Computer Security & Viruses/anti virus anti spyware

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Expert: - 1/25/2010


Question
I have been using AVG for years and now it doesn't seem to find any spyware on my computer.  My system is getting slower and I am sure if it found the spyware it would remove it.  Can I fix this and if not is there a anti virus anti spyware progam that works?

Answer

Enrgy21.com
AVG is excellent for combating viruses. If you're using the anti-virus version only, it won't detect or remove most forms of spyware, trojans, worms, keyloggers or adware. I haven't found any one application that detects and removes all threats.

If you're using AVG Internet Security, you have added anti-spyware and firewall protection, but it still won't detect and remove all spyware threats. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware for more info about spyware.

On Enrgy21.com you'll find what I consider some of the best anti-spyware tools: Malwarebytes, Superantispyware, a-squared, and Mamutu, Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy, free and paid versions. There's also Windows Defender, Spyware Doctor, XDelScan, Spysweeper, and other applications that specifically detect and remove spyware, adware and other forms of malware. Using a search engine will locate reviews for more detailed info too.

You'll also find links to excellent sites like Claymania (anti-virus plus more info), Techsupportalert, EnglishClub, Ask Leo, Tiplet (and others on the Tools page).

Bottom-line, you should have at least one application (2 is even better) that specifically targets spyware, Trojans, worms, keyloggers and other malware, regardless of your AVG version. And, don't consider a new software addition permanent until you've tested it, understand it, like it and are reasonably certain it doesn't conflict with anything else on your system. Don't install an application that includes any form of anti-virus program, unless it clearly states that it will not cause a conflict with another anti-virus program.

Feel free to let me know which one you install and the results. It will also help for me to know what Firewall you're using and if you're using any other security applications.

As far as your system slowing down, there are many possible reasons for that. Do you regularly clean your temporary files? Are you familiar with the defragmenting tool? See the following sites for more info:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000179.htm
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vistasecurity/thread/9d0d8c87-0...
http://bestinformationabout.com/why-is-my-computer-slow-ram-capacity-ok/  

James Filmer

Expertise

Viruses, Spam, hacking, Rootkits, Trojans, Keyloggers, all other forms of Malware, Internet access problems, slow systems, application and system instability, network abuse, Firewalls, layered security configurations, system maintenance support and general troubleshooting.

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