questions about antispyware apps

Discussion in 'malware problems & news' started by BobLewiston, Mar 9, 2010.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. BobLewiston

    BobLewiston Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2010
    Posts:
    13
    I have some questions about antispyware apps:

    1. I know you're not supposed to run 2 antivirus apps at once, but that you CAN run 2 scanner-only antispyware apps at once. But should you not run 2 real-time-protection antispyware apps at once?

    2. Other than the fact that spyware "spies", just what is the difference between a virus and a spyware app? In other words, why can you run one antivirus app at the same time as a real-time-protection antispyware app?

    3. Do all antispyware that offer real-time protection constantly run in the background to prevent the installation of malware, whenever an attempt is made to open a file or launch an application? Do they all also offer manual and/or scheduled system scans?

    4. Does Comodo AntiVirus + Firewall include antispyware functionality?

    5. Does Spyware Terminator include antivirus functionality?
     
  2. krisgeek

    krisgeek Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2010
    Posts:
    20
    Hi Bob, i will try to answer your questions

    1. True, you should not run 2 antivirus apps at once, and i would recommend running only 1 spyware scanner, coz if 2 spyware apps try to access the same spyware it might cause some conflict.

    2. Both are malicious programs that can wreck your PC.
    Well, putting it short,
    A virus is a program that can crash your computer completely.
    A spyware/trojan is something that feeds delicate stuff, like personal info from your pc to the hacker's pc, in some worst cases spyware can crash your PC too.

    Read this: http://www.microsoft.com/hk/protect/computer/basics/difference.mspx

    3.Most realtime spyware apps run in the background to prevent spyware, that is the whole point in being called "realtime protection". And yes again,most of spyware apps offer on demand scanning.

    For free realtime protection, visit the link included in my comment

    4. Comodo Internet security offers antivirus+firewall. The new version is actually quite good, has Sandbox too (running programs in an isolated environment)

    5. Spyware terminator has a feature to merge Clamwin AV (normally, an on-demand scanner) to function as realtime AV.

    Anything else i can help you with?

    BTW i think you better take a look at this thread

    Ako's best free security list in the world: (true to its name, the best)

    https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=249469
     
  3. Fly

    Fly Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2007
    Posts:
    2,201
    1, 2 and 3. Maybe you can, but you shouldn't. A good suite or AV is able to handle spyware. I recommend running not more than one real-time security program. More is not better.
    Viruses, trojans, rootkits, spyware and adware have blended into 'malware'.

    A good but long read: https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=252253
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.