Well, when I was using Norton, I would constantly get message that Windows Messenger had been trying to access stuff (luckily, Norton blocked it). Well, when I switched to AVG after my update subscription ran out, I realized that regular antivirus wouldn't take care of spyware. So, does anyone know of free antispyware utilities?

This post has been edited by microscopic^earthling: Oct 24 2005, 05:28 PM

Antivirus programs are used mainly to detect and removal viruses/trojans. They are not made to remove spyware even though some may remove spyware related files (due to the trojan-like behaviors of some spyware). Are you sure it wasn't Norton Firewall that blocked access? If you have Norton Firewall that may have blocked it.

I have a short list of free antispyware programs at my website.

I like Sypsweeper and AdAware together.
I have not yet come across a single program that handles all
or even 90% of all spyware by itself. Those 2 if installed on a
clean machine and run and updated regularly, will offer descent
protection.

ViriiGuy

I use Lavasoft's Ad-Aware together with Spybot S&D. Spybot has some nice protection features, and the two scans together keeps almost eveything out. I have also heard good things about JavaCool's Spyware Blaster, but I've never tried it. A good spyware program (or two), together with antivirus, firewall, Windows updates, and just general caution on the internet will keep you pretty safe.

I've tried a good number of anti-spyware programs, and my personal favourite is a small tool called Bazooka. Yes, it's not point-and-click like the other, higher-profile software but I have yet to see a spyware, adware, or trojan that it doesn't detect. The catch is that you have to eliminate the malware yourself. When Bazooka catches a malware on your system, it points you to its deletion instructions, which are detailed and organized so that anyone - not necessarily a techie - can do them.

The morale of this story is: if you want a comprehensive malware removal software, and if you're not intimidated by playing around your registry and doing things yourself, then go get Bazooka. But if you don't have the urge or the time, then by all means, install BOTH AdAware and SpySweeper. The emphasis here is on BOTH. You'll get exceptionally decent results.

Sorry for double-posting, but I forgot to include the URL of the Bazooka tool. Here it is...

http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/index.html

I wish a moderator could merge the two posts, and fix the hosting count. Sorry again for the inconvenience!

I prefer to get both Anti Spyware program like Ad-Aware and SpyBot because some spyware cannot be detected by Ad-Aware and only can be detected by SpyBot so is better to get both installed. Myself use both antispyware for my systems.

i would propose you Nod32 (fast and small) and adaware for antispyware

i use avg with spybot and adaware myself

Question

Well, when I was using Norton, I would constantly get message that Windows Messenger had been trying to access stuff (luckily, Norton blocked it). Well, when I switched to AVG after my update subscription ran out, I realized that regular antivirus wouldn't take care of spyware. So, does anyone know of free antispyware utilities?

Answer

GOOGLE IT!!
always go on google and search it
just type in antispyware and you will get beautiful results, some stupid but some beautiful!!
try it now!!