Hangetsu
join:2007-12-22
West Chester, PA
edit:
March 22nd, @06:13PM
| Windows Defender, or no Windows Defender?
Hi all.
Due to a number of issues with NIS 2008 (and complete disgust at Symantec support - or lack thereof), I'm considering going back to NOD32. The question I have is: Would you keep Windows Defender running alongside NOD32, or is it a waste of memory to have it running at the same time?
FYI, it will be on a Vista 64 bit box... |
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Cudni
La Merma - Los De Aca
Premium,MVM
join:2003-12-20
Someshire
 ·BTOpenworld
| I think Windows defender adds an additional layer + software explorer tool all of which makes it worthy of running in tandem with any AV
Cudni
--
"Mercifully, he hit him with the soft end of the pistol."
Help yourself so God can help you.
Microsoft MVP, 2006-2007 |
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Reimer
join:2006-08-14
Toronto, ON | reply to Hangetsu
I don't see anti-spyware as important as anti-virus software so I wouldn't use it at all.
Things aren't like they were a year ago. I'm not sure people even get spyware anymore, provided their OS is fully patched. |
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Le Boule
join:2001-09-20
Selma, AL
edit:
March 22nd, @09:32PM
| Based on these forums and a little personal experience removing Smitfraud and Vundo from computers several months ago I think there's still Spyware out there...
I got "vundooed" twice in 2006 and was well protected I thought but had an old Java file around that let Vundo come calling.
»Security Cleanup
»discussions.virtualdr.com/forumd···php?f=71 |
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WLiley
Woodman
Premium
join:2000-12-01
Grand Blanc, MI
clubs:  
| reply to Hangetsu
interesting that as a group, some are leery of being the first to grab a service pack update, but would advise dumping an existing level of security from their pc. 
Add me to the camp that says "another layer is good".
I almost added "especially if no impact to performance".
But if a nasty slips in on you, there WILL be an impact to your system performance and probably much worse than having a safeguard in place.
--
"The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over." HST
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CajunTek
Insane Cajun
Premium,MVM
join:2003-08-08
Arlington, TX
 ·RoadRunner Cable
| reply to Reimer
said by Reimer  :I don't see anti-spyware as important as anti-virus software so I wouldn't use it at all. Things aren't like they were a year ago. I'm not sure people even get spyware anymore, provided their OS is fully patched. Hmmmm, You're right things aren't like they were a year ago... they're worse and being with out an some antispyware ap(s) in a windows box, even fully patched is a bit extremely risky.. Even just depending on those is risky without a little common sense..
I know I remain extremely busy cleaning up messes.. even with folks with an overfull arsenal. 
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da Cajun Darn I hate Malware |
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Smokey Bear
veritas odium parit
Premium
join:2008-03-15
netherlands
| said by CajunTek :Hmmmm, You're right things aren't like they were a year ago... they're worse and being with out an some antispyware ap(s) in a windows box, even fully patched is a bit extremely risky.. Even just depending on those is risky without a little common sense.. I know I remain extremely busy cleaning up messes.. even with folks with an overfull arsenal. Regrettably many people have a lack of common sense, even worser the persons with an overfull arsenal and are therefore the opinion they are invincible: many times they ignore desired precautions, nobody and nothing can or will hurt them. 
--
Smokey's Security Forums »www.smokey-services.eu/
Smokey's Security Weblog »smokeys.wordpress.com/
ASAP Site Member »asap.maddoktor2.com/ |
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CalamityJane
Premium,VIP,MVM
join:2002-08-27
Eustis, FL
| reply to Hangetsu
Windows Defender comes with Vista and as the others have said it's a nice extra bit of security for your machine. These days in newer systems, the extra bit of memory it uses isn't an issue at all. I keep it running on my Vista box with no noticeable problems at all. So why not? Have you tried it yet?
--
It takes a disaster to make a woman out of a female
Microsoft MVP/Windows Security 2003-2008
Proud Member of ASAP (Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals) |
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Smokey Bear
veritas odium parit
Premium
join:2008-03-15
netherlands
| said by CalamityJane :Windows Defender comes with Vista and as the others have said it's a nice extra bit of security for your machine. These days in newer systems, the extra bit of memory it uses isn't an issue at all. Hi CJ, agree with it. Extra layers of defense are always advisable. But again, using common sense is probably the most effective way to protect yourself. And it is a cheap "solution" too 
--
Smokey's Security Forums »www.smokey-services.eu/
Smokey's Security Weblog »smokeys.wordpress.com/
ASAP Site Member »asap.maddoktor2.com/ |
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Reimer
join:2006-08-14
Toronto, ON
edit:
March 23rd, @12:12PM
| reply to CajunTek
said by CajunTek :said by Reimer :I don't see anti-spyware as important as anti-virus software so I wouldn't use it at all. Things aren't like they were a year ago. I'm not sure people even get spyware anymore, provided their OS is fully patched. Hmmmm, You're right things aren't like they were a year ago... they're worse and being with out an some antispyware ap(s) in a windows box, even fully patched is a bit extremely risky.. Even just depending on those is risky without a little common sense.. I know I remain extremely busy cleaning up messes.. even with folks with an overfull arsenal. I admit, I'm not in IT nor do I work in the industry but I had a lot of first hand experience fixing computer problems in the past few years in college.
My experience has been the exact opposite of what you describe. I've seen fewer and fewer spyware problems (and I'm not including general viruses) as opposed to a few years ago when almost everyone had at least a toolbar or two.
Also, I'd rather recommend people securing their computers properly like using a limited user account as opposed to anti-spyware software that wastes resources and probably wouldn't catch half the stuff out there anyway.
