Anti-Spyware Question

[Old Grouch]

Hi I have a new computer on its way windows vista.On the computer im on now i use ad-aware se will not download ad-aware 2007.Its time for me to move on from ad-aware so can someone give me a name of a good anti-spyware program works well with windows vista.Thank You

[Corrine]

Hi, Old Grouch! 

Congratulations on the new computer!  I've been using Windows Vista since April and, although I'm still getting used to some of the changes, I really like it a lot.   

Windows Defender comes resident on Windows Vista so your new computer will already have a head start.  On my machine, I installed my personal favorite, WinPatrol.  See http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html .  I also added SpywareBlaster from Javacool (see note Re:  SpywareBlaster and DEP below).  Although I have not found I need additional "protection", AVG Anti-Spyware and Spybot Search & Destroy both work with Windows Vista. 

Reminder:  You will want to check that the antivirus software you plan on using is Windows Vista compatible. 

I expect others may have suggestions as well, but this is a starter for you to consider.  If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer.  :)

Note regarding the current release of SpywareBlaster:  You may experience a conflict between the current version of SpywareBlaster and the DEP feature of Windows Vista.  Although this will be resolved in the next SpywareBlaster release, you may need to do the following, which allowed me to run SpywareBlaster on my computer:

1.) Click on the Start Menu
2.) Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties" (This should display the "System Properties" window.)
3.) Click on the "Advanced" tab.
4.) Under "Performance", click on the "Settings" button.
5.) Now click on the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.

You should find DEP enabled for all programs (default configuration for Windows Vista, depending on hardware settings), you can add "spywareblaster.exe"to the exclusion list by clicking the "Add..." button and browsing to your SpywareBlaster installation directory (C:\Program Files\SpywareBlaster,by default).

[Old Grouch]

Ok Thank You Corrine you help me alot and i have norton 360 it will work with vista. :D

[Ripley]

Hey Old Grouch

SUPERAntiSpyware (SAS) is being reported by users as working with Vista...the free version works as an on-demand scanner, paid has real-time protection.

Also if you visit Corrine's blog (link in her sig), in the left column at the top is a link called Show Table of Contents.  If you click that, an index of bookmarks on Vista that she has compiled will display.
Or you can head straight there Vista Bookmarks

In addition to a bunch of security topics/bookmarks on Vista, she has a list of some gorgeous wallpapers, info on sidebar gadgets, and tips & tutorials, etc., like the few I found below:

Features and Tutorials > General Information + Tips & Tricks > ITsVISTA Tips >

ITsVISTA Tip 36: How to Make the Vista Boot Screen Say "I'm a Geek"
ITsVISTA Tip 30: How to Cheat at Solitaire in Vista

Seriously, you can spend *weeks* reading about Vista from that one organized location.

[Corrine]

I've a bit more information on SAS and am not comfortable recommending it unless it is specifically needed for a "fix".  The reason is that at last report, SAS installs the same safeboot as in msconfig.  So, you ask, why is that a problem?  See why here.

(Safe mode tutorial by wng:  http://spyware-free.us/tutorials/safemode/ )

[Corrine]

Or you can head straight there Vista Bookmarks

I really need to give that blog a major overhaul. 

[Ripley]

I've a bit more information on SAS and am not comfortable recommending it unless it is specifically needed for a "fix".  The reason is that at last report, SAS installs the same safeboot as in msconfig.  So, you ask, why is that a problem?  See why here.

(Safe mode tutorial by wng:  http://spyware-free.us/tutorials/safemode/ )

I wasn't aware of the above, thanks for the update.

[Corrine]

Ripley, I wasn't either until recently,