Question for those familiar with NOD32, SpybotS&D,ZA(free)

[slymongoose]

-->Let me say upfront that I'm running Vista Home Premium 6 Service Pack 1, 32-bit OS, Dell System.

 

 

 

Ok, here's the situation...my subscription for Kaspersky Internet Security 9.0 was about to end, and I was unable to renew so I decided to look for new security programs to protect my system. As you may/may not know, KIS was one of those all-in-one package type of software, so in choosing my replacements I had to look at each section specifically.

 

 

 

-The browser isn't a problem as I'm a Firefox addict :)

 

 

 

-For my firewall, I chose and installed Zone Alarm (free)

 

 

 

-For the antivirus, I chose and installed the trial version of NOD32 AV, with plans to purchase it very soon

 

 

 

-For spyware, I chose and installed Spybot S&D.

 

 

 

Now I must admit, I do spend quite a bit of time browsing in the tech forums...and I'm also into Computers, Computer Science...and all that...so I'm not in anyway, a novice. However, since I installed these programs, I have been having a...minor (I hope) issue with my internet.

 

 

 

Basically what happens is that I'd be browsing in Firefox for a decent while, at least 30 mins or so...and then all of a sudden when I try to load new pages, it doesn't work. I don't get any error, it just seems to freeze at the point where it normally is, when its about to load a new page. Then I close firefox via alt+F4, and try to start it again and then it gives me the error saying that Firefox is already running. Or it just doesn't start up at all. This has happened on three(3) occasions now and on the first one, it actually totally messed up my msn messenger...which I had running at the time...so much so that I had to get out if it via turning off the power...

 

 

 

Now this has only started to happen since I installed these programs...so I have the suspicion that one of them...or *gasp* all of them have something to do with this. I also tried opening *gasp* IE7...but that was the same...it froze at the loading bar when I tried to load a page. Then also, when I try to restart/shut down, it takes like 3-5 mins before it actually responds and restarts/shuts down. So I'm wondering, am I having some sorta clash? I don't believe these programs have any compatibility issues...

 

 

 

If anyone has any input or could help in anyway I'd greatly appreciate it, thanks in advance.

[Smage]

I used to have this problem too, but it got resolved after I remove Spybot Search and Destory. Plus, Spybot S & D does not have favourable reviews in PcMag and Cnet too.

 

 

 

Why not try to install a registry cleaner, like CCleaner to see if it's help first?

 

 

 

 

which I had running at the time...so much so that I had to get out if it via turning off the power...

 

 

 

 

I don't think you need to reboot. Just open the task manager and terminate Internet Explore or FireFox process, like iexplore[Caution: Executable File] and start again?

[urbestfreind]

Spybot gave my mom's computer problems when we used it, similar to those you describe, but I've been using it on this computer for at least a month straight with no problems at all (except TeaTimer taking up quite a bit of resources, but I disabled that particular feature).

 

 

 

It could also be ZoneAlarm. I've read online (and experienced firsthand) ZoneAlarm messing up computers. First, try to disable TeaTimer or Spybot all together (Grab Ad-Aware 2008 free edition while you're at it, it's similar to spybot, catches what the other misses).

 

 

 

If you still have the problem, download the installer for Comodo, disconnect from the internet, shut down Zone alarm. Then set it to not start on startup (msconfig - startup tab - uncheck Zone Alarm entries). Restart the computer, install and configure Comodo, connect to the internet, and do your testing. If you're fine, it's probably Zone Alarm, if not....Well, we'll just wait for you to try any of the above.

[slymongoose]

I used to have this problem too, but it got resolved after I remove Spybot Search and Destory. Plus, Spybot S & D does not have favourable reviews in PcMag and Cnet too.

 

 

 

Why not try to install a registry cleaner, like CCleaner to see if it's help first?

 

 

 

 

which I had running at the time...so much so that I had to get out if it via turning off the power...

 

 

 

 

I don't think you need to reboot. Just open the task manager and terminate Internet Explore or FireFox process, like iexplore[Caution: Executable File] and start again?

 

 

 

-Hmm, well I figured it might be Spybot...I had been using ad-aware for a while and wanted to try something new...plus I had always heard about Spybot.

