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Failing Grades For Most Anti-Spyware Tools

Posted by timothy on from the or-choose-a-safer-operating-system dept.

serbach writes "Steve Gibson posted this link to a superb test of about two dozen top Anti-Spyware programs: Eric L. Howes conducted the test over a two-week period in October. The results surprised me: only 3 ASW programs had a 'batting average' of better than .500 when it came to eradicating the broad range of spyware in the test. Freeware star Spybot Search & Destroy came in a distant 7th with an average of only .376. The top three? Giant Anti-Spyware, Spy Sweeper, and Ad-Aware. These test results are well worth your time."

10 of 517 comments (clear)

  1. Re:none here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I gonna get firefox and ad-aware asap. I also want to get screwed! No more than 2 weeks right?

    I wonder what it is like...

  2. Re:none here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
    what is wrong with the general public???

    The general public relies on Adaware's auto-execution ability and launches FireFox by clicking on the 'e' in their toolbar.

  3. My time is preciouss. by Maljin+Jolt · · Score: 4, Funny

    These test results are well worth your time.

    No they are not. I already burned all Windows CDs in the fire. You wan't believe how much time I gained by doing this!

    --
    There you are, staring at me again.
    1. Re:My time is preciouss. by BinLadenMyHero · · Score: 2, Funny

      My time is preciouss.

      And you're not only reading, but also posting in slashdot.
      Riiiiiiiight.... :)

  4. Re:none here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    What's your secret?

    He has no secrets. I am currently logging in to his machine, if you call Windws 98 a machine. he can either pay me for real spy removal tools or I email his files to his mother.

    Love,

    Mr. Hacker

  5. The best Anti-Spyware tool... by Viceice · · Score: 1, Funny

    Me charging $60 an hour and HijackThis.

    Seriously, I've yet to see spyware that booting into SafeMode and running HijackThis won't cure.

    --
    Sometimes I wish I was a plumber, then I'd know how to deal with other people's shit.
  6. Gary Grocer, Billy Butcher... by Dogtanian · · Score: 4, Funny

    HOwever , these programs could do anything which is the worrying part. 99% of them may just be Gary Grocer trying to make some extra money

    I think you're underplaying the seriousness of Gary Grocer's nefarious activities. After all, he's an internationally-wanted credit card fraudster who is also notorious for using zombified PCs to send spam.... that's how he makes his "extra money". (Note: There is a reward for the capture of him and his money-laundering associate, Freddy Firefighter).

    "These people are scum, " says Florida's Head of Anti-Fraud Investigations, Calvin Criminal.

    "Damn right, " adds his colleague, Alvin Arsonist.

    --
    "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
  7. Re:none here by commodoresloat · · Score: 1, Funny
    I dont use any, and have no problems. Never. And i fix other people's computers without them.

    You fix their computers without them? Isn't that illegal?

  8. Re:Spyware by Rytr23 · · Score: 1, Funny

    "I apologise if this sounds pretty harsh, but I'm pissed off with the lack of professionalism or objectivity on this site" hmm..I'm thinking your IE rendered this page incorrectly.. this is Slashdot, home of the lack of professionalism or objectivity.. Wait.. Maybe I'm being obtuse here and your post was supposed to be funny... Doh..

    --
    So many injustices..so little time..
  9. Re:Spyware by RoloDMonkey · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...I'm pissed off with the lack of professionalism or objectivity on this site.

    Your new here, aren't you?

    --
    Long live the Speaker Bracelet
    Rolo D. Monkey