I know this sounds like a really stupid question, but I am use to opening a program such as Spybot, Adware or NAV and hitting a button that says "scan". However, when I open SpywareBlaster there is no scan button. Is this a real time program or is there something wrong with the install? I am running Adware right now and it has already found 31 infections.

Hi SpywareBlaster is passive , it (as i understand it) configures your hosts file for your pc dns look up so preventing you accidentally or otherwise connecting to known 'bad' sites spybot s&d can be set to be bit more active, personally use it to find the odd spyware and protects browser somewhat similar to spywareblaster. note dont get confused with similar named junk ware original d/l sites here http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spy... http://www.safer-networking.org/ind... adaware complains about s&d but just ignore it.

It doesn't touch your hosts file. It puts kill bits in the registry against known domains and so forth which are a viral risk. This helps prevent viruses running should they arive. It is a darned good program to have onboard because it stops many viruses etc "before" they act. Protection is better than cure. There is no scan or use of resources, you just get the updates from time to time then "enable all protection". It is similar to SpyBot Immunize feature. some other bloke...

Thanks for the reply. However, it just seems useless to me as it doesn't STOP anything, except as you say from me connecting to a bad sight. Anyway with that said and done, I had Spybot S&D on my computer, but it appeared to have a "hijacker" inside of it so I uninstalled it. Besides, I could never understand which changes I should allow with it and which ones not to allow. Maybe you have some insight into that situation. Thanks again for your help.

Wow, that was fast - just looked back after editing my #2 (I'd misunderstood your 31 infections). Try the free version of Super AntiSpyware. That is a scanner like SpyBot but more straightforward to handle. I still think it worthwhile keeping SWB on there but you need a scanner too. Maybe someone else can suggest other alternatives. some other bloke...

Thanks for the input. You guys are a great help to guys like me.

hi TY Derek for that info, ! id always thought it was the same as s&d. edit 12/1/09 (rather than repost) No problem, ive learned somthing! cheers