 

 

 

-About the task manager thing, I do know about terminating processes and I have tried that...I went and click terminate firefox[Caution: Executable File] and iexplore[Caution: Executable File] many times but they never move off the list of processes while the problem was occuring. Thanks though, I might just go back to my old friend Ad-aware. As for ZA, I have confidence in ZA, so I don't plan to remove that.

 

 

 

Spybot gave my mom's computer problems when we used it, similar to those you describe, but I've been using it on this computer for at least a month straight with no problems at all (except TeaTimer taking up quite a bit of resources, but I disabled that particular feature).

 

 

 

It could also be ZoneAlarm. I've read online (and experienced firsthand) ZoneAlarm messing up computers. First, try to disable TeaTimer or Spybot all together (Grab Ad-Aware 2008 free edition while you're at it, it's similar to spybot, catches what the other misses).

 

 

 

If you still have the problem, download the installer for Comodo, disconnect from the internet, shut down Zone alarm. Then set it to not start on startup (msconfig - startup tab - uncheck Zone Alarm entries). Restart the computer, install and configure Comodo, connect to the internet, and do your testing. If you're fine, it's probably Zone Alarm, if not....Well, we'll just wait for you to try any of the above.

 

 

 

-Hmm, well I have heard about Comdo, but as I said in a few lines up...I have confidence in ZA. I have a suspicion though that Spybot and NOD32 may not be getting along...as from what I can tell, both have some sorta...um "real-time protection", for lack of a better word.

 

 

 

-I wonder though if the problem may have anything to do with the "Immunize" tool in Spybot, which it says basically, and I quote "allows you to immunize your computer against spyware"...and some other stuff about tweaking settings and holes in IE, and other browsers. And since my problem starts with the browsers...this just might be it.

 

 

 

Thanks alot to you both, I'm gonna tweak a few things, and see how it turns out. I'll be sure to reply back here and give and update.

[urbestfreind]

Process problems? Have a new program. This is made by Microsoft, and why it's not pre-installed, I have no idea...But anyways, it details processes, giving you who made it, it's usage over time, etc. It's really useful, should help you find anything taking up too much space, and give you confidence about stopping it.

 

 

 

I wouldn't put too much faith in ZA. I've watched it screw up a few computers before, and I've read even worse things. But to each his own, I suppose.

 

 

 

If you think the Immunize feature is to blame for your problems, just use one of the backups that SpyBot makes, and restore the program to how it was. Like I said before, you don't need Spybot, it was just a recommendation.

 

 

 

Try Spyware Doctor if you want to check for spyware. I've heard it's a pretty decent anti-spyware, but I've never used it, so I can't say if it's good or bad, or what it may do to your computer.

[slymongoose]

Process problems? Have a new program. This is made by Microsoft, and why it's not pre-installed, I have no idea...But anyways, it details processes, giving you who made it, it's usage over time, etc. It's really useful, should help you find anything taking up too much space, and give you confidence about stopping it.

 

 

 

I wouldn't put too much faith in ZA. I've watched it screw up a few computers before, and I've read even worse things. But to each his own, I suppose.

 

 

 

If you think the Immunize feature is to blame for your problems, just use one of the backups that SpyBot makes, and restore the program to how it was. Like I said before, you don't need Spybot, it was just a recommendation.

 

 

 

Try Spyware Doctor if you want to check for spyware. I've heard it's a pretty decent anti-spyware, but I've never used it, so I can't say if it's good or bad, or what it may do to your computer.

 

 

 

Hmm, ok thanks for the recommendation, I'll look into that program. But just as a general update, I think I've resolved the problem. What I did:

 

 

 

-I took off the immunizations off Firefox, and left them on IE only.

 

 

 

-I reset all my original Spybot settings and used the Run as Administrator option to run Spybot when changing any settings. I think this is important for us Vista users.

 

 

 

So, after doing that I've been ok...my only concern though, was a few process problems...as in I would close firefox via alt+F4 and then when I check the processes in the task manager, I'd see firefox[Caution: Executable File] still running and then when I tried to end process, it wouldn't move. But as I said that was a lil' earlier...so I think I'm pretty ok now. I'll definitely check out that program you mentioned though.

