How much better are the copies of Adaware that you have to pay for compared to the free version you can download online? Someone told me today that the free version online wouldn't hardly help you out at all. I downloaded my version from the internet and it works for me just fine.

The other person and I were debating about a co-workers home computer and how she can make it faster. I suggested downloading a firewall to keep most of the spyware from getting onto the computer and he claimed that the firewall would just slow the computer down more. This lady's computer is fairly new (within a year old) so would a firewall slow it down that much to where you can actually tell a difference??

A firewall shouldn't slow down a PC visibly. But it wouldn't do much to prevent spyware either. If the firewall was bi-directional, meaning it would block outgoing packets as well as incoming, it would prevent spyware from sending your info. but it would do little to prevent the spyware from being installed in the first place.

Lavasoft's website should detail what extra you get in the fee based version.

Hi,
The VERY best spyware/advertising "stop" program is free. It stops stuff like this from getting into the computer in the first place, by placing "definitions" of spyware in the browser, integrating it with the Restricted Zone's area of Internet Explorer.

Since using this great little program, which can be also updated on a regular basis with "anti-spyware definitions", I have not had ONE single issue with my computer!

It's called Spyware Blaster 3.3, and you can download/install it from:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

AdAware is good also, but requires running a scan AFTER the computer is infected with spyware. I also use the free version of AdAware, but really do not need it now that I have Spyware Blaster.
Best wishes,
fredg

"Best" is a relative term. What is best for one may not be best for another. Also anyone labeling anything as best should clarify that rating by explaining how they arrived at the rating. If one has tried 3 of 15 products and labels one of those three "the best" can it really be best?

This is not a knock on Spyware Blaster, it may, indeed, be very good or even "the best". The last review I read of spyware utilities (PC Magazine about a year ago) listed AdAware and Spybot at the top. But its a caution to helpers about using such descriptions without backing up the claim and a caution to askers about accepting such a claim without backup.

Personally I'm using Microsoft's solution (only for Win XP). Its allso a real time scanner so it blocks spyware before its installed. Since I've been using it I have had no issues with spyware and scans with other utilities have come up negative. Its also free.

Hi,
"Opinions" is a relative term.
Spyware Blaster is not a scanner, does not have to be used to scan for Spyware. It detects spyware before it is allowed to get into the computer.
It is the best free software for it's purpose. 3 out of 15??
I am sure there are procedures for testing, verification, and comfirmation of tested results, verified by procedures such as ASTM procedures, but this is not practical for results such as this, nor is the American Journal of Medicine for disease volunteer answer sites.
Please try the Spyware Blaster....it works.
Best wishe,
fredg

Ok so spyware blaster is good at stopping spyware getting in, but BOTH adaware and spybot have similar functions.

In Adaware its called Adwatch and spybot's is called Teatimer.
Now I use Teatimer as it monitors your registry for any changes and warns you of this.

So in my opinion Spybot is the BEST as it has an ACTIVE scanner and a PASSIVE monitor all in ONE neat package.

And the best of all its FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!

Hi,
"Opinions" is a relative term.
No, Fred. "Opinions" is not a relative term since it doesn't describe something comparatively. Opinions, however, can (and usually are) relative. Which proves my point. What one person's opinion of best is, might not fit another person's. I have no problem with someone saying something is the best as long as they qualify how they arrived at that rating. Its just being fair to the reader.

Spyware Blaster is not a scanner, does not have to be used to scan for Spyware. It detects spyware before it is allowed to get into the computer.
It is the best free software for it's purpose. 3 out of 15??
I am sure there are procedures for testing, verification, and comfirmation of tested results, verified by procedures such as ASTM procedures, but this is not practical for results such as this, nor is the American Journal of Medicine for disease volunteer answer sites.
Please try the Spyware Blaster....it works.
Best wishe,
fredg

ANY antispyware utility works by "scanning" files to detect whether its spyware or not. Whether it does it in real time as files are saved to the hard drive or it does it after the fact. If Spyware Blaster ONLY scans as files are saved, that's not enough IMHO. You need to be able to do both (Which Microsoft's does).

I find it interesting, Fred, that you still fail to qualify how you arrived at the "best" rating you give Spware Blaster. Again, this is not a knock on it and I would agree its worth being given a try. But you (or anyone) needs to be careful about rating something "best" without backing up that rating. Anyone who really cares about helping members would do that.

Ok so spyware blaster is good at stopping spyware getting in, but BOTH adaware and spybot have similar functions.

In Adaware its called Adwatch and spybot's is called Teatimer.

Now I use Teatimer as it monitors your registry for any changes and warns you of this.

So in my opinion Spybot is the BEST as it has an ACTIVE scanner and a PASSIVE monitor all in ONE neat package.

And the best of all its FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!
i have to agree, been using it since well..... it was first shown on techtv.

ScottGem you don't like Fredg that much do you? I have read a few other threads that has you ripping him a good one...LOL. I agree that was a lousy answer considering I was asking if a firewall slowed the computer. I didn't ask about other software. Give him a break unless it is something insanely idiotic. I mean I don't have to follow what people tell me on here anyway.