Is Ad-Aware actually spyware in disquise?

[Java]

Is Ad-Aware actually spyware in disquise?
My ISP seem to think so (or so they say...) ...or could they be in competition to have their own ads unblocked??? I know for a fact my own ISP uses some spyware cookies in parts of their site, since I'm always having to clear out those extra cookies before I surf off to another site. Anyway, does anybody know for sure about Ad-aware?

[bluehorizonx10]

I don't really know about spyware, but my internet company suggested I install Ad-Aware to get rid of unwanted programs running in the background that I didn't install. They say they sneak in unawares and cause slowness of the whole computer. They say from some sites they are automatically loaded on when I have no idea of it. I never did because quite frankly from the local website of my company it's just too confusing.

Besides I solved my problem with a little help from a friend online and now I seem to have no more trouble at all. So they were wrong in diagnosing my problem at that time.

[Richard Tafoya]

I've used it in the past and found it really thorough. I recently got a new computer and it came pre-loaded with the new McAfee security suite (anti-virus, personal firewall, privacy manager and anti-spam tools). It looks early on like it may be more thorough than Ad-Aware. I just saw the whole package at Office Depot for something like $69, so I'm thinking of getting it for my older computer.

Also, for pop-up blocking and email spam, I've been really happy with the Google Toolbar for IE and the pop-up blocking built into the Mozilla Firebird browser. And the built-in spam blocking in Mozilla Thunderbird email client is very good. All the Mozilla tools and the Google Toolbar are free.

[TrueB&B_BritFan]

www.grisoft.com -> AVG virus scanner... total cost: $0
www.zonelabs.com -> Zone Alarm personal firewall... total cost: $0

there's also other choices besides Ad-Aware... like Spy-bot Search And Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?lang=en&page=download) and a couple others I can't remember right now...

Ad-Aware and Spy-bot.. sometimes they can catch stuff the other misses, but between them I've heard gives VERY thorough coverage..

[Seeker]

I run and update my Ad-Aware quite often; I'm supposed to be firewalled, but I don't think I am. I'll be checking out Zone Alarm, thanks.

[Java]

True -- Thanks for the Spy-bot Search And Destroy link!!
That sure took care of a lot of spyware, etc that Ad-aware didn't catch and my computer has been running a whole LOT faster ever since!

Many, many thanks for the tip!!! :biggrin:

As for my Ad-aware, I haven't been able to update it since I got it. Maybe it's because of the source from which I got it no longer is a valid link? I've tried using the URL on the Ad-aware window, but the link is invalid.

www.lavasoft.nu

That is the one I have. Is there another?

Oh, BTW, I misread what my ISP said...
What they had typed was adware, and in my haste I thought I saw ad-aware. lol

[TrueB&B_BritFan]

Java, try www.lavasoftusa.com they have a little thing up in the corner with little country flags for language choices, so I assume they've organized their international efforts through that site now (which might be why they took down the OLD one??)

[Java]

Many thanks again!
Hey, that site has a whole lots of freeware and shareware to download beyond just the new Ad-aware! I think I was in download city this evening. :)*opens 'Show Printable Version' of this thread and hits 'save as'*

[Java]

Hmmm... after having run a series of covert deductive analytical processes, I've come to the conclusion that all the spyware protection as well as firewalls in the world are totally ineffective against something as simple as a media wiretap...

...BUT......I do believe some folks out there are becoming quite happily amused keeping up with 'The world according to Mr. Rogers'. ;)

[Schmidty]

here's ur solution to every spyware/pop up problem u've ever had. as soon as u get ur computer use explorer to go download MOZILLA (its a web browser) after getting that then get ad aware. so far over the past month i've had my computer reformatted, i've only found 3 pieces of spyware and have not had ONE pop up. trust me mozilla is the way to fly.

[tinkerbell]

That'S a lot of good advice:)

[Schmidty]

it's not just good advice it's computer essentialness :P

[tinkerbell]

yet again, this thread comes in handy.


thought i would bump it up for others to see. :)

[AguileraLover11]

Wow, that is very true. I always thought that it is working in some weird way. It is great advise and thank you for mentioning it!

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