I need a good anti-spyware

[SUCCESSOR]

I need one bad. I've been infected by Virus Heat and supposedly a bunch of viruses but norton's not picking up on them... but it hasn't been updated in about 2 years.

I dunno. I got spyhunter to scan my computer and it brought up some files that have been bothering me that I can't delete. but i dunno if it worth purchasing. so I'm looking into what would be best for my money.

[phattonez]

AVG Anti-Virus
AdAware

Both are available from download.com.

[Blisspath]

I use AVG on my PC and it seems to do a good job..and its free! My best advice..go MAC! you'll never go back!
I don't even bother running a firewall or anti-virus on my laptops.

[Pineconn]

Definitely download Ad-Aware SE for this. It'll find any and all spyware on your computer in two sweeps. It likely won't find a Trojan, however, so you'll need normal virus scanning software for that.

[Cloral]

AVG (for viruses) + AdAware (for spyware) FTW!

AVG does have a version that scans for spyware, but you have to pay for it. On the other hand, the combo I listed above is free and works great.

[Brasel]

Um...I'd just do a wipe honestly. Once your system's been compromised like that, theres no telling if you get it all. Someone could be watching you enter passwords to your bank account or entering your credit card number. I have all my important stuff always backed up in case I need to wipe for whatever reason. Its happened to me on two occasions and I knew I could wipe right then and there because I knew that I had everything backed up. Always do your best to keep your anti-virus up to date and don't be using any questionable programs such as P2P shit. P2P such as Morpheus or LimeWire is just a gaping hole in your system that could allow anyone access. A lot of people don't realize the importance of internet security, but identity theft is such a big problem these days that its really not worth it to take risks by not establishing simple security habits.

Point is, don't take the chance of leaving some snag in your system that could allow some malicious hacker to access your personal information. Wipe your computer.

[Zelda_Warrior]

I personally think people make 'viruses and trojans and keyloggers' out more than they need to be... Unless your surfing a bunch of porn or something that is well known for those kinds of things, then chances are you won't get it. I agree with maybe a small, free scanner like adaware se to check up on simple stuff every once in a while but seriously, i havent got any problems and i dont do any of that.

Just watch out for what you're doing. With no anti-virus software then you don't have to worry about it acting up either.. But if you want a easy to use one try adaware se

[The_Amaster]

Hmmm, personally I'd recommend AVG, but AdAware is pretty good as well.

Although AVG stopped updating on me for some reason...

[Nicholas Steel]

erm, adaware scans for spyware and malware while AVG scans for that + viruses...

[Zelda_Warrior]

Yes but spyware is something that is hard to avoid, and most virus protectors don't protect against it, because it can come in so many ways, I tried a virus program and it didn't stop spyware,

If you're talking about viruses, then i dont think protection is needed because unless you're really dumb it's hard to get viruses. If you have a little computer knowledge it's not hard to prevent against it

I only suggested spyware because even i have spyware protection, but i dont have virus protection. This is because its a lot harder to keep spyware off of your computer

There is a difference between the two.

adaware is something you can easily open once, scan, and then you're done, it's not meant to be some program that gets in the way of your normal use or clean every little thing it thinks is a virus.

[Dark Nation]

Spybot Search & Destroy is good, too.

Make sure you run your scans in safe mode, though.

[Nicholas Steel]

Zelda_Warrior , Amaster suggested a virus scanner or a spyware scanner and not both ;) that's what i was getting at.