Anti Spyware Review

After going through antivirus review, now I’m going through anti spyware review. Please be noted that all this review are my own personal review and not associated with any sponsorship and endorsement. I’ve been tested this software through optimum requirement and against proper threats. So, here I list a few chosen software. Check it out.

1.   1. Windows Defender

Though it’s not my first choice of anti spyware software, I still rank it as the best. There’s a lot of reason to support this. Firstly, it’s really light on system. I can sure you it don’t waste your resources. Real time protection also sensitive and the detection rate are good enough. I have tested this software as default software in Vista, and I can surely say, its better be used if you’re opt for layered protection. Cookies detection is smart enough, where good tracking cookies will be ignored while the bad one won’t have a chance. Scanner speed is good enough to be categorized as ‘fast’. The only problems are the updates. While the updates are quite slow, it also takes a few days for the new definitions to be available. But still, you can directly go to Windows site to manually download the updates definitions. For those who haven’t use it, give it a try, and you’ll see the thumbs up for it. Download are available via Microsoft Website for XP user (Windows Validation required), while for Vista it is pre-installed (unless you remove it).

Download Windows Defender

-Tested On Windows Vista Premium, Intel Celeron 2.5Ghz, 2GB RAM, 140GB HDD

2.   2. Malwarebytes Anti Malware

I will prefer this one compared to Windows Defender. Real time protections are very sensitive. And also, it is smart enough to deter which jobs are belonging to your antivirus and which job belongs to Malwarebytes. For example, I turned off my antivirus system and go to EICAR website for a test. Malwarebytes does not detect EICAR test file as a threat as it was specifically design for traditional antivirus. And when I go to SPYCAR test, Malwarebytes quickly detect the EICAR test file as dangerous threats; even it was just a dummy file. Got the job done here isn’t it? On default setting, it will automatically quarantine the threats. Optional removal options are available if you open the detection tabs. Resources usage are low, I don’t have any negative impact on my systems. Updates are fast and available several times a day. But the major problem was the scanning speed is really poor. Slow and sluggish, it takes me around 10 minutes to complete the quick scan, and 1 hour 22 minutes to complete the full scan. It really wasted your time to wait for the scan to be finished since it takes a long time. Another bad thing is the option doesn’t provide you with enough control over the software. Still, the real time protections and detection rates are the advantage of this software. It can also remove dangerous rogue spyware such as Antivirus 2009, Spysheriff and lots more. Interested? Download it and give it a try.

Download Malwarebytes Anti Malware


-Tested on Windows XP SP3, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD

3.   3. IObit Security 360 RC

I found this software quite useful as sidekick for your antivirus software. Detect any threats that your antivirus will missed, Security 360 really get the jobs done. I’ve tried this software alongside Kaspersky Anti Virus, and it really goes well along. Scanner speed is the best among all three. Updates are also very fast and available several times a day. Light on system, and real times also quite sensitive. What makes it better is, it’s also equipped with Security Hole Scanning, Hijacker Scanning and files management. But compared to Malwarebytes, the detection rates need to be improved where it does not detect certain threats as Malwarebytes do. Downloads are available below, its free for personal use and upgrade to pro version are available to unlock certain feature.

Download IObit Security 360 RC

-Tested on Windows XP SP3, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD

What Type Are You?

Everyone have their own method of protection to ensure maximum security on their PC. It depends on your choice, and most importantly, the impact on your system. You can’t just use any software without thinking on your system ability. Whatever it is, your PC must run smoothly in order to have efficient system.  Here, I list down my review about the level of protection that can be used on your PC.

1.   1.BASIC PROTECTION

With basic protection, you can just installed antivirus software on your PC, whether it’s a free version or the paid one. Recommended to all beginners who want basic level of protection against virus threat. The advantage of using this method are you can save your system resources and let your PC run smoothly. But, it can’t ensure you maximum level of protection against all kind of threats. So, just make sure that never forget to turn your default firewall if you go online. Vista user have more advantage by having Windows Defender (anti spyware) as default software, although XP user can also have it by downloading from Windows website. Whatever it is, SURF SAFELY and frequently scan your PC.

2.   2. INTERNET SECURITY

Internet security software is recommended to those who frequently use their internet for business transactions such as online banking, credit card, etc. It integrates antivirus/anti spyware, anti phishing, web scanner, and firewall to ensure complete protection against online threats. There are many good internet security software available in the market, so get one if you are in this category. I recommended Kaspersky Internet Security, McAfee Internet Security, Norton Internet Security and Panda Internet Security. Normally, it will give you basic protection on online threats. Do read the review of professional in helping your decisions.

3.    2.LAYERED PROTECTION.

If you think internet security is not strong enough for you, then you can mix & match your software to create ‘layered protection’ on your PC. By combining different software on your system, you can have more than enough protection than anyone can have. But I only recommended this kind of protection to advanced user, with high end specification of system. This kind of protection uses a lot of resources. So, make sure you have enough specs in order to avoid software conflict, memory dump, etc. Use only 1 antivirus (never use 2 antiviruses on 1 PC to avoid software conflict), 1 anti spyware, and 1 firewall. Quick example for these are-ESET NOD32+Malwarebytes+PC Tools Firewall Plus. A lot of software available, so make your choice wisely.