 

 

 

-One more thing though...if I don't use ZA, what other options I have for free firewall software? Only Comodo? and as for Spybot...I actually like it...I think the trick is you just gotta know what you're doing...as in its not for the novice, yeh? Novices should try more user-friendly stuff like Ad-Aware.

 

 

 

Thanks again to all :thumbsup:

 

 

 

EDIT

 

 

 

--> I started having the same problems even after tweaking these settings :wall: So I uninstalled Spybot...I'm going back to my old friend Ad-Aware...lol. Now to see if similar problems still arise. Although, I was starting to wonder if the problem might be with Firefox...but then *gasp* IE7, failed to work as well. I have a suspicion though that the problem may have been caused by Windows Defender, Spybot and NOD32 all having a "resident protection" thing going...of sorts

 

 

 

--> Also, the question still stands about free firewall options. In the Annoucnements part of this forum...ZA and Outpost firewall are mentioned...but from browsing the forum, I've seen the name Comdo come up as well...can anyone give me a reason(s) to use one of these other two rather than ZA, or should I just stick with ZA...which I do like...and haven't to my knowledge, had any problems with?

 

 

 

-->Oh and N0D32 stays, yes? I think you'll have a hard time convincing me to do otherwise, welcome to try though :mrgreen:

[urbestfreind]

I'm not going to try to get you to switch from NOD32, because I'm considering using it myself. Plus, DVD will probably come hunt you down and do bad things to do if you switch from it lol.

 

 

 

I have a few sites you may want to look at for your firewall problem:

 

Firewall Review thing (read it, it links to a lot of good articles)

 

Great Review, expresses how I would rank things pretty well. Also pretty much the review people go on when recommending firewalls (although my rec's are mainly based on word of mouth, then I look into reviews like this).

 

 

 

Hope they help.

 

 

 

Also, Firefox does that to me occasionally as well. I know when FF doesn't shut down right when I have a low framerate on WoW lol.

 

 

 

I'm not sure how to fix your other problems, best wait for sloter or Clare to wonder by, because I've gone through pretty much everything I know of to fix this.

[slymongoose]

I'm not going to try to get you to switch from NOD32, because I'm considering using it myself. Plus, DVD will probably come hunt you down and do bad things to do if you switch from it lol.

 

 

 

I have a few sites you may want to look at for your firewall problem:

 

Firewall Review thing (read it, it links to a lot of good articles)

 

Great Review, expresses how I would rank things pretty well. Also pretty much the review people go on when recommending firewalls (although my rec's are mainly based on word of mouth, then I look into reviews like this).

 

 

 

Hope they help.

 

 

 

Also, Firefox does that to me occasionally as well. I know when FF doesn't shut down right when I have a low framerate on WoW lol.

 

 

 

I'm not sure how to fix your other problems, best wait for sloter or Clare to wonder by, because I've gone through pretty much everything I know of to fix this.

 

 

 

-->Ok, I appreciate the help :thumbup: I think I have been convinced though...I'm gonna get Comodo, I want the best of everything...and if ZA isn't that...well then so be it, yes?

 

 

 

-->About the Firefox problem though....its getting really annoying, and now I know for sure that it is a firefox problem, because I had to use *GASP* IE7 to download the ad-aware installer...I feel tormented even to say that :ohnoes: I hope some sorta fix/update is coming soon :wall:

[Joeyexa]

I doubt it's NOD32 causing the problem because it barely uses any resources and it runs in the background.. unlike Norton

[D. V. Devnull]

I know I'm a late arrival, but here goes......................

 

 

 

I doubt it's NOD32 causing the problem because it barely uses any resources and it runs in the background.. unlike Norton

slymongoose, Joey said it. BTW, the only program whose resident protection system that you should be using is that of the AntiVirus. (In this case, NOD32.) Well, that and the one of a firewall. :geek:

 

 

 

As for Windows Defender and Spybot S&D, do have them installed and waiting, but DO NOT use their realtime protection systems, as those WILL interfere with the AV/FireWall... Further, try to toss back in ZoneAlarm WITHOUT having those realtime protections running. (Do, however, install that as an Admin.) I have this feeling it may start working if it only has to worry about the AV alongside, and not anything else. :thumbup:

 

 

 

~D. V. "Late to the ball game..." Devnull

[slymongoose]

[hide=D_V_Devnull's previous post]

I know I'm a late arrival, but here goes......................

