CounterSpy Question

SWario · Jun 24, 2006

Okay, so for Win9x and WinME systems, the Read Me dictates that they use CounterSpy in place of Windows Defender (since Windows Defender will not work with those OSs). My question is: once CounterSpy's 15-day trial period is over, is it worth keeping on the system? I noticed on a Win98SE system I was cleaning that it takes up quite a hefty chunk of memory just to be open, and significantly lengthened the startup time of the machine (400 MHz processor, 192 MB RAM). So, what do the experts here have to say about it?

chaslang · Jun 24, 2006

If you are not going to buy it, then you should uninstall it. After the expiration you can scan but not delete spyware any more.

But you do need to have a realtime spyware blocking application. If you are not going to buy CounterSpy what do you plan to use. Are you just going to use SpywareGuard (free) and possible Spybot's Teatimer.

Note: any realtime spyware blocking application (just like an antivirus and firewall application) will use significant resources and slow down boot up. It is a necessary trade off for security.

SWario · Jun 27, 2006

I hadn't made a decision on which realtime spyware blocking solution to use for any Win9x/ME computer. SpywareGuard seems promising; I have used Spybot's TeaTimer before, and it seemed overly resource intensive. Since most Win9x/ME systems are running at less than 1 GHz, I'd like to put as little strain on the system resources as possible. You have obviously dealt with these programs and computer systems longer than I have. Do you have any recommendations for a solution in lieu of CounterSpy?

chaslang · Jun 27, 2006

There are not very many options for older Windows platforms. And their are even less if you are looking for free software.

In addition to SpywareGuard & Spybot for free real time blocking applications, you can check out the below:

Arovax Shield

There are more options if you plan on buying something, but how well they work on older Windows PCs with slow processor is not something I can easilty tell you. Every component you add will impact PC performance and it everyone's PCs will react differently since we all run different things. What you must realize is sometimes the tool that impacts you the least could also be the one providing the least protection.

Are you planning on buying something or do you only want free?
How many PCs are you planning on installing the software on? Any purchased package would legally require multiple licenses.

SWario · Jun 28, 2006

My brother and my mother always avoid paying for things, so neither of them will be providing me with money for their computers. Also, are you advising me to use SpywareGuard AND Spybot at the same time, or separately?

chaslang · Jun 28, 2006

You can use Spybot & it's Teatimer functions along with the SDhelper and Immunize feature.

I would not use the above at the same time as SpywareGuard. Howver you should still install and enable SpywareBlaster's protection.

If you do not like the performance hit from Teatimer, just disable Teatimer and leave all other Spybot features enabled and use SpywareGuard. Again, still use SpywareBlaster.

Log in or Sign up

CounterSpy Question

SWario Sergeant

chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

SWario Sergeant

chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

SWario Sergeant

chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member