Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus

JamesJ;1147524 Wrote:
> I'm currently using AVG free.
> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
>
> Thanks,
> James
It's certainly not a bad idea, I think you would be wise to install
'SUPERAntiSpyware ' (http://www.superantispyware.com/)and run a malware
scan every two or three weeks. SUPERAntiSpyware is pretty universally
well thought of and quite thorough.

This with AVG and you're pretty well set keeping your computer clean.


--
Brian the King

Vista comes with Defender.


--
Windows 7 RC
http://get.live.com/wlmail/overview
http://download.live.com/wlmail

"JamesJ" <jjy_darwin DeleteThis @roadrunner.com> wrote in message
news:ONJrVYIQKHA.5032@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I'm currently using AVG free.
> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
>
> Thanks,
> James

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:43:32 -0400, "Dave" <Dave DeleteThis @beepbeepbeepbeep.com>
wrote:

> Vista comes with Defender.


Yes, and Defender is an anti-spyware program.

However Defender is not one of the best anti-spyware programs and
although I don't object to running it, if it is the only anti-spyware
program used, you are *not* adequately protected.



> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin DeleteThis @roadrunner.com> wrote in message
> news:ONJrVYIQKHA.5032@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> > I'm currently using AVG free.
> > Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > James

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

"JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.RemoveThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
news:ONJrVYIQKHA.5032@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I'm currently using AVG free.
> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
Yes. http://www.antimalware-software.com/

If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
should.
My next question I think you answered.
Is Malware and Spyware the same?

James

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake RemoveThis @this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
> <jjy_darwin RemoveThis @roadrunner.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm currently using AVG free.
>
>
> OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
> choice.
>
>
>> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
>
>
> Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
> Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
> software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
> etc.
>
> Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
> anti-*spyware* program.
>
> The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
> since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
> underprotected.
>
> The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
> SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
> recommend getting and running both.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
<jjy_darwin.TakeThisOut@roadrunner.com> wrote:

> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?


No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
about.

There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
both viruses and spyware.


> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
> should.
> My next question I think you answered.
> Is Malware and Spyware the same?


No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."

That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
another kind of malware.




> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.TakeThisOut@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
> > <jjy_darwin.TakeThisOut@roadrunner.com> wrote:
> >
> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
> >
> >
> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
> > choice.
> >
> >
> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
> >
> >
> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
> > etc.
> >
> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
> > anti-*spyware* program.
> >
> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
> > underprotected.
> >
> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
> > recommend getting and running both.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

"JamesJ" <jjy_darwin DeleteThis @roadrunner.com> wrote in message
news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?

Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.

> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
> should.
> My next question I think you answered.
> Is Malware and Spyware the same?

Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
*all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types
of malicious software (viruses included).

An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.

You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
antimalware in the current circumstances.

I don't understand.
Does an antispyware program protect against malware?

James

"FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.DeleteThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
> news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
>
> Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
> tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
> conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
> applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
> will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
>
>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
>> should.
>> My next question I think you answered.
>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
>
> Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
> *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types of
> malicious software (viruses included).
>
> An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
> antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
>
> You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
> antimalware in the current circumstances.
>

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:42:10 -0400, "JamesJ"
<jjy_darwin RemoveThis @roadrunner.com> wrote:

> I don't understand.
> Does an antispyware program protect against malware?


An antispyware program protects against one type of malware--the kind
called spyware. Spyware, to say it one more time, is only *one* type
of malware.

Moreover, no antispyware program is anywhere near perfect. The
protection it offers you is only partial.


> "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
> news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> > "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin RemoveThis @roadrunner.com> wrote in message
> > news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
> >
> > Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
> > tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
> > conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
> > applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
> > will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
> >
> >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
> >> should.
> >> My next question I think you answered.
> >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
> >
> > Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
> > *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types of
> > malicious software (viruses included).
> >
> > An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
> > antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
> >
> > You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
> > antimalware in the current circumstances.
> >

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?

One more quick question if you please.
If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
should
I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
should I wait for Vista to download and
install all updates which takes about and hour?

James

"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.RemoveThis@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
> <jjy_darwin.RemoveThis@roadrunner.com> wrote:
>
>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
>
>
> No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
> about.
>
> There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
> both viruses and spyware.
>
>
>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
>> should.
>> My next question I think you answered.
>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
>
>
> No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
> 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
> spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
>
> That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
> another kind of malware.
>
>
>
>
>> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.RemoveThis@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
>> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
>> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
>> > <jjy_darwin.RemoveThis@roadrunner.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
>> >
>> >
>> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
>> > choice.
>> >
>> >
>> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
>> >
>> >
>> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
>> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
>> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
>> > etc.
>> >
>> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
>> > anti-*spyware* program.
>> >
>> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
>> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
>> > underprotected.
>> >
>> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
>> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
>> > recommend getting and running both.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
>> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup

On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:15:16 -0400, "JamesJ"
<jjy_darwin.TakeThisOut@roadrunner.com> wrote:

> A program such as PcTools Spyware Doctor has antivirus and
> antiSpyware. Should that be adequate or must I install more software?


