McAfee AntiSpyware users reviews

- This program functions no better than the free lavasoft software, yet it costs money. Both programs found the same spyware programs. Furthermore, this program does not find winfixer or winantivirus, even though I can see them right there in my cookie file. When I delete them, this program doesn't stop them from coming back, even with maximum protection settings. It is not worth the $$.

- With room for improvement and McAfee's reputation for it's other products, I see only improvement and a hope for them.

Pros
+ Attractive user interface

Cons
- Annoying registration process
- Poor protection against spyware

Microsoft Windows Defender users reviews

1. -I'm not really sure if this program has as good detection capabilites as Ad-aware or Spybot SD...they both detected objects after scans, even though this one didn't...
Bottom line: get this program for the real time protection features and the virus detection, but also get Ad-aware and Spybot SD

2. Dont get me wrong..spyware needs to be dealt with and it is GOOD Microsoft is stepping up to the plate... It is fast at scanning your system.

3. I used MS ANTISPYWARE it was great...but this "new" version now handles things differntly. It now has 2 more running processes going on in your computer with high memory pulls! (even with the 'on time scanning' off). Also the updates are automatically with no way to do them manually (I hate automatic, calls- 'home' programs).

4. they got rid of a lot of extra features that were in the beta 1 that were useful to use. its to simple theres nothing but a scan button basically. theres no taskicon which i dont like cause i like have a reminder that its running. and even after u shut it down the process is still running.if u end its process in the task manager windows defender wont load, and then its useless. also there is no easy way to check for updates with out automatic updates on.

5. No icon in the taskbar for quick access

6. No icon anywhere really, had to go to program files and make a shortcut and paste it everywhere I wanted it.

7. It scans and prevents some spywere/adaware

8. Hidden user interface. (like the windows firewall)

9. Spyware definition updates can be downloaded through Windows Update.

Norton Internet Security 2006 AntiSpyware Edition

Norton Internet Security 2006 AntiSpyware Edition
# Detects and blocks spyware, viruses, and adware
# Automatically blocks intruders and identity thieves
# Automatically filters spam and dangerous phishing email
# Blocks Web sites you don’t want your children to visit
# Gives you control over all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic
# Automatically scans email and instant-message attachments and removes viruses, Trojan horses, and worms
# Includes Norton AntiVirus™, Norton™ Personal Firewall, Norton Privacy Control, Norton AntiSpam, and Norton Parental Control

System Requirements
Norton Internet Security 2006
Windows® XP Home/Professional Edition

* 300MHz or higher processor
* 256 MB of RAM
* 325 MB of hard disk space

Windows 2000 Pro with SP3 or higher

* 300MHz or higher processor
* 128 MB of RAM
* 325 MB of available hard disk space

Norton Internet Security 2005
Norton Internet Security 2005 for Windows Me & 98 users is included in the boxed product and available online.
Windows Me/98

* 150MHz or higher processor
* 128 MB of RAM
* 310 MB of available hard disk space

REQUIRED FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS

* DVD or CD drive
* Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 or later (6.0 recommended)

Email scanning supported for standard POP and SMTP-compatible email clients.
Supported instant messaging clients for Norton AntiVirus™:

* AOL® Instant Messenger 4.7 or higher
* Yahoo!® Instant Messenger 5.0 or higher
* MSN® Messenger 4.6, 4.7, 6.0, or higher (MSN 5.0 is not supported)
* Windows® Messenger 4.7 or higher

Private information blocking supports

* Standard POP3 and SMTP compatible email clients
* Standard Web browsers
* AOL Instant Messenger 4.3 or higher
* MSN Messenger 4.6, 4.7, 6.0 or higher (MSN 5.0 is not supported)
* Windows Messenger 4.7 or higher

Microsoft antispywere screenshot.

On this pic, you can see what Microsoft AntiSpyware scan summary looks like.

Gator spywere - Claria Corporation - from history

In July 2005, Microsoft Corporation came under fire when it revealed that their AntiSpyware product would no longer label Claria software as "spyware". News had surfaced that Microsoft was also contemplating the purchase of Claria, which many consumers felt to be a conflict of interest. [3] Other spyware reporting agencies, such as Computer Associates and Panda Software s TruPrevent Technologies, still label Claria products as both adware and spyware.

In March 2006, Claria claimed that it would be exiting the adware business and focusing on personalized search technology.

Spyware in gif wallpapers

Imagine this : You downloaded nice wallpaper and setup that wallpaper on you desktop. But you don't know man who made that wallpaper made it with spyware in it. You will say - LOL that's imposible. GIF, JPG or PNG files can't contain any spyware. Are you shore? Put yourself in situation when firs gif image was made. What would you say if someone said to you then that gif can be automatic? You wouldn't belive that, right?
There are some roumors, that kind of PNG spyware was already made. But who knows? So far, just be careful with active desktop.

What Is Spyware

What Is Spyware - An Overview Of Spy And Malware
by: Matt Garrett

Spyware is malicious software that can intercept and take control of your computer without your knowledge or consent. The presence of spyware in the computer of a person is a major threat to the privacy and productivity of a person. Spyware can get very easily installed to your computer without your knowledge. There are some software which can help you in fighting off the menace of spyware. Reading spyware reviews can help you in buying the best spyware remover available in the market. For, there are different types of spyware removers available in the market.

Spyware reviews contain all the features of the spyware remover. The reviews tell the customers about all the different features of the particular spyware remover. You can come to know about the effectiveness of the spyware remover. You can find the reviews from magazines, newspapers and different online sites. Reviews are reliable as they are written by people who have already used the product. Thus you can also come to know about the negative aspects of the software as well. The spyware reviews can help you in choosing to buy the remover which best suits your requirements.

Spyware is not the same as worms and virus found in the computers. Spyware is designed to exploit the infected computers for commercial gains by the makers. The typical tactic adopted by spyware is through the use of pop up advertisements, theft of personal information and also monitoring the web browsing activity of the user. The spyware which gets installed in your computer without your knowledge monitors your internet habit and this information is sent out to a third party who can use this for advertisement purpose.

Different types of spyware exist so it becomes very difficult to remove them from the infected computers. The most common form of spyware is adware. Adware works through sending one pop up ad after another pop up ad for different products and services while you are working online on your computer. The adware maker is thus able to collect your personal information and then starts bombarding you with spam and junk emails. This can at times become very frustrating to the user. In fact at times spam and junk emails outnumber the normal emails which you receive daily in your mail inbox.

There are some online companies that give its customers free trail of the spyware removers. You can read spyware reviews and find out about sites which provide its customers with such facilities. You can visit such sites and download the software and see for your self if it is effective for you or not. Such offers will help you in buying the spyware remover that will suit your requirements.

Always ensure that you go through different spyware reviews before you actually purchase the one. If you do not purchase the proper spy remover you could end up causing damage to your computer. Spyware reviews are the best sources to help you out in buying the best spyware remover.

About The Author

Matt Garrett, http://www.xoftspy.co.uk