OK thanks maybe I will try one of thsoe firewalls over the microsoft one. In terms of Spyware programs is it a good idea to have more than one program? For example is it ok to have ad-aware, S&D, spy blaster, spy sweeper, and Nod32 or should one limit the amount of spyware software?

In terms of Spyware programs is it a good idea to have more than one program?

No one program can do the whole job - each additional scan is like getting a second opinion on something the rest may have missed.

It is very easy to confuse the very different purposes some of the programs serve. 'Spy blaster' is not actually a running process but an application to download protective (immunization) settings against certain spyware/malware - you just update it from time to time.

The following tools have different strengths (but a lot of overlap) against spyware/adware infections - they offer different opinions and vantage points. 'SpySweeper' has additional real-time protection and monitoring capabilities to help prevent SOME unwanted infections and changes from ever occuring. Similarly, tools like Ad-aware and S&D can be run periodically to check for infections after the fact if you don't use a real-time prevention-based tool like 'SpySweeper'. Otherwise, they should never be run while a tool like SpySweeper is running since such tools may prevent any attempted fixes. Any of the above tools should only be run one at a time.


Nod32 has more limited capability as per above. Its main function is to protect your PC against viruses which none of the above tools do (also some trojans, worms, etc.). However, most anti-virus tools are not particularly effective against Trojans. You would want to use a tool like 'AVG Anti-Spyware' for better coverage against trojans and additional anti-malware coverage.