Multiple spyware programs

[ellenc]

Re: multiple spyware programs: It's my understanding that while only one antivirus program can run, having more than one spyware program is OK. Before I installed Norton Internet Security 2011, I used to run Malwarebyes and Superspyware, plus Win Security Essentials.
I've read that it's OK to run "nonresident" additional spyware besides the primary program (NIS). I don't know how to run a nonresident program and would appreciate any information you can give me as to what are "nonresident" programs and how I can run Malwarebyes or Superspyware in addition to NIS without there being a conflict. Thanks.

 

[Wishmaster]

NIS can be picky with anything that has a "active"scanner.
If you are running NIS, many times active scanners can cause more harm than good as they interfere.


Anything that is 'On Demand" is usually OK.
Generally speaking, this is the case with many other AV suites as well.

Norton also has a active Anti-Spyware built in, which works quite well.
So you really do not need much in terms of extra layers of protection.



If you wish to run extras:
The free version of Malwarebytes is just fine. Since it only scans by manually starting it. I would also highly recommend it.

One other I found that works perfectly fine with NIS, is SpywareBlaster.
It does not scan or have any extra processes to interfer with what NIS already does.
Basically, all it really does is add items to your Internet browsers blacklist. So it blocks many known bad sites etc from within the browser.

I found that NIS + Spyware Blaster is a good combination as well as run a weekly scan with Malwarebytes just as a extra layer of protection. Even though it never finds anything, still worthwhile IMHO.

Dont forget, MB and SpywareBlaster must be updated periodically.
These 2 will not hinder performance either.

Super Anti-Spyware is good as well, but I honestly do not think its needed if you have MB. I would just choose 1 or the other.
Im sure you will get some other good advice, but just my opionion on it.

 

[Corrine]

Hi, ellenc.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

The non-resident is generally in reference to a second A/V software, which some people like to keep on hand. With the NIS, you have all the features of the suite in one program, which includes what we refer to as "real-time protection". Just as with two antivirus software programs, having two active real-time protection programs can cause conflicts.

You can keep both Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SUPERAntispyware installed and updated on your computer for occasional scanning. However, if you have paid/licensed versions, you may run into problems if you have the real-time protection activated. If they are in start-up, it is easy to manage start-up programs with my favorite WinPatrol.

Edit Note: Wishmaster beat me to the punch, while I was off looking for my husband's boots. I agree with his recommendation to consider SpywareBlaster.

 

[Jacee]

Javacool Software
Be sure to keep it updated (manually), then click on "enable all protection".

 

[Jacee]

Correct picture ... couldn't edit the other on out

 

[the dummy]

Hi, ellenc.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

The non-resident is generally in reference to a second A/V software, which some people like to keep on hand. With the NIS, you have all the features of the suite in one program, which includes what we refer to as "real-time protection". Just as with two antivirus software programs, having two active real-time protection programs can cause conflicts.

You can keep both Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and SUPERAntispyware installed and updated on your computer for occasional scanning. However, if you have paid/licensed versions, you may run into problems if you have the real-time protection activated. If they are in start-up, it is easy to manage start-up programs with my favorite WinPatrol.

Edit Note: Wishmaster beat me to the punch, while I was off looking for my husband's boots. I agree with his recommendation to consider SpywareBlaster.

Wont winpatrol conflict with other hipps?

 

[parabellum]

You only need one main app and a backup. You can also run a portable app like SuperAntiSpyware occassionally too. WinPatrol won't conflict but you don't really need it. You can check msconfig yourself or use HiJackThis to inspect sections of your system. Also, why did you buy Norton when your previous security setup was more than adequate?

 

[Corrine]

WinPatrol is much safer than using MSconfig (System Configuration Utility). It is a troubleshooting tool, not a solution. See Run Selective Startup using System Configuration

System Configuration is intended to find and isolate problems, but it is not meant as a startup management program. To permanently remove or turn off programs or services that run at startup, see Uninstall or change a program.

Important: Do not use MSConfig to force Safeboot if the system is infected with malware. Some types of malware can delete or alter the Safeboot key in the registry. This results in the inability to reboot into safe mode or back to normal mode. Using the /Safeboot option on the Boot.ini tab to force safe mode when the F8 key does not work, could have disastrous results. The Safeboot option modifies the Boot.ini file and can result in being locked in a continuous reboot loop, unable to return to MSConfig to undo the selection.

Note also that HijackThis cannot see entries that have been disabled with MSconfig.