RichmondRED

Hey Gang,
Been gone a while but my old system finally bit the big one and I got a new arrival put together from bare bones and loving it! As usual, I'm back to the place that has the answers so here comes the questions:

1. I've downloaded Windows Defender Beta2 using Windows 2000 Professional, received the GPI+ error msg, perform the fix, no sweat. It downloaded, installed again no problem--now, here's the problem: Upon the auto check for updates, the system froze. (In all fairness however this has started since downloading and installing Spyware Doctor.) The system tray icon was there but grayed out After performing a hard boot, no system tray nor desktop icon appeared. Is this normal? Shouldn't an icon appear somewhere and isn't the system tray icon suppose to be colored to show a successful installation?

2. I was under the impression that Defender in real time guards the computer from spyware, etc. Doesn't spyware cause popups? Does the Defender contribute in eliminating popups?

3. Must software actually be designated/contain the wording "popup blocker" in order to eliminate popups exclusively?

4. On a scale of 1-10, what is the general consensus as you understand it to be rating MS's Defender Beta 2? Is it worth using? Keeping it on the system?

5. I use Spyware Doctor and wondering as well the general consensus on it. I do know I've had numerous issues with it but since changing my OS from Win98SE to Win2000Pro, it seems to work much faster and way better than before. However, I've performed the fix and corrected its not launching from the tray icon but again the freezing of the system is still there more than I'd like for it to be. Have you heard of or seen any problems arising from Spyware Doctor such as what I've described? I researched it big time before installing and found nothing but raves and awards to include those from CNet.

6. In one of the posts here on the site, I found Spyware Blaster to be rated as a 1st choice. Is it as good or better than Spyware Doctor in y'all's opinion? Is there any one brand that seems to outwork, outlast, or outshine any of its counterparts?

7. Is it a good idea to be running more than one (1) software package designed for the same purpose simultaneously? I do understand that memory and system requirement play an important part but I'm in that department finally!

As always y'all, I know some of questions appear to be from someone who isn't the sharpest knife in the computer technology drawer, but I learn so very much from each of you and thank you from the bottom of my Southern heart. Y'all do SO ROCK!!

Looking forward to listening and learning from you again!

MicroBell

1. Which Icon is greyed out?? Windows Defender? If so..this indicates either the program is disabled or one of it's functions is. Remove Spyware Doctor and see if it appears again. There may be a conflict with both programs.

2. Yes spyware causes popups. Defender will help block these...but no one program can be considered alone.

3. No. There are many programs that contain the wording "PopupBlocker" and many that don't. There's different kinds of popups and popunders...some generated through an adware program on the PC..others through code on a webpage.

4. Loaded question...lol. Personally...I don't like any Microsoft security utilitys and their last program "MicroSoft AntiSpyware Program" was known to leave adware/spyware on the PC. The reviews for Windows Defender are about the same. Here's a review done from a well known security expert.. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Spyware/?p=787

5. Spyware Doctor seams to be a fairly good antispyware tool...but it does have some issues with malfunctioning. Some users report lockups. PC Magazine gives it high marks...but they have been wrong before. Also be advised that Spyware Doctor's Automatic updates are NOT turned on by default. You'll need to do that manually.

6. Spyware Blaster is better at blocking certain things. For a PC to be secure..you need to layer your protection. No ONE program can do it all..and some programs are better at blocking certain things...while others may be better at blocking something else.

7. This question was answered in question 6. You have no choice but to use more then one program if you want the PC to be secure. It's always a balancing act between what resources your PC has and what programs you need.

For Example...Spybot has an option that blocks ActiveX controls that can be turned on. Since SpywareBlaster (which I use) blocks the same thing..but has a better list..I use it's function instead. This way..I'm not using 2 programs doing the same thing...and using resources for both.

RichmondRED

Thank you so much for your time and expertise Microbell. See why I love this site so much? You guys are right on point whenever we need help

I've read and hopefully learned some things I didn't know before. As stupid as this may sound, layering protection and programs standing alone was something I truly didn't know. While we're on the subject of being "stupid" I purchased "Spyware Doctor!" Along with that, I get the award for Mega Stupid as I didn't shut down any running or open programs while installing everything on my computer--And I KNOW BETTER!! I especially know better because I learned that from here!

Here is what I did:
Uninstalled everything from the control panel including Defender, you name it and its history. Went back and installed avast! antivirus first and then Spyware Doctor and all other programs followed, i.e. Messenger, J2SE Runtime Environment, etc. installing them correctly this time. Nothing was left open and running or window's ops open.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on this: Once you remove software through the control panel, aren't you suppose to do a "search" for files/folders and continue to remove software there as well?

