Failing Grades For Most Anti-Spyware Tools

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."

Re:none here

[Anonymous Coward]

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...

Re:none here

[Anonymous Coward]

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.

My time is preciouss.

[Maljin Jolt]

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!

Re:none here

[Anonymous Coward]

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

Re:My time is preciouss.

[BinLadenMyHero]

My time is preciouss.

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

The best Anti-Spyware tool...

[Viceice]

Me charging $60 an hour and HijackThis.

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

Gary Grocer, Billy Butcher...

[Dogtanian]

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.

Re:none here

[commodoresloat]

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?

Re:Spyware

[Rytr23]

"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..

Re:Spyware

[RoloDMonkey]

...I'm pissed off with the lack of professionalism or objectivity on this site.

Your new here, aren't you?