- Mar 8, 2003
- 38,416
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The OP's links and content somehow got corrupted by FuseTalk.
Checkout great deals on nonfree security products at the Security Product Deals Thread.
Interested in automatic virus removal? Checkout my experimental malware removal script.
The following is the portion that I was working on, it is unfinished and contains what I wrote several months ago as a replacement to the one that was corrupted, so it is not up to date either, but should be better than the legacy one that I have posted below
AntiSpyware Tools
These anti-spyware programs do not feature realtime protection unless noted otherwise. Some links to list of anti-malware tools may not work in Vista (see individual site for details)
AntiRootKit Tools
Rootkits gained popularity with the BMG music cd rootkit fiasco. Many antivirus companies have started to create tools with the specific purpose of removing and detecting rootkits by creating separate products from their normal antimalware tools that deal with them. Rootkits can be very complex and extremely difficult to detect and get rid of. If I were to get one (and presuming that it was detectable), I would probably just format rather than try to clean it off. [/list]
I have a complete backup from almost a year ago, so the information is VERY dated and some programs may not even exist anymore:[/b]
Checkout great deals on nonfree security products at the Security Product Deals Thread.
Interested in automatic virus removal? Checkout my experimental malware removal script.
The following is the portion that I was working on, it is unfinished and contains what I wrote several months ago as a replacement to the one that was corrupted, so it is not up to date either, but should be better than the legacy one that I have posted below
- Antivirus
All non-online and nonCLI antivirus products listed are assumed to have real-time protection unless noted otherwise. For detection rate tests, please see the antivirus detection rate thread.
Standard Antivirus Solutions:
These are your classic antivirus solutions. They offer little in terms of spyware removal, run upon startup, protect you in real-time from malware executing, autoupdate themselves, etc (unless otherwise noted).- AntiVir Classic
- Best detection rate amongst freeware antivirus products according to most tests.
- Detects and removes rootkits
- Documentation
- No email scanning (although it will probably catch malware if it tries to execute)
- Contains a popup which appears during its daily automatic update, PM me if this is too annoying
- Currently my recommended freeware antivirus
- 64-bit support (vista)
- Tutorial (use a translator at babelfish.altavista.com)
- avast
- 64-bit support
- Tutorial
- AVG Free Edition
- 64-bit support
- ftp://ftp.futurenet.co.uk/pub/...als/133.avg%20tips.pdf">Tutorial</a>
- Bit Defender Free Edition
- No realtime protection
- Tutorial
- ClamWin
- Email scanning only (no realtime protection otherwise, works only with outlook (including 2007))
- GPL / opensource, free to everyone
- 64-bit support
- Server 2003 support
- May not work with Vista
- Tutorial
- Comodo Antivirus
- Beta
- May not work with Vista
- McAfee Internet Security
- Free for comcast internet customers only
- 64-bit support
- Includes various other security applications
- Tutorial
- Many users report heavy system resource usage compared to other solutions
Command-Line on-demand Scanners:
These antimalware products are ran via the command line and of course offer no realtime protection. For best results, scan your system using these by booting into safe mode with command prompt. See the included readme files with each one for instructions or use the "/?" argument for command listings- AntiVir Command Line Scanner
- Be sure to download the latest .vdf file
- PM me if you want a script that will help drive it
- a-squared command line scanner
- Primarily antispyware / antitrojan
- Mcafee Command Line Scanner
- Use the win_betaengdat.zip file
- Forum member John created this .bat file for use with it
- Automated Malware Removal Script
- Panda currently omitted due to false positives (not with Panda, but with many antivirus programs detecting it as malware).