4.   3.DEEP FREEZE

I strongly do not recommend this to basic user. Just for information sharing, then I will discuss about it here. Deep Freeze is the software which will put your system back into its default state just after you installed Deep Freeze. You have to do clean Windows installation on your PC, installed a necessary software e.g. media player, office suite and any software you needed but not antivirus software. Then install Deep Freeze. Whenever you reboot your PC, it will directly ‘freeze’ back your PC to the state just after you installed Deep Freeze. Let say if your PC get infected by nasty viruses, worms, Trojans or anything, don’t worry. Just reboot your PC and let Deep Freeze do their magic. But the weakness is, you can’t save anything in the PC since it will be freeze back. Also, this kind of system only recommended to expert. They know what they do, so you don’t want to take your risk.

So, these are all my review about what kind of protection wills you have on your system. Despite of whatever protection type you use, never forget to update your system and SURF SAFELY.

Antivirus Software- My Personal Review & Choice

There's a lot of antivirus software in the market. Some goes for free, some paid for protection. Different vendor offer different type of protection, some which is unique from others, and some are the same. Here, I list out my personal review and choice of Free & Paid antivirus I ever try.

FREE ANTIVIRUS

1. avast! Home Edition 4.8 


 avast is an antivirus software from Czech Republic, which is developed by ALWIL Software. I received this antivirus from my friend, where his notebook was infected with a lot of Trojans & viruses. After using this software, his notebook are clean from infection. So, I decided to give myself a try. Okay, what is unique about avast is its ability to perform boot time scan. I can surely say this is the best way to perform full scan if your PC is infected. User interface are friendly & easy to use, although it looks like mp3 player to me. But, no worry. You can always change the skins via avast website. Protection level are good. It also offer real-time protection against threats. Anti Rootkit, Anti Spyware, P2P Protection, Web Shield also provided as default protection. What i like about this software is its anti spyware module and web shield. Its anti spyware are very good and effective, well, its good enough compare to other vendor. Also, web shield are very sensitive. It will block any malicious website. Well, best of all, its FREE. All you have to do is just register yourself with avast and obtain a license. But, this software also have its weakness. Scanning speed are slow. Also, the memory test take quite a time especially on low-specs PC. But, best of all, its my top choice on Free Antivirus. You can download it and give it a try.


Download avast Home


-Tested on Windows XP SP2, Intel Pentium Dual Core 1.8Ghz, 1GB RAM, 150GB HDD.

2. Avira AntiVir Personal 

Established in Tettnang, Germany, Avira is an antivirus company which always have high detection rate. When my brother bought a new notebook, his notebook was equipped with AntiVir free as complimentary software(wayback in 2007). So, i give myself a shot. Avira is very easy to use, with clear interface. Even a 9 year old rookie can use it instantly. It is equipped with anti-virus module, anti spyware+anti adware(only in recent version), anti dialer, anti rootkit, and anti-phishing. Now, what's cool about Avira is it don't consume a lot of memory. Also, the scanning speed are fast enough compare to avast. The detection rates are superb. The problem is, it doesn't give you much choice during detection. Also, its real-time function are not so sensitive compared to avast. Worst of all, it doesn't provide you with Web-Scanner. Well, still, it have good heuristic analysis and high detection rates. Its free for personal use, download it if you want to give it a try.


Download Avira AntiVir Personal


-Tested On Windows Vista Premium, Intel Celeron 2.5Ghz, 2GB RAM, 140GB HDD

3. AVG Free Antivirus


The most used free antivirus software in the world with more than 80 millions user, AVG hailed from Czech Republic. It offer anti virus/anti spyware module, real time protection, link scanner, and security toolbar. AVG always try to keep up with its nation rival, avast. Okay. My review? Easy to use. UI are the best among all three free antivirus software. Updates are fast, and it also don't consume a lot of memory. Scanner speed are okay to be deal with, and also the real time protection are quite sensitive. The only problem is, it cant fix certain virus. For example, i caught a Brontok virus and AVG cant do anything to fight it. Besides, after uninstall, it still left the registry traces behind. But, its worth to try. 


Download AVG Free 8.5


-Tested on Windows XP SP2, Intel Pentium Dual Core 1.8Ghz, 1GB RAM, 150GB HDD






COMMERCIAL ANTIVIRUS

1. KASPERSKY ANTI VIRUS 2010


Founded by Natalie Kaspersky & Eugene Kaspersky, Kaspersky Lab remain as the one of the best I.T security vendor.  This Russian company always give their best dedication in giving the best security software. I always admire Kaspersky product. They not only giving high detection rates, but also didn't run your system down. Kaspersky Anti Virus are equipped with anti virus/anti spyware, anti phishing, proactive protection, email scanner, game mode, rescue disk tool and virtual keyboard. It's really worth buying. Real time protection are very sensitive, scanning speed are very fast, memory usage are low and the web traffic protection are really sensitive. I take myself as an example, when i type a malicious website in a URL box, it warn the connection even before i press the ENTER key. Virtual keyboard are very useful against keylogging threat. Updates are really fast, with signature updates available every hour. Well, 30-day trial are available if you're interested. Try it.


