think ;D
-{ Quote: "Purchase includes: Signature and software update subscription for 1 year
http://www.ewido.net/images/trans.gif
With the purchase of the ewido security suite 3.0 you get (starting with the first update of your software) all signature and software updates provided free of charge for one year, including all new available program features and versions of the software." }-

but I don't mind paying once a year for it, same as my antivirus, anti-spyware and so on. It updates daily without any problem at all. :)

[sinbad370]

-{ Quote: "You don't have to pay once or twice a year IIRC. I've read it somewhere here, but can't find the topic.:-\
You only have to pay for a new version = 3.0 to 4.0. Signatures are included in your version or am I wrong.
I also bought Ewido, because it plays nicely on my system and it gives me extra protection.;)" }-

The Ewido Interface on the lower right hand side shows the yearly license experation date.

I agree it is a very good program.

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "The Ewido Interface on the lower right hand side shows the yearly license experation date." }-??? Where do I find that?
-{ Quote: "I agree it is a very good program." }- Indeed it is.;)

[sinbad370]

I don't see it on yours. I just did a double check on mine and it is right below limitations none. Im not sure how to include an image or i would to give you a view of it.

[peter.ewido]

It depends on when you bought the software and what license model was current back then ;)

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: " Im not sure how to include an image or i would to give you a view of it." }- Thanks for verifying. Have a look at this topic (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=63957) to know how to include an image.
-{ Quote: "It depends on when you bought the software and what license model was current back then ;)" }-Oh, that explains it. I've been looking all over to find it.;D
Thanks for letting me & others know. ;)

[sinbad370]

thanks lets see if this works.

[Eldar]

-{ Quote: "thanks lets see if this works." }-You're welcome. ;)
Congratulations, I can see your expiration date now, but not on mine. fish25 explained why. :)

[AShaR]

There are a couple of issues I still need resolved regarding BOClean but I am going to open another thread as I think it is possibly getting away from where this one started out. Thanks everyone.

[RAV]

Consider TrojanHunter since it offers a resident guard and a scanner, has great support, and upgrades plus the rules (signatures) are free. The guard is also light on resourses and the program is very easy to use. The latest version also autoupdates its ruleset on a given time each day or you can update on demand. I run this on 2 PCs (I do have a 2 user license) and have never had any problems.

http://www.trojanhunter.com/

[AShaR]

-{ Quote: "Consider TrojanHunter since it offers a resident guard and a scanner, has great support, and upgrades plus the rules (signatures) are free. The guard is also light on resourses and the program is very easy to use. The latest version also autoupdates its ruleset on a given time each day or you can update on demand. I run this on 2 PCs (I do have a 2 user license) and have never had any problems.

http://www.trojanhunter.com/" }-

That looks very interesting in that there are no yearly subscriptions at least at the moment. i would prefer to pay one fixed fee than a yearly fee if possible. How much is a 2 user license, I couldn't find any information on the site?

EDIT: it's ok I found it $89 which is steep but would be worth considering if it was for the lifetime of the product or at least guaranteed for more than one year. I will probably give it a trial though, in that time there should be more information on software upgrades on most other programmes as well.

[RAV]

I have been using TH for a few years now and it has been upgraded for free several times and the rules are updated often as well. While they won't guarantee that they will never charge for upgrades/updates in the future, I have been using the program for a few years now and I am quite pleased with my purchase. Support on their forum is also very good and I wouldn't be afraid to buy from them.

[AShaR]

I have downloaded a trial version of TH on my family pc and am about to run a first scan now. I don't expect it will turn up much as I ran an Ewido scan a week or so ago and it's mostly tracking cookis that turn up. Still, should get a look and feel of the programme which is always helpful.

[AShaR]

Just thought I'd let you all know that I decided to go with Ewido after all. I got a very good deal which didn't cost me much at all and for the price it was worth taking a license on both computers. Even so it was a tough choice. At the advertised prices I would definitely have gone for BOClean which in all honesty might have been designed for people in my position. A realtime scanner for use on multiple machines with no yearly licenses. I would have no hesitation in going with BOClean in a year's time. Bottom line is there are 3 or 4 very highly rated AT's out there and you wouldn't go far wrong with any of them budget permitting.

[sinbad370]

Either way( BOClean,Ewido,A2,TH,TDS3) you win. They are all outstanding products.
Good hunting ;)
Ken

[AShaR]

-{ Quote: "Either way( BOClean,Ewido,A2,TH,TDS3) you win. They are all outstanding products.
Good hunting ;)
Ken" }-

Yes they all have their strengths. I was very happy to go with BOClean as well but future plans are all quite vague and I didn't get a mail replied which was sent a few days ago. Ewido replied very fast and I like the direction they are headed. I got a good deal and in a year's time I am sure I will be able to re-evaluate when all these AT vendors will probably have the next generation on the market :)

TH and TDS-3 were all given serious consideration as well and if I had to buy a single license I would have given them even more serious consideration, but the two license option is just a bit out of my range at the moment.