Online Scanners
These web based scanners are active-X based and remove what they find unless noted otherwise- BitDefender Online Scanner
- F-Secure
- Utilizes multiple scanning engines, currently the top choice
- House Call
- Java and Active-X engines available
- Kaspersky Online Scanner
- Does not remove malware
- NOD32 Online Scanner
- Norton Online Scanner
- Unable to verify if the service removes the viruses that it detects
- OneCare Online TuneUp
- Panda Online Scanner
- F-Secure
- AntiVir Classic
AntiSpyware Tools
These anti-spyware programs do not feature realtime protection unless noted otherwise. Some links to list of anti-malware tools may not work in Vista (see individual site for details)
- Adaware Personal Edition
- A-Squared Free Edition
- Currently one of two of my currently recommended antispyware programs
- AVG AntiSpyware Free Edition
- 64-bit support
- Formerly known as Ewido (Grisoft bought them)
- Tutorial
- Bazooka
- Vista support unconfirmed
- Does not remove malware
- Server 2003 support
- Manual
- CrapCleaner
- Cleans up many places where malware might hide
- Tutorial
- HijackThis
- SpyBot Search and Destroy
- Real-time protection
- Spyware Doctor Starter Edition
- Limited real-time Protection
- SuperAntiSpyware
- Puts some stuff in your startup if you do not disable it within options
- Currently one of two of my currently recommended antispyware programs
- SpyWare Blaster
- Prevents some spyware and tracking cookies from ever infecting you
- Firefox support
- John's Malware Removal Kit
- Put together by forum member John
- "The Rogue removal kit contains several tools (smitfraudfix, smitRem, rogue remover & much more) that remove a plethora of applications that are not detected or properly removed with conventional tools including, but not limited to, those with fake security alerts that goad the end user into downloading and/or purchasing rogue anti-spyware products. Be sure to check the README and follow the directions. "
- BitDefender's malware removal tools
- MajorGeeks' AntiSpyware Tools Section
- Kaspersky's malware removal tools
AntiRootKit Tools
Rootkits gained popularity with the BMG music cd rootkit fiasco. Many antivirus companies have started to create tools with the specific purpose of removing and detecting rootkits by creating separate products from their normal antimalware tools that deal with them. Rootkits can be very complex and extremely difficult to detect and get rid of. If I were to get one (and presuming that it was detectable), I would probably just format rather than try to clean it off. [/list]
- Antivir (see above) has antirookit capabilities
- AVG AntiRootKit
- Does not support Vista
- RootKit Revealer
- Famous for finding the BMG Music CD Rootkit
- Does not remove rootkits
- Panda Anti-Rootkit
- Does not support Vista
- RootKit Hook Analyzer
- 64-bit support planned, but currently unavailable
- Sophos Anti-Rootkit
- Server 2003 support
- Vista support unconfirmed
- IceSword
- SysProt Anti-Rootkit
- Beta
- Server 2003 support
- Vista support unconfirmed
- RootKit Buster
- Server 2003 support
- RootKit Detective
- RootKit Uncoverer
- Server 2003 support
- Vista support unconfirmed
I have a complete backup from almost a year ago, so the information is VERY dated and some programs may not even exist anymore:[/b]
Freeware Security Applications Thread
Revision: 6.4
For detailed guides on removal / prevention of malware, please see The Consolidated Security Thread.
Statement regarding operating systems: Please post all information in regards to Windows Vista compatibility (with specifics on x32 or x64) in The Consolidated Security Thread for any of the applications listed below that have not already been flagged. Vista (x32) and XP 64 support are only confirmed in programs that state compatibility in their description. Windows 2K / XP (32-bit) support is assumed. When I just say Vista, assume that I mean Vista x32.
Disclaimer: Some of the information in this thread is little more than my opinion (or that of the contributers), a gathering of research done by MechBgon, Medea, John, myself, and others. Neither I nor they take any responsibility for anything that is stated here or that you download / install on or do to your system.
For deals on nonfree security products, please see the Commercial Security Applications Deals Thread.
All programs listed below are free to home users only, unless otherwise noted:
Table of Contents:
- Section A: AntiVirus
Section B: Firewall
Section C: AntiSpyware and AntiRootkit
Section D: AntiSpam and Parental Controls
Section E: Security Tests
Section F: Contributers
Section A: AntiVirus Applications
Please see The Consolidated Security Thread Section D for more information regarding antivirus products.
NOTE: Assume that Antivirus has realtime (file / email) protection unless noted otherwise. Almost all of the freeware antivirus products have low system resource use.
- Which programs detect the most viruses?
- AOL Active Virus Shield
- Based on Kaspersky Antivirus, learn about the differences here
- XP x64 support
- Registration (valid email address) required
- Vista Support (be sure you grab the correct version, 6.0.2.614 or later (otherwise IT WILL screw up Vista): Download Here
- shady EULA
- mechBgon's installation instructions (do not install toolbar)
- AOL AVS Discussion Thread and FAQ
- AVAST!
- Vista x32 and x64 support
- XP x64 support
- Tutorial
- AntiVir
- No email scanning
- Tutorial
- Vista support
- Disable popup by following John's instructions
- AVG Free Edition
- Vista support (x32 / x64)
- ClamWIN
- GPL / OpenSource Antivirus
- Free to everyone
- No realtime file protection (realtime email scanning in outlook only)
- Windows Server 2003 support
Others to note:
- Free Mcafee Security Suite for Comcast Customers (Vista support, probably xp64 as well)
- BitDefender Free Edition (no realtime protection)
- eTrust (Server 2K3 support, free for one year to select Microsoft customers)
- Comodo Antivirus (fee, but beta)
Online virus scanners
For best results, use in safe mode with networking
Section B: Firewall
Please see The Consolidated Security Thread Section E for more information regarding Firewalls.
- What is the most secure firewall?
- Please see the leak tests located here.
- Ashampoo Firewall Free Edition
- Server 2003 support
- Jetico Personal Firewall
- Comodo Free Firewall
- Editor's Choice at PC Magazine
- Server 2003 support
- Kerio Personal Firewall V2.15
- Still loved by many for its easy UI and low system resource use, despite newer versions being released.