I tried to do a "search" as stated above for "Microsoft's Defender." Needless to say, I tried every variation known to Man and 1,114,283 (j/k) files appeared so finding and removing it that way didn't happen. I simply couldn't find it after removing it through the control panel. Is it completely gone? If not, is there a way to make sure it is entirely removed from my system?

The ONLY protection software on my system now is Avast! updated, etc. and Spyware Doctor. I didn't install "Defender" again. I believe an additional problem has reared its ugly head. While on my system last night, a message appeared: "Virtual Memory is low. Windows will etc. I think it also said something about "some applications may be denied." (Forgive the verbage as I'm sure you've heard this before.)

What the happened? Can that be fixed? If so, how?

I also found from a trusted source like you guys, my brother.in.law, Spyware Doctor and Avast! ain't holding hands and walking on the beach at sunset! So, in order to use Avast! I need to get rid of Spyware Doctor and install Spyware Blaster (one of your choices Microbell) It is my understanding that it is known to work well with Avast. Heard anything on that as well?

I have ZERO experience with firewalls. With your experience, can you please advise any FREE program that is simple and easy to use for a novice? Are firewalls required to be installed in any order or does it matter? Do you know any that have a history of being compatible with Avast?

Well that should just about do it for all that happened since yesterday and reading your reply. Thank you so very much for your help and knowledge. I swear to all that read this and already known to those who know me, I don't know what on earth I'd do without you guys.

Looking forward to reading and learning again. Thank you so very much!

P.S. Thanks for the review article on Windows Defender Beta 2 vs. spyware. I'd recommend anyone using Defender or thinking about it to give it a look see. Microbell has the link here in her reply to my post

MicroBell

You can. Useally it's removed from Add/remove programs and any icons that launched the program are gone. Still..you tend to have files/folders and registry entrys left behind. My suggestion would be to remove the program..clear out it's files/folders and then run a registry cleaner to rid the registry of unused entrys.

It sounds like it's gone. Just make sure to take out the main folders of the program. I wouldn't worry about some "single files" it may have added to other directorys. It would be to difficult to ID and remove these.

This has many causes. Next time you get it..open task manager and see what program is taking all your RAM. Example: I had this message myself last night while reading a very large PDF file online. I looked and saw Adobe taking 189MB's of memory...lol Once I closed it....everything returned to normal.

I've heard of no issues with Avast and SpywareBlaster working together so I don't forsee a problem.

ZoneAlarm FREE would be my choice for a Novice user but I'll list all three in case you want to try each. As long as Advast doesn't provide some sort of built in firewall (If it does...disable it BEFORE installing the 3'rd part one) you should be fine.

Remember though...you'll getting plenty of messages poping up from the firewall when first installed as your programs ask for access the first time.

If you do not have a firewall, here are 4 free ones available for personal use:

• ZoneAlarm
• Avast Antivirus/firewall
• Tiny Personal Firewall
• OutPost Firewall

Recommended Protection Programs

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

• SpywareBlaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
• SpywareGuard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
• IESpy-Ad to block access to malicious websites so you cannot be redirected to them from an infected site or email.
• WinPatrol to monitor any changes that programs make to the registry.

RichmondRED

Hey Microbell,
Got it and thank you! I'm going to make these installations, see how it goes for a bit to make sure each are doing what they should and report back to you if that's ok.

I know you understand, I truly need the peace of mind in knowing my system is completely protected "in layers and nothing stands alone" as it has in the past. I won't EVER make that mistake again!!

Working on this manuscript coupled with being terrified something might happen again as before, has given me the heebie jeebies to say the least. Thanks to you, I feel so much better not to mention more secure in knowing FINALLY my new baby will hit the ground running like a top.

As usual, the forum has come through like a champ. Y'all are ALWAYS there when I need you the most. I can't thank you enough for taking your time to explain all aspects in "layman" terms, never think any question is stupid, and have always, each and every one of you shown patience that abound. I have and will continue, I'm sure, to learn so very much from y'all. Case in point right here don't you think? Also, I honestly believe that I speak for more than just myself when I say, plenty of us in the cyber world would be lost and in the dark without y'all. Without a doubt, I would be at the head of the line frantically looking for someone from techsupportforum.com!! By the way, I'd be the tall redhead out front with the sign that reads "Cyber Victim Here!!"

Again, Microbell thank you so very much for everything. Let me know if its with you to hook up on the installations and let you know how it goes!

Take care!

MicroBell

Your welcome Red. Any more issues...don't hesitate to post a question. We can help you along.