 

 

 

I doubt it's NOD32 causing the problem because it barely uses any resources and it runs in the background.. unlike Norton

slymongoose, Joey said it. BTW, the only program whose resident protection system that you should be using is that of the AntiVirus. (In this case, NOD32.) Well, that and the one of a firewall. :geek:

 

 

 

As for Windows Defender and Spybot S&D, do have them installed and waiting, but DO NOT use their realtime protection systems, as those WILL interfere with the AV/FireWall... Further, try to toss back in ZoneAlarm WITHOUT having those realtime protections running. (Do, however, install that as an Admin.) I have this feeling it may start working if it only has to worry about the AV alongside, and not anything else. :thumbup:

 

 

 

~D. V. "Late to the ball game..." Devnull

[/hide]

 

 

 

-Ah!, just the guy (I'm assuming) I was looking to hear from.

 

 

 

-I had actually resolved the issue. I uninstalled both Spybot and ZA. I then re-installed Ad-Aware and installed Comodo Firewall Pro. Now I'm problem free and Firefox is happy again...which makes me happy :mrgreen:

 

 

 

-Only thing is, I actually liked Spybot, and really would like to have it, I think I will try your suggestion of turning off real-time. Is it really necessary to turn off Windows Defender real-time as well though?

 

 

 

As for as I can tell it isn't causing any problems and its actually useful to me. Comodo has its real-time going as well with its "DEFNESE+" feature, so right now my real-time consists of NOD32, Comodo and Windows Defender, and as I said, everything's working great.

 

 

 

For now though, I'm gonna retry Spybot, without real-time and see if it works ok.

 

[D. V. Devnull]

[hide=D_V_Devnull's previous post]

I know I'm a late arrival, but here goes......................

 

 

 

I doubt it's NOD32 causing the problem because it barely uses any resources and it runs in the background.. unlike Norton

slymongoose, Joey said it. BTW, the only program whose resident protection system that you should be using is that of the AntiVirus. (In this case, NOD32.) Well, that and the one of a firewall. :geek:

 

 

 

As for Windows Defender and Spybot S&D, do have them installed and waiting, but DO NOT use their realtime protection systems, as those WILL interfere with the AV/FireWall... Further, try to toss back in ZoneAlarm WITHOUT having those realtime protections running. (Do, however, install that as an Admin.) I have this feeling it may start working if it only has to worry about the AV alongside, and not anything else. :thumbup:

 

 

 

~D. V. "Late to the ball game..." Devnull

[/hide]

 

 

 

-Ah!, just the guy (I'm assuming) I was looking to hear from.

 

 

 

-I had actually resolved the issue. I uninstalled both Spybot and ZA. I then re-installed Ad-Aware and installed Comodo Firewall Pro. Now I'm problem free and Firefox is happy again...which makes me happy :mrgreen:

 

 

 

-Only thing is, I actually liked Spybot, and really would like to have it, I think I will try your suggestion of turning off real-time. Is it really necessary to turn off Windows Defender real-time as well though?

 

 

 

As for as I can tell it isn't causing any problems and its actually useful to me. Comodo has its real-time going as well with its "DEFNESE+" feature, so right now my real-time consists of NOD32, Comodo and Windows Defender, and as I said, everything's working great.

 

 

 

For now though, I'm gonna retry Spybot, without real-time and see if it works ok.

 

If you attempt to reload Spybot S&D (even without realtime protection from it enabled) while you have the realtime protection of Windows Defender running, you're likely to have problems. In fact, I'm now reasonably sure that Windows Defender may have caused trouble with ZoneAlarm, seeing as ZoneAlarm needs very high priveleges to function, and can't stand anything messing with it. :?

