Spyware Blockers

Sparrow

Council Member
Nov 12, 2006
1,202
23
38
Quebec
I am working with Windows Professional XP which has a Firewall. I also have Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. I also had a spyware blocker but it has been cancelled.

What I liked about my spyware blocker is that it ran continuously and often asked permission to allow downloads and certain updates. My Ad-Aware and Spybot don't do this! I have searched for other blockers and so far the one that seems no bad is Spyware Doctor.

Do you think that with XP Firewall that I need a spyware blocker? If yes do you have any suggestions.
I do not believe in paying for this when there are so many free ones but I am stumped with which one to chose.

Thank you for you help.
Sparrow
 

snowles

Electoral Member
May 21, 2006
324
16
18
Atikokan, Ontario
I am working with Windows Professional XP which has a Firewall. I also have Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. I also had a spyware blocker but it has been cancelled.

What I liked about my spyware blocker is that it ran continuously and often asked permission to allow downloads and certain updates. My Ad-Aware and Spybot don't do this! I have searched for other blockers and so far the one that seems no bad is Spyware Doctor.

Do you think that with XP Firewall that I need a spyware blocker? If yes do you have any suggestions.
I do not believe in paying for this when there are so many free ones but I am stumped with which one to chose.

Thank you for you help.
Sparrow

The best free configuration (IMO) would be: Windows Firewall turned off, download ZoneAlarm Firewall basic (free download from their website), AVG anti-virus, and keep Ad-Aware and Spybot installed, running scans once a week.
 

Dexter Sinister

Unspecified Specialist
Oct 1, 2004
10,168
536
113
Regina, SK
Yep, I'll second snowles' recommendation, with the additional proviso that you make sure to keep Ad-Aware and Spybot up to date. Windows' Firewall isn't very good, and Spyware Doctor, while it's relatively inexpensive and works well, is a HOG on anything but a very high performance system.
 

DurkaDurka

Internet Lawyer
Mar 15, 2006
10,385
129
63
Toronto
I personally don't use any anti-spyware software. I find people who have spyware infested pc's, generally are reckless in what they install/view/download.

One excellent way to avoid spyware is not to use Internet Explorer. Install Mozilla Firefox with script blocker & ad blocker and you are one step ahead. I also agree with Snowles and Dexter's recommendation in regards to firewalls, the Windows Fireall only monitors incoming packets... zone alarm is a much better choice.
 

lysyfacet

Life is good!
Apr 12, 2007
258
5
18
Brampton, ON
MS Windows Defender works pretty good. I use that and Kaspersky Anti-virus, and my computer is clean :). Also i have xoftspy which i run once a month, also a very handy tool to have.
 

scratch

Senate Member
May 20, 2008
5,658
22
38
I am working with Windows Professional XP which has a Firewall. I also have Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. I also had a spyware blocker but it has been cancelled.

What I liked about my spyware blocker is that it ran continuously and often asked permission to allow downloads and certain updates. My Ad-Aware and Spybot don't do this! I have searched for other blockers and so far the one that seems no bad is Spyware Doctor.

Do you think that with XP Firewall that I need a spyware blocker? If yes do you have any suggestions.
I do not believe in paying for this when there are so many free ones but I am stumped with which one to chose.

Thank you for you help.
Sparrow

Go with Firefox.