Jeff G. Posted July 13, 2005 Share Posted July 13, 2005 I suggest the following free security tools and apps for Windows: Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition With the ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web. Ad-aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements. Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. Extended registry scanning now scans registry branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers. New in version 1.06: Disk-scan is approximately 30% faster. CSI scan is now more efficient. Added "Scan for low-risk threats" option, to scan for targets with low TAC index. Ad-Watch CSI engine performance highly improved; using less CPU and Memory as well as having a smaller footprint. GUI adapted to use the new TAC. German developer's site: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ Download Page: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/ Latest version: 1.06r1 Date added to download.com: May 27, 2005 Size: 2.72MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5 Direct Download URL: ftp://ftp.download.com/pub/win95/utilities/aawsepersonal.exe PepiMK Software's SpyBot Search&Destroy by Patrick M. Kolla Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents. Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface. Download Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html Mirrors Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html Latest version: 1.4 Date added to download.com: June 1, 2005 Size: 4.8MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1 Direct Download URL: http://dw.com.com/redir?pid=10401314&merid...psid%3d10122137 or http://fileforum.betanews.com/sendfile/104.../spybotsd14.exe (among others) Network Associates' McAfee AVERT Stinger Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.Latest version: 2.5.4 Size: 1.05MB As of: May 2, 2005 Download Page: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ Direct Download URL: http://download.nai.com/products/mcafee-av...t-i-n-g-e-r.exe Microsoft Wndows Update Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you. Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. Microsoft Office Update Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security.Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements). Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.Download Page: scroll to the bottom. Latest version: avg70free_338a597.exe Version 7.338 Size: 11.7MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Fre...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old Version 7.289 from December 2, 2004) Direct Download URL: http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup...ree_338a597.exe Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your PC. Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.Download: Click "Download the beta of our new anti-spyware software today" on that page. Version: Beta Date Published: 6/24/2005 Language: English (YMMV) Download Size: 6.5MB Zone Labs' FREE ZoneAlarm ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your DSL- or cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet.Download Page: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/comp...reeDownload.jsp Latest version: 6.0.631.002 Date added to download.com: July, 2005 Size: 6.65MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-104...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 5.5.094 from May 2, 2005) Direct Download URL: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012..._60_631_002.exe InterMute's Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ Version 2.15 is the latest defense against the new Cool Web Search variants, and it is included in the new Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0 CWShredder™ finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators. Latest version: 2.15 Released: May 2005 Size: 0.47MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/CWShredder/3000-80...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 2.1 from December 21, 2004) Direct Download URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/onl.../cwshredder.exe Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware - it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE and Mozilla/Firefox, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.Download Page: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html Latest version: 3.4 Date added to download.com: May 18, 2005 Size: 2.44MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/300...tml?tag=lst-0-1 Direct Download URL: http://ct7support.com/downloads/javacool/z...stersetup34.exe or http://www.javacoolsoftware.net.nyud.net:8...stersetup34.exe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff G. Posted September 29, 2005 Author Share Posted September 29, 2005 THIS IS A DRAFT OF THE NEXT VERSION - PLEASE SEE THE PRODUCTION VERSION ABOVE. THANKS! Suggested Free Security Tools and Apps for Windows http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4514 Given that "In 2004, nine out of ten PCs connected to the Internet were infected with spyware." ("Surveillance Tech." Episode (aired 2005/10/10 13:48:20-32 EDT -0400), Modern Marvels Series), I suggest the following free security tools and apps for Windows: InterMute's Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ (run this first due to the difficulty of removing CoolWebSearch with any other tool Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ Version 2.15 is the latest defense against the new Cool Web Search variants, and it is included in the new Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0 CWShredder™ finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators. Latest version: 2.15 Released: May 2005 Size: 0.47MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/CWShredder/3000-80...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 2.1 from December 21, 2004) Direct Download URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/onl.../cwshredder.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: No automatic protection or updates - for those features, download a 30-day evaluation copy of Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0 (personal license US$29.95; formerly SpySubtract PRO) via http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desk...te/overview.htm Update Path: Visit URL again Microsoft® Update Keep your computer up to date Check to see if you need updates for Windows, your programs, your hardware or your devices. Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. This is an upgrade from Microsoft® Windows Update below. It does not update Microsoft Office 2000 in my experience - please use Microsoft® Office Update for that. Size: 0.001MB (an ActiveX Class, not a .exe) Limitation(s) in Free Version: can be slower than CDs for large updates via slow connections, like OS Service Packs. Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates Microsoft® Windows Update Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you. Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. This is for older systems that do not support Size: 0.001MB (an ActiveX Class, not a .exe) Limitation(s) in Free Version: can be slower than CDs for large updates via slow connections, like OS Service Packs. Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates Microsoft® Office Update Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security.Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. Limitation(s) in Free Version: Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition With the ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web. Ad-aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements. Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. Extended registry scanning now scans registry branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers. New in version 1.06: Disk-scan is approximately 30% faster. CSI scan is now more efficient. Added "Scan for low-risk threats" option, to scan for targets with low TAC index. Ad-Watch CSI engine performance highly improved; using less CPU and Memory as well as having a smaller footprint. GUI adapted to use the new TAC. German developer's site: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ Download Page: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/ Latest version: 1.06r1 Date added to download.com: May 27, 2005 Size: 2.72MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5 Direct Download URL: ftp://ftp.download.com/pub/win95/utilities/aawsepersonal.