Windows Secrets - adware removal rates

[freezer121]

There is a fascinating article in the latest edition of a free magazine I subscribe to at http://windowssecrets.com. It reports on a major comparison study of the effectiveness of adware removal software. As example, while Giant Antispyware fixed 63% with no false positives, Pest Patrol fixed only 41% with 10 false positives. Even more interesting is the effect of combination which reports that the popular combination of Adaware and Spybot caught only 54%.

It's worth reading.

[belthazor]

Thanks freezer, gotta go read that.

[KingCobra]

Yes will read now, thanks again.

Edit - A very interesting read. I agree 110% with the author when he says:

Quote:

It's absolutely absurd that PC users must download, install, and update multiple programs just to keep their machines from silently accumulating crapware from morally-challenged Web sites. It's criminal that the leading ISPs and software giants of the world didn't move earlier to prevent these nuisances from taking over the majority of consumers' PCs.

I'm getting so sick myself of keeping programs updated to fight viruses, spyware, adaware, firewall permissions and fixing verious other problems on my system caused from connecting to the internet. It's getting to the point where I might only go on the internet using a CD copy of Knoppix LIVE so when I restart my computer I know I don't have any of this crapware installed. Guaranteed to work better than a WinXP system restore.

[freezer121]

I'm starting to lose confidence in AdAware. It left its subscribers high and dry about a year ago when it just stopped putting out updates whilst it reorganised itself; now it drops adware from the list without either notice or obvious reason.

I see MS Antispyware and Webroot Spysweeper highly rated - very fortunate because I had just decided to go with this combination.

[belthazor]

Quote:

Seems iDownload has copied the RIAA & MPAA by sending their own cease-and-desist orders to anti-spyware makers. Yep, seems they want these companies to stop removing their spyware, adware or whatever you want to call it.

IF the legal system backs companies on these kinds of actions, it's setting a precedent saying "It is illegal to remove. block or report spyware". If any of you find any kind of news on those 2 companies fighting the cease and desist, please post it here.

[KingCobra]

I just found this news at dslreports.com

Quote:

Anti-Spyware Group Collapses
COAST falls apart due to integrity shift

Over the weekend we noted that Webroot Software had left COAST (Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors) because of their recent decision to allow 180Solutions - an adware vendor who uses shady installation techniques - to join the group. This was quickly followed by the departure of two more companies, Aluria and Pest Patrol, leaving COAST with a dubious roster that includes companies like 180 Solutions and Weatherbug.

Ironically even Aluria, recently slammed by the security community for weakening their detection standards after striking a deal with adware vendor WhenU, says they're leaving the group because it was "no longer a viable organization."

Code:

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/60059

Code:

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/60608

Code:

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/34679

[Dudelive]

Thanks KC for the links, it almost makes you wonder when will some virus writer sue an antivirus company for destroying "his" personal work with out "his" permission. This can get serious if we are not careful. Heck it can get to the place where these files can be installed without you having a say so.

Thanks
Dudelive

[belthazor]

Glad Webroot put their foot down so I don't feel as though I wasted my money. And Dudelive, excellent analogy.

[war59312]

Thats why there needs to be some laws set in place. Very strick as well. No BS!!