What’s the difference between a modern anti-spyware program like WebRoot SpySweeper with its newly-acquired anti-virus capabilities and a modern anti-virus program such as Norton 360 which has anti-spyware capabilities? The answer is “not a lot.” In essence, they are both now anti-malware scanners.

Every computer security developer wants their product to address all security threats, not just individual categories of threat. So do you still need an AV program plus an anti-spyware program and an anti-trojan scanner?

For the majority of average users the answer is no. A single competent broad spectrum anti-malware product is enough. Leading the pack here would be AntiVir, NOD32, Kaspersky, BitDefender, Norton and a few others.

In the free domain, AVG anti virus 8.0 free edition has now been released for download, providing protection not only from viruses, but also giving spyware detection and safe search utilities. AVG anti virus 8.0 is packed with features like real-time protection, daily updates, and integrates to fight spyware through their combination anti virus and spyware engine together. The free version is missing the Anti Rookit features found in the license version.

Sources : techmixer and techsupportalert