Download Kaspersky Anti Virus 2010


-Tested on Windows XP SP3, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD

2. ESET NOD32 4.0
 Slovakian company ESET produced one of the best antivirus software, NOD32. Fast, secure and reliable, latest version of NOD32 offer rock-solid protection while maintaining low consumption of memory. Okay, what's good about this antivirus is, its really light on your system. I don't find any glitch in using it. Whether in scanning or in updates, it really efficient. Scanner speed are fast, updates are available several times a day, and also, detection rates are high. NOD32 also equipped with ThreatSense technology which act as heuristic analyzer in giving consumer "Zeo Day" attack. Real time protection are sensitive, and overall are good. Trial version are available for download.


Download ESET NOD32 4.0


-Tested on Windows XP SP3, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHZ, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD

3.Bitdefender Antivirus 2009
Another European based company, Bitdefender are parts of WINSOFT company based in Romania. I only tried 2009 version, although the latest are 2010. Bitdefender antivirus offer a good protection for PC user, with integrated antivirus/anti spyware, anti phishing, e-mail & web scanning, anti rootkit, and game mode.  Scanner speed are decent enough for me, while detection rates are good to be described as commercial antivirus. Virus removal are good, and also real time are quite sensitive. But what i don't prefer is, it drain my resources. And also, the updates are quite slow compared to others. But overall, its worth enough to be bought. Trial version for 2009 & 2010 are available for 30 days.


Download Bitdfender Antivirus 2009


Download Bitdefender Antivirus 2010


-Tested on Windows XP SP3, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHZ, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD


Well, that's all for now for my personal review. Next time, i will bring the review about the best Internet Security Suite software.

Basic PC Security Needs

The internet have become a very important medium of communication & education. There are currently approx 1.5 billion user of internet worldwide. Among all this 1,5 billion, not all are the good guys who share you a good things. To protect yourself against all these malicious stuff, you need to understand a few basic rules for your PC security. Here i post a few helpful tips for your information.

1. Firewall


When browsing the internet, i can surely say, firewall are the core component of your basic security stuff. Many people don't understand what firewall does for their system. Simply put, firewall are the front line of  your network. It stops most of malicious code & leaks before it reach you. Even though not all firewall carry this jobs perfectly, still, its a MUST have when you surf the internet. And also, different people have different choice. Some prefer Windows Firewall(default & easiest to use), some prefer PC Tools, some goes for Zone Alarm. But for me, if you have a firewall turned on, you're safe enough than those who don't. So, never forget your firewall turned on each time you surf the internet.

2. Anti-Virus

Nearly every pc user have this kind of software on their system, whether its free or commercial software. Whatever it is, antivirus software have become the most important things in determining basic PC security. Its not only protect your PC from network virus, but also from any malicious programs and virus that try to infect your PC from external source. For this, there's a lot of choices. Depending on user choice, antivirus software should be a 'must-have' component of your PC.

3. Anti-Spyware


For a complete protection, a good anti-virus should come with anti spyware module which helps to keep any spyware from hijacking your PC. Spyware can be quite bad & nasty though, in some cases it's severely damage your PC so badly. Installed it and have your PC protected. Depending on your choice, you can always have anti spyware module which  integrate along with your anti-virus software such as avast!, Avira, Kaspersky and Norton. Or you also can use standalone anti spyware beside your default anti virus such as Windows Defender, Spybot, Malwarebytes and so on. With this 3 software above are installed on your PC, the chances that you have a secure PC are ensured.

4. Update & Patches


After having all those 3 software above, it is meaningless to have it without latest updates.  To make your software work perfectly against any threats, you should constantly update it with latest definitions. Nowadays, cyber criminals and virus writer are getting smarter and to curb against them, you should provide yourself with latest update software.  Also, don’t ever forget your windows critical updates & patches. It is vital against any latest threats. There are cases where users need to have latest updates & patches from windows to fight against dangerous threat such as Conficker & Induc virus. So, have yourself updated and you’re ready to go.

5. Surf Safely-Don’t put yourself into trouble.

          The most important rules of all, SURF SAFELY. Don’t ever get yourself into trouble. Ensure that the websites you are surfing on are safe and trusted sites. You don’t want to get caught on phishing sites. So, it’s all depending with your surfing behavior. If you’re intend to visit malicious sites filled with untrusted content such as porno sites, sites with unclear content and have a lot of banner & pop-up, the chance that you might get into troubles are high. Also, don't forget to scan every external media that are inserted into your PC. You might not want those virus inside attaching into your system. So, surf safely, bear in mind that NO systems are perfect, and you’ll be safe.