 

 

 

So, knock out Windows Defender's realtime protection, and you should be fine. As I said before, the only realtime protections that should be running are the FireWall and AntiVirus. Anything more than that is likely to cause trouble. :|

 

 

 

~D. V. "Yyyyyyeeeeeeaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!" Devnull

[slymongoose]

@ D.V. :

 

-Well, I've heard (ok...so I'm reading but you get the point lol) what you said and taken it into consideration.

 

 

 

-However, I have re-installed Spybot and turned off real-time protection as you recommended, and surprisingly, it works just fine. I also still have Windows Defender on, and its still working great. I guess Comodo is just better for me then ZA...which is something you probably don't wanna hear lol...but hey...it is what it is, yeh?

 

 

 

-If anything stirs up...I'll be sure to let ya know.

 

 

 

-->But alas, the lessons learnt are:

 

-If you're running Vista...don't make any changes to Spybot without clicking "Run as Administrator".

 

-Don't have too many real-time protection software running at the same time.

 

-Only use Spybot, if you know what you're doing...or after getting some serious advice/consultation from advanced users.

 

 

 

I deemed this case SOLVED! =D>

[Sbrideau]

 

-Don't have too many real-time protection software running at the same time.

 

 

 

 

Isn't it like that for All Windows OSes? :P

[ClareJonsson]

My personal preference for security on a system would be the following combination of software:

 

 

 

Avast - Much better than AVG and less of a resource hog.

 

Ad-Aware 2007 - Superb antispyware.

 

Windows Defender - It's free and comes with Vista anyway!

 

Comodo 3.0 Pro - An award winning firewall that beats Zone Alarm into the dust.

 

 

 

All are free and that combination I have found to be superb!

[D. V. Devnull]

-Don't have too many real-time protection software running at the same time.

Isn't it like that for All Windows OSes? :P

Too true, sbrideau... LOL! :lol:

 

 

 

 

 

My personal preference for security on a system would be the following combination of software:

 

 

 

Avast - Much better than AVG and less of a resource hog.

 

Ad-Aware 2007 - Superb antispyware.

 

Windows Defender - It's free and comes with Vista anyway!

 

Comodo 3.0 Pro - An award winning firewall that beats Zone Alarm into the dust.

 

 

 

All are free and that combination I have found to be superb!

No taste for Spybot S&D, Clare? :-s (Just curious!)

 

 

 

 

 

~D. V. "Ehh?" Devnull

[ClareJonsson]

No taste for Spybot S&D, Clare? :-s (Just curious!)

 

 

 

 

 

~D. V. "Ehh?" Devnull

 

 

 

Nope :P

[D. V. Devnull]

Something on the side...

 

No taste for Spybot S&D, Clare? :-s (Just curious!)

Nope :P

 

LOL :lol: ... Alright.

 

 

 

As for Comodo, I'm beginning to wonder if I should look into it again, seeing as ZA Pro v7 is harassing me and my family due to its' subscription being out. But, I am wondering, does Comodo do the same if its' subscription runs out? :-s

 

 

 

~D. V. "Yes, I know... I'm probably full of questions." Devnull

[OldJoe]

Something on the side...

 

No taste for Spybot S&D, Clare? :-s (Just curious!)

Nope :P

 

LOL :lol: ... Alright.

 

 

 

As for Comodo, I'm beginning to wonder if I should look into it again, seeing as ZA Pro v7 is harassing me and my family due to its' subscription being out. But, I am wondering, does Comodo do the same if its' subscription runs out? :-s

 

 

 

~D. V. "Yes, I know... I'm probably full of questions." Devnull

 

 

 

There's no subscription option for the free version of Comodo.

 

So, no.

[urbestfreind]

 

As for Comodo, I'm beginning to wonder if I should look into it again, seeing as ZA Pro v7 is harassing me and my family due to its' subscription being out. But, I am wondering, does Comodo do the same if its' subscription runs out? :-s

 

 

 

Can you point me in the direction of the program that doesn't harass you when the subscription is running out? I got McAfee free and it sometimes pops up a warning that my subscription is running out.

 

 

 

I don't know if Comodo does, because I have no reason to pay for it, but I didn't find anything that says Comodo is aggressive or anything when the subscription runs out.

