WindowsLiveOneCare an SpyBot Search & Destroy.

JJ <JJ@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> I am amazed. I installed SpyBot on my new desktop after I installed
> Windows Live OneCare an SpyBot did not show any spyware or bots after
> a complete scan. Either Live OneCare or SpyBot is doing a fantastic
> job. If I run Lavasoft Ad-Ware 2007 it picks up a bunch of Cookies 67
> of them. Justn wanted to share this good work from these programs
> being that I am New to Vista an a new desktop. Have a great dat an
> stay safe.

I think you've got it the wrong way around. The program that detects a
problem is presumably better than the one that doesn't.

While tracking cookies can be seen as an invasion of privacy, they are not
malware (malicious code). Cookies are usually classified as minor issues
by anti-spyware programs. Live OneCare doesn't even scan for cookies,
although most anti-spyware do, including SpyBot. I'm guessing SpyBot
didn't pick up any cookies this time because you had already removed them
with Ad-Aware.

If you want "real time protection" against cookies, you should change your
browser settings. In Internet Explorer you can do this in Tools > Internet
Settings > Privacy tab. Keep in mind that blocking all cookies will render
many web services useless to you. In my opinion, the best thing to do is
what you're already doing: Running anti-spyware to periodically sweep out
tracking cookies, leaving the ones you need untouched.

As for which anti-spyware program is the best, you will find as many
opinions as there are programs. A good place to look for information is
Eric Howes' site:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/

Charlie42