New User Queries

_simon_

Hi,

Currently using 2008 Antivirus trial. I've bought the full product, just waiting for it to arrive.

My first query is regarding spyware/malware detection. The blurb on the site says it does scan for these threats, however I cannot see anything in the trial version about this. Does it do this alongside the virus scan?

I also have the latest Spyware Dr, is bitdefender just as good or should I continue to run spyware dr alongside of bitdefender?

I purchased bitdefender after seeing many recommendations and reading reviews in replacement of AVG free.

alexcrist

Hi,

Currently using 2008 Antivirus trial. I've bought the full product, just waiting for it to arrive.

My first query is regarding spyware/malware detection. The blurb on the site says it does scan for these threats, however I cannot see anything in the trial version about this. Does it do this alongside the virus scan?

I also have the latest Spyware Dr, is bitdefender just as good or should I continue to run spyware dr alongside of bitdefender?

I purchased bitdefender after seeing many recommendations and reading reviews in replacement of AVG free.

Hello simon,

Malware applications include absolutely everything that can harm your computer. So when you say malware, you saya very general category.

Malware includes: viruses, trojans, worms, adware, spyware, dialers, jokes, backdoors, etc...

So YES, BitDefende scans for malware

As for the spyware detection... all malware detections (including spyware) are embedded in the Antivirus module (come to think of it, I don't know why it's called Antivirus, since it should be called Antimalware... but I guess it's only because everyone got used to this name ).

The Realtime Protection automatically scans and detects all malware. But for the On Demand scans, you can choose what to scan for. Go to Antivirus -> Scan -> <right click on a task> -> Properties -> Custom level. There, on the Scan level, you can choose one (or more) of the following detections:

- viruses (viruses are always scanned for... you cannot disable virus detection)

- adware

- spyware

- applications (these are potentially harmful applications, which, in certain conditions, can be used for good, in other conditions, are used for bad. You have the option to set BD to alert you about such applications)

- dialers (applications that use the modem to make high-tax calls without your permission)

- rootkits (hidden threats)

About a comparison between BitDefender and Spyware Doctor... I can't say much. I think I read somewhere that BD Antispyware reached the same level as Spyware Doctor, but I cannot guarantee that this information is correct.

However, it is not recommended that you keep two antispyware applications set to realtime protection (because they might interfere with each other and the system might become unstable). BitDefender Antispyware is very good and it's improving every day through update. I suggest that you keep only BD as realtime protection, and keep Spyware Doctor only as On Demand scanner, for the times you have any doubts.

Cris.

_simon_

Thanks for the reply Cris

I know the antiphishing bar doesn't get installed in firefox, does this mean that the protection is not there for firefox users?

alexcrist

No, for the moment the antiphishing protection is for Internet Explorer only. Maybe in the future, other browsers will be supported. But I don't have any information about this.

However, there are alternatives for Firefox. Search the Plug-ins database, because I know there are multiple antiphishing plug-ins

Cris.

_simon_

Thanks again. Been using firefox for years and never thought that there might be an extension. I know FF3 will have it built in.