- Review
- Kerio Personal Firewall V4.x
- Full mode for 30 days, free mode after
- Review
- Comparison of free Kerio versus full Kerio
- ZoneAlarm Free Edition
- OutpostFREE Firewall
- GhostWall
- Server 2003 & XP x64 support
- PC Tools Firewall plus
- Vista x32
- server 2003 support
Section C: AntiSpyware
Please see The Consolidated Security Thread Section D for more information regarding antispyware tools.
- CrapCleaner
- Vista & XP64 Support
- Free to everyone
- Cleans temp files, cookies, and places where malware might hide.
- Tutorial
- SpyBot Search and Destroy
- Adaware Personal Edition
- a-squared Free Edition
- Specializes in trojans and dialer removal
- Vista support
- Tutorial
- Windows Defender
- Free to legal owners of Microsoft Windows users only
- Vista Support
- Tutorial
- Realtime protection
- Bazooka
- Only scans, does not remove
- HijackThis!
- Manual spyware removal utility, use only if you know what you are doing.
- Free to everyone
- Online hijackthis log analyzer
- Tutorial
- AVG AntiSpyware
- Based on Ewido
- Tutorial
- SuperAntiSpyware
- Vista support
- Windows Sever 2003 support
- Never use a rogue antispyware product.
Rootkit Removal Tools
Please see The Consolidated Security Thread Section F for more information regarding rootkits.
- RootKit Revealer (possibly the best tool to detect rootkits)
- List of rootkit detection and removal utilities (some are free, some are not)
- Review of anti-rootkit utilities
- Another review of Anti-Rootkit Utilities
Popular malware removal tools
Free to everyone
- KazaaBegone
- By Merijn (also download is hosted by him)
- Removes adware associated with Kazaa.
- Joe Pestro's malware removal tool
- Removes WinTools, Nail, and Aurora malware.
- John's Malware Removal Kit
- Compiled by John of Anandtech
The Rogue removal kit contains several tools (smitfraudfix, smitRem, rogue remover & much more) that remove a plethora of applications that are not detected or properly removed with conventional tools including, but not limited to, those with fake security alerts that goad the end user into downloading and/or purchasing rogue anti-spyware products. Be sure to check the README and follow the directions.- BitDefender's malware removal tools
- MajorGeeks' AntiSpyware Tools Section
- Kaspersky's malware removal tools
- Symantec's malware removal tools
Prevention tools and Tips
For detailed prevention information, see Section C of The Consolidated Security Thread.
- Cookie Management
- Cookies can be used by marketing companies to compromise your web surfing privacy, read about it here.
- Be sure to tweak your cookie settings in your browser to block third party cookies.
- SpywareBlaster (below) offers protection against known bad cookie sites in FireFox and IE.
- SpywareBlaster
- Free for educational institutions
- Vista Support
- Uses no resources
- Tutorial
- NoScript
- Provides protection against the execution of various scripts, such as VB scripts or Java scripts that maybe used to compromise your computer via malicious emails or other means. It basically modifies a registry entry that keeps scripts from being executed when clicked upon, you can always manually execute them via the right click context menu.
- Spybot and MS Windows Defender both have various forms of prevention abilities.
- HOSTS file and IE-spyad
- IESpyad Tutorial
- Prevents the loading of malicious web pages
- Create limited user accounts. Limited (standard) user accounts can prevent the installation of malware without using any system resources. It is suggested that one always use a limited (standard) user account for day to day activity and only switch to administrator when one wishes to install something. Note that Windows Vista's default user account is a standard account. To learn more about this and how to apply it, read the following guides on how to create and use them: XP and Vista.
- Enable full Data Execution Prevention for all windows applications and services by following mechBgon's instructions for XP or Vista.
- Windows Integrity Control is o a new feature of Windows Vista. Become familiar with it, it can save you from infection.
Section D: AntiSpam and Parental Controls
- What is the Difference between all the different AntiSpam products?
- Please see this comparison chart.
- SPAM Fighter
- OE and Outlook
- Uses master blacklist created by users
- ThunderBird
- GPL / Open Source (free to everyone)
- Vista Support
- Adaptive spam filter
- MailWasher
- Preview emails
- Bounce unwanted emails (looks like your address is invalid)
- SpamAssassin
- GPL / Open Source (free to everyone)
- SpamPal
- Windows Mail
- Bundled with Windows Vista
- Has junk mail filter that updates (like Outlook 2003)
- K9 Web Protection
- Parental control application
- FAQ
Section E: Security Tests
- Test your browser security by following this test series
- See if all of your Microsoft software is updated with MS BaseLine Security Analyzer
- Test your firewall with Shields Up!
- Check to see if your installed software is updated with the java based Secunia Software Inspector
Section F: Contributers (in no order)
- John, mechBgon, esquared, jdopple, Capster, Supafly, Evander, adlep, Nocturne, dwcal, juser, evilharp