Should it be adequate? Yes.

Is it adequate? No!

To repeat the two points I made earlier:

1. Spyware Doctor is *not* one of the better such programs available.

2. No such program is anywhere near perfect, and no single program is
good enough.

You should run at least one excellent anti-virus program and at least
two excellent anti-spyware programs. You don't run any of these.




> One more quick question if you please.
> If I do a reinstall of Vista Basic and have Vista format my hard drive,
> should
> I install Anti-Virus/AntiSpyware as soon as I can after the install or
> should I wait for Vista to download and
> install all updates which takes about and hour?



It isn't necessarily critical which you do first, but it's safest to
install the anti-virus and anti-spyware software as soon as possible.



>
> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.TakeThisOut@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> news:e3m2c5h5afd7dvn4fdvc3k417v1erg0p4j@4ax.com...
> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:47:11 -0400, "JamesJ"
> > <jjy_darwin.TakeThisOut@roadrunner.com> wrote:
> >
> >> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
> >
> >
> > No. I would be very cautious about believing what anyone *boasts*
> > about.
> >
> > There are no programs I'm aware of that adequately protect you against
> > both viruses and spyware.
> >
> >
> >> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
> >> should.
> >> My next question I think you answered.
> >> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
> >
> >
> > No, as I tried to explain. To repeat. "Please be aware that the term
> > 'malware' is short for 'malicious software.' It includes viruses,
> > spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms, etc."
> >
> > That means that spyware is one kind of malware, just as a virus is
> > another kind of malware.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake.TakeThisOut@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote in message
> >> news:gae2c59688rmqi4h02moihesfic6o82bhm@4ax.com...
> >> > On Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:53:20 -0400, "JamesJ"
> >> > <jjy_darwin.TakeThisOut@roadrunner.com> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> I'm currently using AVG free.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > OK. Not terrible, but in my view the freeware Avast is a much better
> >> > choice.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >> Should I be utilizing an Anti-Malware program, also?
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Since a virus is a kind of malware, it *is* an anti-malware program.
> >> > Please be aware that the term "malware" is short for "malicious
> >> > software." It includes viruses, spyware, rootkits, trojans, worms,
> >> > etc.
> >> >
> >> > Undoubtedly what you mean to ask is should you also be running an
> >> > anti-*spyware* program.
> >> >
> >> > The answer is yes! Very definitely! Without running at least one (and
> >> > since none is perfect, much better is two or more) you are *very* much
> >> > underprotected.
> >> >
> >> > The two best anti-spyware programs are MalwareBytes AntiMalware and
> >> > SuperAntiSpyware, both available in freeware versions. I highly
> >> > recommend getting and running both.
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

It protects against spyware. Spyware is malware. Viruses are malware.

--
..
--
"JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.DeleteThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
news:umBmu2JQKHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>I don't understand.
> Does an antispyware program protect against malware?
>
> James
>
> "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
> news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.DeleteThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
>> news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover it?
>>
>> Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of antimalware
>> tools. You could add what others have suggested as long as there are no
>> conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit" detector may be
>> applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all of your other tools
>> will give you bad information completely missing the infestation.
>>
>>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what I
>>> should.
>>> My next question I think you answered.
>>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
>>
>> Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts consider
>> *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term for all types
>> of malicious software (viruses included).
>>
>> An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
>> antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral malware.
>>
>> You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably *want*
>> antimalware in the current circumstances.
>>

*Some* malware, yes. Some types of malware it doesn't even attempt to
detect. Same can be said of antiviruses although they are now striving
to be as comprehensive as possible. You need AV and some say it is not a
bad option to add more general antimalware (AM) detectors to your
toolbox.

"JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.RemoveThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
news:umBmu2JQKHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>I don't understand.
> Does an antispyware program protect against malware?
>
> James
>
> "FromTheRafters" <erratic @nomail.afraid.org> wrote in message
> news:OFEjfzJQKHA.5108@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> "JamesJ" <jjy_darwin.RemoveThis@roadrunner.com> wrote in message
>> news:%236weAYJQKHA.1360@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> If a program boasts Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware should that cover
>>> it?
>>
>> Sure, but it is a good idea to have access to a variety of
>> antimalware tools. You could add what others have suggested as long
>> as there are no conflicts. I would add that occasionally a "rootkit"
>> detector may be applied. If you have a certain type of rootkit, all
>> of your other tools will give you bad information completely missing
>> the infestation.
>>
>>> I'm not concerned about paying for protection as long as I get what
>>> I should.
>>> My next question I think you answered.
>>> Is Malware and Spyware the same?
>>
>> Some spyware is malware, some adware is malware, most experts
>> consider *all* viruses to be malware. Malware is the umbrella term
>> for all types of malicious software (viruses included).
>>
>> An antimalware program does not necessarily work against viruses. An
>> antivirus program does not necessarily work against non-viral
>> malware.
>>
>> You *need* antivirus (for old school reasons), but you probably
>> *want* antimalware in the current circumstances.
>>