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: Update Path: Manual updates in program PepiMK Software's SpyBot Search&Destroy by Patrick M. Kolla Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents. Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface. Download Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html Mirrors Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html Latest version: 1.4 Date added to download.com: June 1, 2005 Size: 4.8MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1 Direct Download URL: http://dw.com.com/redir?pid=10401314&merid...psid%3d10122137 or http://fileforum.betanews.com/sendfile/104.../spybotsd14.exe (among others) Limitation(s) in Free Version: None, there is no pay version. Update Path: Manual updates in program Network Associates' McAfee AVERT Stinger Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.Latest version: 2.5.8 Size: 1.18MB As of: October 5, 2005 Download Page: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ Direct Download URL: http://download.nai.com/products/mcafee-av...t_i_n_g_e_r.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: Update Path: Visit URL again Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements). Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.Download Page: scroll to the bottom. Latest version: avg70free_344a618.exe Version 7.344 Size: 12.8MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Fre...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old Version 7.289 from December 2, 2004) Direct Download URL: http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup...ree_344a618.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: Limited scheduling capability Update Path: Automatic updates in program Microsoft® Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) (formerly GIANT AntiSpyware) Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your PC. Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.Download: Click "Download the beta of our new anti-spyware software today" on that page. Version: Beta (Build 1.0.615 AKA v1.0.615 AKA Beta1) Date Published: 7/18/2005 Language: English (YMMV) Download Size: 6.5MB Extraordinary Requirements: Requires participation in the Windows Genuine Advantage program, which requires running the Microsoft® Windows Genuine Advantage Validation checker GenuineCheck.exe v1.3.254.0 AKA v1.3.0254.0, which requires Internet access. My is N7TDV75. Limitation(s) in Free Version: Unknown, it's still Beta. Update Path: Visit URL again Zone Labs' FREE ZoneAlarm® (Firewall Protection) ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your DSL- or cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet.Download Page: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/comp...reeDownload.jsp Latest version: 6.0.631.002 Date added to download.com: July, 2005 Size: 6.65MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-104...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 5.5.094 from May 2, 2005) Direct Download URL: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012..._60_631_002.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: Update Path: Visit URL again Gotcha: Zone Labs recommends that you run their free ZoneAlarm® Spyware Scanner (which requires IE and ActiveX) before downloading Free ZoneAlarm, but beware that their ZoneAlarm Spyware Scanner only scans for spyware, it can't remove spyware, and it recommends that you buy their ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite or ZoneAlarm Pro to remove spyware (among other things). Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware - it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE and Mozilla/Firefox, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.Download Page: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html Latest version: 3.4 Date added to download.com: May 18, 2005 Size: 2.44MB Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/300...tml?tag=lst-0-1 Direct Download URL: http://ct7support.com/downloads/javacool/z...stersetup34.exe or http://www.javacoolsoftware.net.nyud.net:8...stersetup34.exe Limitation(s) in Free Version: Update Path: Manual updates in program Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
root.mainframe Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Hello Jeff, I would add http://avast.com - cool AV software, usually updates 2 times per day, free for personal use, paid for corporate needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenUnderwood Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Hello Jeff, I would add http://avast.com - cool AV software, usually updates 2 times per day, free for personal use, paid for corporate needs. 39314[/snapback] I currently use, and recommend, the AVG product. Does anyone else here have an opinion on this software? Problems you've seen, etc.? From their download.com profile: Avast Home Edition is a free, complete ICSA certified antivirus software for home noncommercial use. Avast Home Edition includes the following components: On Demand Scanner--with skinnable simple interface--just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the ?Play? button; On Access Scanner--special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant Messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection--lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazza, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filter all HTTPtraffic; NNTP Scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot Time Scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does. True incremental updates are small and fast.I personally would prefer if AV software would stick with that rather than adding the firewall stuff and other bells and whistles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foo Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 My list for spyware related resource Online Virus and Trojan Scanning Bitdefender PandaActive Scan from Pandasoftware http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/ Popular and Free Spyware, Adware Software Ad-Aware SE from Lavasoft http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ Microsoft Windows Defender free download from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx Malicious Software Removal Tool-free from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx SpyBot - Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/ HijackThis for Advance user ] http://majorgeeks.com/download3155.html Spyware Information and Resources Spyware-related news and articles. http://www.spywarenews.org Spyware Information from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware Spyware Information http://www.spywareinfo.com/ Spyware Related Forum http://forums.spywareinfo.com/ http://forums.majorgeeks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turetzsr Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 My list for spyware related resource <snip> 40650[/snapback] ...You took the time to sign up for the Forums just to post this information for us? THANK YOU! <big g> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farelf Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 On the subject of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (above), thanks to paradoX at news.grc for bringing to light this explanation/guide to this enigmatic but frequently-updated utility in the WU critical updates: What is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (mrt.exe) and how to use it. The current/most accessed MS guide is at The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool ... and spells out the applicable Windows OSs, also notes that the application 'phones home' when run - a disclosure that some might find disconcerting - and even more would be disconcerted if it were not disclosed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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