On Fri, 21 Oct 2005, Gaffer wrote:
FWIW. Any so called "Anti" something that finds a load of
nasties and then asks for money to remove them should be
dumped. At very least should be treated with great suspicion
Indeed there are many software and on-line scanners that use
this tactic. Such software is considered rogue and a good list
to consult, before installing ANY antispyware program, is at
<http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm>
Which is why the tale is strange. PC Tools SpyDoctor is not
considered to be rogue software. I could see the Trial version
perhaps stating the product needed to be registered (bought)
before it can complete the operation. It is commercial software
after all, not freeware or shareware. The difference, as
pointed out at the spywarewarrior web site, rogue apps tend to
(and need to) present a *phony* scan result as a goad to buy. I
would be inclined [somewhat skeptically :) ] to believe the
SpyDoctor result. If most of the stuff is cookies, then, in a
way (and YMMV), big deal. :) The tactic might be bad marketing
for the company however.
As to the difference between MS AS and SpyDoctor, there is quite a
bit of difference between the various AS software in what they
look for and how they look for it. Which is why multi-AS
programs need to be run. If most or all of the 66 items
reported by SpyDoctor are cookies, then the difference likely is
that MS AS doesn't seem to care as much about cookies. IMHO
SpyDoctor, is not suspicious AS software and there is no need
to stay away from the product. But... :)
WebRoot's SpySweeper seems to consistently be at the top of
most AS software reviews/tests. A few list members also seem to
be pleased with the product. :)
Best bet, *before* installing *any* AS software, is to always
check with the above (or similar) website to see if the product
is a known rogue. And you can't go wrong with the "big three"
freebies (install all three, don't depend on only one). Also,
if one can afford it, a good commercial AS program can not
hurt.
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