 

 

 

@ OldJoe - He was talking about the pay version (Comodo's Firewall Pro). Which is, IMO, a waste of 40 bucks.

 

 

 

Avast - Much better than AVG and less of a resource hog.

 

Hmm...I've read that Avast is a bit worse than Avira at picking up viruses, but they are quite close to equal. Would Avira work too, or would you suggest I go with Avast?

[ClareJonsson]

 

Hmm...I've read that Avast is a bit worse than Avira at picking up viruses, but they are quite close to equal. Would Avira work too, or would you suggest I go with Avast?

 

Not from my experience, avast for me is the biz, and you can totally tailor what it scans too, such as Web, Email etc....

[slymongoose]

[hide=Previous posts from D V Devnull and sbrideau2000, which, if I may add, were quite unnecessary...]

-Don't have too many real-time protection software running at the same time.

Isn't it like that for All Windows OSes? :P

Too true, sbrideau... LOL! :lol:

[/hide]

 

 

 

Umm, you two gentleman (I'm assuming you're both male) do know that logic and common sense are your best friends right? :shame: If you didn't know that...then I suggest you befriend them quickly... :lol:

 

 

 

Now obviously, for those of us who browse the Tech forums often, or who are experienced as it relates to Information Technology...information such as this is basic and is a given.

 

 

 

However, I did not post this for your benefit...but rather for the benefit of those who are not regular users of this forum, or who may not be very adept at dealing with problems on their PC. It's called being CRYSTAL CLEAR...So therefore, your comments are completely out of place, yes?

 

 

 

Now I'm willing to bet, that say 2 weeks or maybe even a couple months down the road, someone else is going to come here, asking questions about this same very thing...even though it has already been resolved in another thread, like say this one.

 

 

 

Need I say more? :lol:

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

Moving on brilliantly... :)

 

 

 

On the topic of what urbestfreind and ClareJonsson were discussing:

 

 

 

I am willing to go out on a limb and say that Avast! HOME is probably the best free anti-virus software out there right now...I've never even heard of that Avira thing...so as Clare said, go with Avast! :thumbup:

 

[ClareJonsson]

I think we could do with having a couple more tech savy mods for the tech and computers section of Tip.It. One thing I hate is misinformation or useless posts. Sometimes less is more and don't forget the point of this section of the boards are to help those who are looking for information and help, if they ask a basic question, you must answer in a format they would understand! slymongoose didn't deserve the slapping and was only stating what a lot of us already know, but this information is quite critical as some people really don't know running two or more malware detectors that have active protection is a bad thing!

[D. V. Devnull]

ClareJonsson and slymongoose, you both misinterpret myself and sbrideau deeply. :cry: ... We meant to expound in a humorous manner upon the lesson and show that it wasn't just limited to one version and/or one flavor of Windows. Further, we meant to show that this has been an issue all through the history of the existence of Windows as the OS it has evolved into, and that learning such is a good thing to have learned. :thumbsup:

 

 

 

We really didn't mean to be offensive in any way, shape, and/or form. Please, re-read those posts with a 'giant keg' of humor taken into account? Thanks in advance! :)

 

 

 

~Mr. D. V. "We are not as we seem." Devnull

[ClareJonsson]

ClareJonsson and slymongoose, you both misinterpret myself and sbrideau deeply. :cry: ... We meant to expound in a humorous manner upon the lesson and show that it wasn't just limited to one version and/or one flavor of Windows. Further, we meant to show that this has been an issue all through the history of the existence of Windows as the OS it has evolved into, and that learning such is a good thing to have learned. :thumbsup:

 

 

 

We really didn't mean to be offensive in any way, shape, and/or form. Please, re-read those posts with a 'giant keg' of humor taken into account? Thanks in advance! :)

 

 

 

~Mr. D. V. "We are not as we seem." Devnull

 

Mr. D. V. Devnull,

 

 

 

Unfortunately you have a knack for saying things that appears to rub people up the wrong way, may I suggest you take a step back sometimes before pressing the submit button and choosing your wording carefully.

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

Clare.