Hey, all. I currently use SpyBot's "permanent IE immunity" and "bad download "blocker" BHO. However, I also run SpywareBlaster and I'm wondering using these feature sof both programs contradict each other or is it simply a case of "more is better"? If there is a contradiction, how can I remedy it (in terms of changes made to the registry etc.)? Also, while I'm here, could someone tell what a good site for testing security (port security etc.) is? I used to use GRC.com, but after hearing alot of negativity about the site and finding out that the ShieldsUP connection is partly unencrypted, I'm looking for alternatives. Thanks.

Personally I use Lavasoft's AdAware and SpyBot S&D, add a good router with firewall enabled keeps me clean. SpywareBlaster is trusted by many but I find it to just be redundant. Audit My PC is a good site to check your vulnerability: http://www.auditmypc.com/freescan/scanoptions.asp _________________________ Embrace paranoia, they ARE out to get you!

Lots of sites listed Here to test your security If any advice helps, please post back as it might help others.

SpyBot's Immunize feature and SpywareBlaster put kill bits in the registry to protect you. If they overlap then it won't matter as the second one will just overwrite an entry that has already has its kill bit set. There is therefore no change or contradiction. So, sure, if one program misses something the other one might pick it up. Fine to use both (although SWB is the more thorough of the two in this particular respect). DerekW

... oops, looks like I might have answered a slightly different question to that which you asked. However adding kill bits to the registry will cause no conflictions so the answer still stands. I rather favour the idea of programs like SpywareBlaster (and/or SpyBot's "Immunize") because they actually prevent some intrusions rather than allowing you to find and fix them after the damage is done. Neither use any resources. DerekW

Thanks, everyone. That helped alot.