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antispyware

Norton Internet Security 2010 beta in pictures

Norton Internet Security 2010 won't be available for a few more months, but the beta version is available now. In it, Symantec continues to build on the rejiggering it did last year. Built upon the dramatic performance improvements are deeper integration with other security tools like OnlineFamily. Norton, and the new Norton Insight for judging threats by community behavior as well as file definitions.

Set it and forget it in Avira AntiVir 9

Avira AntiVir 9 introduces several new features including one-click threat removal, full antispyware and antiadware protection, a new heuristics detection engine, and enhanced program security.

Combined with its highly rated virus-killing abilities, AntiVir is one of the strongest free security programs around. Check out what you can expect in this First Look video.

Avira builds better free security in AntiVir 9

Avira AntiVir started making waves a few years ago, scoring high on well-respected third-party antivirus detection and removal tests. Released today exclusively on Download.com, AntiVir 9 doesn't appear to have changed much--but that's only because the interface sports the slightest of what's new.

A refreshed banner logo tops the list of UI changes, but it's the long-awaited features in the free version of AntiVir that should pique most users' interest. Anti-spyware detection and removal is now available for the free version of AntiVir as well as the paid upgrades. There's new scanning tech that … Read more

A new world for Norton 360

Norton 360 is arguably the best-known software security suite in the world, but that doesn't necessarily make it the best. However, in this latest version Symantec responds aggressively to user complaints concerning resource-hogging while including improvements in botnet detection, warnings for suspicious online retailers, and virus-definition file updates pushed every 15 minutes.

The suite includes antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing, antispam, antirootkit protection, a firewall, Symantec's SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advance Response) behavioral-monitoring software, and a vulnerability assessment tool to see what Windows updates your computer might be missing. It also rolls in 2GB of free online storage for … Read more

Care for your system

This utility offers a one-stop-shop for cleaning and maintaining your computer for better overall system performance. The interface is very simple, featuring only a few buttons, which makes it easy to get down to cleaning immediately (in fact, it automatically runs on start-up) and doesn't confuse you with multiple steps.

The Maintain Windows section focuses on four areas of maintenance: spyware removal, Registry cleaning, a privacy sweep, and deletion of junk files. The Diagnose System button provides system optimization tools, detects spyware, defragments your disk, and scans for hijacked Windows settings. In our tests the scan and clean for … Read more

Insider Secrets: Best free security apps

You don't have to pay a cent to keep your computer secure against the bad guys. Watch this discussion on best practices and best apps between CNET TV's Tom Merritt and Download.com's Seth Rosenblatt. When you're done, head on over to our Security Starter Kit to check out must-haves for both newbies and power users.

First Look video: Spyware Terminator

Spyware removal, real-time protection, and integrated antivirus for free? These compelling ingredients form the siren song of Spyware Terminator. Digging out spyware is the security tool's chief job description, but the application also adds real-time blocking and integrates the free ClamWin Antivirus tool at your behest. Spyware Terminator scans and zaps on three levels, and helps guard against malicious code swimming in through applications, system files, and the Internet.

Featured Freeware: Avast

If you're into freeware antivirus and antimalware apps, chances are you're running either AVG Free, Avira Antivir, or Avast. Avast Home Edition guards your PC and the network with multiple shields that scan executables and files. You can select parameters for scanning, and even choose wildcards to exclude specific file types. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program's detectors when it comes to scanning downloaded files, instant messages, e-mails, and a host of P2Ps. Its efficient interface opens up window after window to tweak its settings to your liking, for novice to advanced-level protection.

Though … Read more

Make an uninstaller your antispyware sidekick

True story, happening now. It's 1:48 a.m. on a Saturday morning and I'm hand-picking through a mountain of spyware and adware on a friend's laptop. I've borrowed the laptop and Internet connection to "quickly" finish some work, then quickly realized this was actually going to take all night. After a 20 minute start-up churn, I had only just gotten VPN running and Firefox loaded. It wasn't the interminable start-up that had me worried so much as the two casino icons squatting on the desktop. There's no way they were legitimate … Read more