AV With the Smallest Footprint

Capt.Jack Sparrow said:

whs said:

Shyam, I think Corrine is a "she" - LOL

Just a typo, I'm sure.

Corrine:

I have installed WinPatrol and we shall see how it goes.

I also have discovered HostsXpert 4.3 from funkytoad.com. I think Jacee also mentioned it in one of his posts.

It is a Hosts File manager and can be used to update, backup, edit, and otherwise maintain the hosts file. Looks to be working OK on Windows 7 32 bit.

My current plan is to try to update my hosts file maybe weekly.

So, I currently have Windows Firewall, MSE, and WinPatrol, with Malwarebytes and Secunia PSI available on demand.

A year ago, I had Windows Firewall, AVG, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Spyware Blaster.

I would have to say NOD32

That's what I'm using and find it to be very light

Give it a try !

ignatzatsonic said:

Corrine:

I have installed WinPatrol and we shall see how it goes.

I also have discovered HostsXpert 4.3 from funkytoad.com. I think Jacee also mentioned it in one of his posts.

It is a Hosts File manager and can be used to update, backup, edit, and otherwise maintain the hosts file. Looks to be working OK on Windows 7 32 bit.

My current plan is to try to update my hosts file maybe weekly.

So, I currently have Windows Firewall, MSE, and WinPatrol, with Malwarebytes and Secunia PSI available on demand.

A year ago, I had Windows Firewall, AVG, Spybot Search and Destroy, and Spyware Blaster.

Yes, HostsXpert is a Hosts file Manager. However, it does not include a HOSTS File. HostsXpert can be used to update the HOSTS File in Windows Vista/Windows 7. Note, however, from the previous link, Mike Burgess explained:

HostsXpert is a terrific multi-function Hosts File Manager [screenshot]
Note: no install required, it runs from anywhere ...
You will need to turn off the DNS Client service manually [info here]When updating the HOSTS file make sure to use the Replace option, rather than Merge

You can subscribe to the "Hosts News" RSS feed to know when updates are issued. For example, from: MVPS HOSTS File Update JAN-12-2010

The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [JAN-12-2010]
Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File
Download: hosts.zip (149 kb)
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.zip
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
How To: MVPS Hosts File FAQ
Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt (606 kb)

As to WinPatrol, more information is available here: WinPatrol Features . From recent indications in Facebook, it appears that an updated version is in the works.

Corinne:

Yes, I understand that HostsXpert does not have a hosts file. But it is able to retrieve and install the most recent hosts file available from MVPS, which is what I have done.

Also have DNS service disabled. I had not noticed that it was slowing me down, but I have it set to manual nonetheless.

Thanks for the WinPatrol links---I don't yet have a good grasp of what it does or can do.

Thanks for the WinPatrol links---I don't yet have a good grasp of what it does or can do.

You're welcome.

BTW, since you are using HostsXpert, on the Options tab, you will want to disable monitoring of the HOSTS file. Here's a couple of examples --

1) Malware strikes and attempts to turn off UAC. WinPatrol will notify you and attempt to reverse the change unless you say not to because the change was made by you.

2) Something attempts to disable Windows Update. Again, WinPatrol will notify you. If you made the change, then you approve it.

3) The Recent tab is interesting as it shows you what else was included/changed when the last software was installed.

4) Its easy to remove or add programs to Start-up with WinPatrol.

5) Want to temporarily disable an Active X because of a vulnerability until its patched?

The main thing is that if you are installing software and expecting changes is one thing, but if suddenly Scotty barks and wants approval to change your start page, you know you've been hijacked.

I could go on and on but will stop here. I hope you have fun with WinPatrol and find it as useful as I have.