Spybot Usage

[RonH]

As a 'learner' I seek advice about Spybot. Is it a difficult product to use, can you quit the scan if unsure ... questions like these.
I presently use Kaspersky Anti Virus, all the standard Vista HP Defender and Firewall stuff, SpywareBlaster and just recently CCleaner is 'being learnt'.
The bottom line is that I don't want some 'testing software' causing problems but I don't want spystuff on my pc! Maybe these two wishes are incompatible opposites!
Ron

[viking33]

[quote name='RonH' post='766869' date='23-Mar-2009 14:42'][/quote]

Ron,
I no longer use Spybot but it WAS one of the number one Spyware\malware detectors for quite some time. I think it has fallen into SOME disfavor recently, for slow operation or use. It was not because of any detection problems, that I know of. BTW, ( you could stop the scan, if you wished )

I presently use MalwareBytes which I have found to be safe and accurate. It's also freeware and you can get a copy at: MALWAREBYTES

As always, you should use these three type of progs or a SUITE containing the big 3.
Anti-Virus
Firewall
Anti-Malware

Many personal favorites abound, so what I would recommend, may or may not be the same as the next Lounger or User.

[Argus]

[quote name='RonH' post='766869' date='23-Mar-2009 19:42']As a 'learner' I seek advice about Spybot. Is it a difficult product to use, can you quit the scan if unsure ... questions like these.[/quote]
As Bob said, you can stop the scanning. I think the program is easy to use; it has two "modes" - Default and Advanced. Nothing complicated in advanced; you get some extra tools and discover that there is a bunch of settings to tweak IF one wants, most related to appearance, log file behaviour, backups etc. so not too complicated.

I use it at the moment, together with some other, among them Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, the one Bob mentioned.

I have said earlier that comparing scan times are most of the time useless or complicated, since so much can differ between peoples' PCs.

The size of the scanned data
The mix of the data (some files are scanned some are not)
Hardware
Programs running
Has someone tweaked settings to exclude something.

But of course one can get some general ideas (let's say Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware in quick scan takes "some minutes").

From my experience, Spybot S & D is now quicker in version 1.6 and the latest 1.6.2. But I don't scan for usage tracks (it's possible to disable that in the advanced settings).

And lastly, I have not used this program to remove malware - so I don't know how it works under such conditions. The program is easy to update.

[DocWatson]

[quote name='RonH' post='766869' date='23-Mar-2009 14:42']As a 'learner' I seek advice about Spybot. Is it a difficult product to use, can you quit the scan if unsure ... questions like these.
I presently use Kaspersky Anti Virus, all the standard Vista HP Defender and Firewall stuff, SpywareBlaster and just recently CCleaner is 'being learnt'.
The bottom line is that I don't want some 'testing software' causing problems but I don't want spystuff on my pc! Maybe these two wishes are incompatible opposites!
Ron[/quote]

Although it's a little old (2004) there's a good tutorial with screenshots here. HTH

[RonH]

Thanks for all your replies. I have also checked with my AV supplier and they recommended Malwarebytes.
Reckon that's the one I will have a crack at.
Ron

Downloaded Malware freebee, ran it and NO infections ... having a great day!