Sunbelt Counterspy/Viper "Hotfix 6" BETAII

e.pierce:

There is nothing wrong with Sunbelt products. I once used Counterspy, with no problems. I declined to renew, as I do feel free anti-spyware (particularly Windows Defender) provides sufficient real-time protection, when combined with "safe surfing". I have no experience with Vipre, but certainly respect the vendor as reputable.

Be aware that Sunbelt is offering you a beta version to trial. It is basically an untried version that may contain bugs that might adversely affect your system. It is software that is several steps from being ready for public release. In other words, "use at your own risk".

joe53: Thanks. I'm an IT person, so I understand beta. It is usually known, via blogs and forums, if there are major problems with "beta" software. most large IT megacorps appear to use release of trial "beta" software more for "marketing" reasons that for actual technical/testing reasons. anyways, I previously ran a couple of different CounterSpy betas on "production" systems with no problems.

I'm going to install Win7RC on a new home PC, on a separate hard drive from my WinXP-Pro-SP3 install, and am wondering if I should try using Windows Security Essentials (beta), or CounterSpy/Viper (Hotfix6 beta-II).

My main point was that after several weeks reading the posts here on malware removal, the trained folks do not appear to be in the habit of advising people to use SunBelt malware removal.

Nothing wrong with Sunbelt products. :emotion-1:  On the other hand, I've heard only very, very positive things about Windows Security Essentials (beta).

One reason we tend to use certain tools in our Malware Removal Forum is because some of us work more closely with the developers of some products than we do with others, so we know exactly what they target and we can report our findings to the researchers and developers.  They in turn are in close contact with us to discuss any bugs and/or updates.  If we know the guys who write the programs we can go to them and say, "Here's a new infection to target."   The lines of communication are not always that easy with some large companies.

e.pierce:

You undoubtedly have more experience with beta testing than I do. (It's difficult to guess the knowledge level of posters at times).

You are correct that Sunbelt's products don't get much mention here-abouts, and I have no explanation for this. There is a bias towards free products among the regulars here, but we have often debated the pros and cons of various paid versions. Certainly the Sunbelt Blogs on security issues are often quoted, as is the CEO Alex. Sunbelt is a quality company.

I think it's fair to say I know of no good independent testing of the various anti-malwares currently available, either free or paid (much less their beta versions). Good luck with whichever you choose - and do keep us informed!

Best regards.

Nothing wrong with Sunbelt products. :emotion-1:  On the other hand, I've heard only very, very positive things about Windows Security Essentials (beta).

One reason we tend to use certain tools in our Malware Removal Forum is because some of us work more closely with the developers of some products than we do with others, so we know exactly what they target and we can report our findings to the researchers and developers.  They in turn are in close contact with us to discuss any bugs and/or updates.  If we know the guys who write the programs we can go to them and say, "Here's a new infection to target."   The lines of communication are not always that easy with some large companies.

bugbatter: sounds reasonable. thanks for the info. I'll probably start with ms windows security essentials on Win7RC (on a $400 dfs "refurb" Optiplex 755).