06-28-2006, 07:55 AM
`Echo Wrote:I'd like to note on this:
1. NEVER download free virus scanners, go to a store, buy them.
2. Some malware WILL USE YOUR SCANNERS AGAINST YOU. I really couldn't explain it in simple terms, but just realize this.
3. Use your head. Like I'm sure Divine states don't run things you don't know from a trusted site. Don't scan something from www.microsoft.com but from www.thisisntahack.com you'd want to steer clear from.
4. Lastly, as long as you use your head you'll be safe.
Your #1 is total bull. There are five or six free scanners that are the best on the market, Avast, Antivir, AVG... they beat the hell out of nearly any paid antivirus except maybe Kasperksy and McAfee.
And spyware scanners the market is almost dominated by free scanners, Adaware, Spybot, Windows Defender (originally named Windows AntiSpyware)... The best and only real good paid spyware scanner is Webroot Spysweeper.
There are rouge (bad) antivirus and antispyware scanners though, I see that stopsign scan advertised on TV and it puts more things onto your computer then it takes off laugh:
For a site that listes bad antispyware programs, see this page
A good online virus scanner is Kaspersky Online Scanner or Trendmicro Housecall.
2-4 are all good tips
One thing you should mention is keep your windows update up to date. Security updates for Windows\IE, service pack 2 for Windows XP, etc are all very important to keep you safe from hackers