Lavasoft Adware SE

esperanza

I use lavasoft's adware SE freeware version for spyware/adware protection. One drawback is that it doesn't do automatic updates, which is quite frustrating. Should I upgrade to the paying version to get better protection? I use my computer for work purposes, so really do not need any potential risks from spyware and so on.

What would be the next best FREE spyware/adware protection out there, one that does automatic updates?

Webmonkey

I find spybot quite good.

esperanza

Webmonkey wrote:

I find spybot quite good.

Does Spybot do automatic updates?

SouperComputer

I use my computer for work purposes, so really do not need any potential risks from spyware and so on.

[pedant] The licence for Adaware does not cover commercial use. It is free only for home users. [/pedant]

Spybot S&D and Spyware blaster however can be used for business\work, although a conrtibution is a good idea.

Are you using windows defender\MS antispyware. TBH there is no single package that covers you sufficiently. Ewido is about as good as it gets, but I would still use it with Defender, sypbot abd spyware blaster.

What would be the next best FREE spyware/adware protection out there, one that does automatic updates?

None of the free ones that can be used for work purposes feature automatic updates. If its for work, why not pay for it! For home users, you can use hitman pro. It installs, updates and scans with a series of antispyware programs including some of those above automatically.

Webmonkey

I amn't quite sure as i don't have it running on my system. I just use it for systems i get from customers to fix. Well obviously i use a whole range of other utilities also.

Do you require real time protection? as i don't think this does. You basically open it up and do a scan (i think)

esperanza

SouperComputer wrote:

[pedant] The licence for Adaware does not cover commercial use. It is free only for home users. [/pedant]

Well, I don't work full time, therefore I cannot afford to pay for the professional version and there's nothing stopping me from using a private version. I work from home, so no one can check up on me as such! Most people I know in the same business as myself use freeware versions where possible.

SouperComputer wrote:

[pedant]None of the free ones that can be used for work purposes feature automatic updates. If its for work, why not pay for it! For home users, you can use hitman pro. It installs, updates and scans with a series of antispyware programs including some of those above automatically.

I have used Hitman Pro in the past, but found it ineffective, as it downloads some limited trial versions of programmes. I uninstalled the whole thing in the end.

To be sure I am not infected I do a Trend Micro check once a week. This is also free and very effective!:D

esperanza

By the way, I though Spybot did do

According to Download.com this is the second best anti-spyware/adware after ad-Adware SE. I've used Spybot in the past, and found it good, but tried out ad-adware SE as I thought it would be more reliable...

greglo23

this is a good program to have in your arsenal of antispyware as well.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html. it does'nt self update but its an easy one to use. it puts a kill bit in your browser which stops hijacking apps.

SouperComputer

I have used Hitman Pro in the past, but found it ineffective, as it downloads some limited trial versions of programmes. I uninstalled the whole thing in the end.

You asked for freeware that automatically updates, this as as close as you are going to get. I dont understand how you found it it be ineffective, it uses most of the software mentioned in this thread!

With hitman pro, you don't HAVE to use the the trial versions of spyware doctor etc, just uncheck the boxes for the software you dont want it to use. You can get hitman to automatically update and scan with spybot S&D, Spyware blaster and Adware only with a single click. Well maybe a coupld of click, but you get the idea!

In fairness to download.com, the also think Norton is decent, id take what they have to say with a pinch of salt Spybot and Adaware are both good, but either one on their own is not enough.

If you want decent protection without paying then running hitman ran as above (spybot, spware blaster & Adaware) in conjunction with windows defender is about as good as it gets.

esperanza

Thanks for your advice about Hitman Pro, souper computer.;)

I installed it, chossing spybot, ad adware se, cw shredder and Hitman Pro anti spyware. That should be comprehensive enough. What do you think?

I also have a couple of questions:
1. For each of these are updates automatic or do I have to search manually for them?
2. Is Windows Defender really worth installing?
3. Should I continue doing my Trend Micro House Call check once weekly?

SouperComputer

Thanks for your advice about Hitman Pro, souper computer.

NP

1. For each of these are updates automatic or do I have to search manually for them?

Just let hitman pro work its magic once a week. The programs dont automatically update. But when you run hitman pro, it wll fetch the updates for them for you and run a scan. Dont forget Javacool spyware blaster too.

2. Is Windows Defender really worth installing?

Yes simply because it has a resident shield and it is free. Again, its not great on its own, but combined with the others its a powerful combo at a good price!

3. Should I continue doing my Trend Micro House Call check once weekly?

I dont see why. Have you got AVG installed?