Ok, I've tried to condense this a bit.... but some things do need clarifying.
Here's free software that will help a little, but you have to also use your brain and not rely on this program!!
http://unchecky.com/
A free program that then charges for support? .... no thank you.
Now if you want to recommend a program that is written by Malware Removal Specialists and is then kept up to date by input from other Malware Removal Specialists..... then you're talking. (AdwCleaner and JRT )
Note that Unchecky was tested thoroughly by Softpedia and was found 100% clean.
Yeah right.... that doesn't mean a lot to be honest.
Just look at the rubbish that comes through with some of their downloads.
MBAM was never designed to run a lone as a Anti-Virus.
I really wish these companies would get rid of that stupid name...... Anti Virus!!
Virus's only account for less than 1% of malware these days.
So the term is outdated.
This is what Emsisoft say about calling their product 'an Anti Malware' scanner.
Our analysis lab has determined that classic viruses only make up less than 0.5% of total threats (in 2012). Referring to our product as an "Antivirus" would therefore be wrong by definition. We're perfectionists so we have elected to use the broader term "Malware" when naming our product. "Malware" includes all types of threats, such as viruses (0.5%), rogue security software (0.5%), rootkits (1.0%), adware (2.7%), possible malicious applications (4.1%), worms (4.6%), financial malware & password stealers (5.3%), online gaming password stealers (6.9%), backdoors (13.3%) and trojans (61.3%). Please note that not all "Anti-Malware" products on the market include the same functionality and protection level. - See more at:
http://www.emsisoft.co.uk/en/software/antimalware/#sthash.00MOZeyV.dpuf
So if MBAM was efficient enough, it could be used as a so called Anti Virus.
As far as MBAM Premium goes...... I stick my neck out and say that i never recommend it.
I've seen problems with the premium version and I think that at least one member of staff here will back this up.
If you have MBAM Premium, check to see if Root Kit has been checked
Even the free version doesn't have this ticked by default!!!!
but MBAM does have a Anti root kit software and it is now being run on most forums and replacing TDSS Killer.
Not really true.
TDSSKiller only goes after a small but very dangerous type of Rootkit.
In other words, it's a specialized type of Rootkit remover.
It can't be compared to an ordinary Rootkit Removal program.
"PUPS" are best explained as "Probably Unwanted Programs" and you need to be careful as they are not actually Malware but are rather Malware enablers
Again, not really true.
Most are actually legit programs, (hence....
probably unwanted programs ) but why anyone would actually want them is beyond me.
But believe me.... some people do want them installed and do use them.
This is why a lot of AV programs don't detect them.
Mbam today is of little use controlling these new types of malware thus I believe has concentrated on "PUPS" in newer versions to make up for what it no longer is that good at and other programs are surpassing its ability.
You do have to take into account that just removing malware with a scanner is not always the best way to deal with things.
Malware writers are becoming very good at what they write.
Sometimes removing the obvious signs will lead to other problems.
We have seen scanners remove malware only to find that the internet connection is broken.
One of the reasons that a certain adware removal program has just removed detection for one type.
MBAM is written by Malware Removal Specialists and if they deem that removing certain types of malware detection will lead to other problems, they'll leave out the detection so that it can be dealt with properly.
Sadly not all AV program writers do this and it does cause problems when AV's detect something and remove it.
As a first line detection program, MBAM is still a good call.
It certainly cannot be used as a standalone against all Malware since it seems to remove less and less.
We all know that NO one program will detect everything.
That's why we have dedicated removal programs.
The bottom line is ................
Don't attack your system with an axe... get detailed info and then use a scalpel.