But I'm definitely not saying you're wrong. I'm just going by my own observations. I can't say I know the actual statistics. |
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ahulett
Equal Rights - It's Time
Premium
join:2003-02-02
Bellevue, WA | The definition of the spyware space a few years ago only partially defines it today.
This post is provided "AS IS" without warranty, and confers no rights. |
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Smokey Bear
veritas odium parit
Premium
join:2008-03-15
netherlands
| reply to Reimer
said by Reimer :I don't see anti-spyware as important as anti-virus software so I wouldn't use it at all. It is the way how you look at it, i see it different.
HJT log analysing forums are overcrowded with people searching for help.
Things aren't like they were a year ago. I'm not sure people even get spyware anymore, provided their OS is fully patched. I can only agree with that things are changed, but it will be a continuous change, malware is evolving.
Sorry to say but your statement that probably people even don't get spyware anymore is bare nuts.
Also, I'd rather recommend people securing their computers properly like using a limited user account as opposed to anti-spyware software that wastes resources and probably wouldn't catch half the stuff out there anyway. Using limited user accounts is just one of the many precautions to make, so it is not as simple you are trying to tell us. I let your other claims for what they are: again nuts.
But I'm definitely not saying you're wrong. I'm just going by my own observations. I can't say I know the actual statistics. It is obvious you don't know you are talking about.
--
Smokey's Security Forums »www.smokey-services.eu/
Smokey's Security Weblog »smokeys.wordpress.com/
ASAP Site Member »asap.maddoktor2.com/ |
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Name Game
Premium
join:2002-07-07
North Myrtle Beach, SC
| reply to Hangetsu
From a consumer standpoint I see more problems for those who have surfing habits that include the curiosity of a cat but not the skills or tools to surivive..but I have seen less problems from the consumer group who use their system as a working tool to enrich their lives.
From a Business and Corporation stand point..the threats and exploits are increasing.
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Gladiator Security Forum »www.gladiator-antivirus.com/ Missing Kids »www.missingkids.com/ |
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ultracooldave
@cableone.net
| reply to Hangetsu
I do not give Apple, Sony or Microsoft access to my computer unless I ask, better to get 3rd party protections-the more problems you have with your computers the more money these 3 make selling you "new" ones. If you are really concerned that you may catch a virus/worm etc. make image (Acronis) backups of your harddrives so you can easily re-write them if you have a problem-I do this with all of my computers and have never looked back-never have to re-install or re-activate anything! As well as being the only protection that always works against anything, even harddrive failure, it allows you to "try-out" new programs/operating systems/updates and easily go back to a perfect computer if their are problems. |
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hayc59
VoodooChild
Premium
join:2001-02-26
In A Dream
·Comcast
| reply to Reimer
said by Reimer :I don't see anti-spyware as important as anti-virus software so I wouldn't use it at all. Things aren't like they were a year ago. I'm not sure people even get spyware anymore, provided their OS is fully patched. Reimer...pm me and I can e-mail you a couple of sites
that will show you how things have progressed and
you wish you had a howdy dowdy packed arsenal!! |
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tehflyintwat
join:2008-03-23
Richmond Hil
·Rogers Hi-Speed
| reply to Hangetsu
quote:
The question I have is: Would you keep Windows Defender running alongside NOD32, or is it a waste of memory to have it running at the same time?
Keep them running together, especially since Windows Defender is free of charge. Anti-virus programs never do a good job with spyware and malware. They often recognize the most well-known and well-publicized ones but not the other pests. Hence, a good anti-spyware set-up is very important to compliment your anti-virus program. |
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Nanoprobe
Wandering in subspace
Premium
join:2003-05-11
Orlando, FL
clubs:
| reply to Hangetsu
FWIW I had issues with defender on 2 machines. Without going into all the details I disabled defender and installed Boclean. It's free, is updated daily and runs unnoticed in the background.
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Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. Albert Einstein |
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hayc59
VoodooChild
Premium
join:2001-02-26
In A Dream
edit:
March 23rd, @08:01PM
| reply to Hangetsu
There is alot of programs out there
that do a much better job than Windows Defender
for sure!! |
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corey389
join:2001-06-17
Newport, RI
| reply to Hangetsu
i think with nod32 you do not need windows defender. nod32 usually protects you from what windows defender is looking for and more. i think it is a kind of wast. you should learn to secure a computer and a browser and not trust a software product they all have flaws and use smart judgment on what kind of software is or to be installed on your computer. |
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WALL_E
Premium
join:2003-05-28
USA
edit:
March 23rd, @09:26PM
| reply to Hangetsu
I don't post very often in the security forum and my thoughts on Windows Defender are only my opinion, myself having no professional experience with computer security, but my impression of Windows Defender is that there are other products that do a much better job.
SpywareDoctor comes to mind. A somewhat stripped-down version is available through the Google Pack. I would be more inclined to install that tool than Windows Defender, as I have found Defender to have a noticeable performance impact on several machines I have installed it on. Also, most reviews and testing I've read for Windows Defender lead me to believe that it is no longer very effective.
A shame, really. Windows Defender really seemed to show a lot of promise back when it was Giant Antispyware. I'm not Microsoft bashing, but I would like to see Microsoft put some more resources behind Defender and make it the best product it can be. Being Microsoft, they should have an intimate knowledge of the OS other security vendors can't match, giving their product a potential advantage. To date, it doesn't seem like they've utilized that advantage.
If you're using Windows Vista, you may not have much of a choice anyway. I think Windows Defender is a non-removable component of that OS (?).
My two cents.
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A man without religion is like a fish without a bicycle. |
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