Ad-Aware vs Malwarebytes
Ad-Aware
In the beginning, my first choice for anti-malware was Ad-Aware. That is, until they came out with the 2007 version. A complete overhaul of the interface, and the program was never the same again. I ended up fixing more problems caused by Ad-Aware than by the malware itself. I stopped using it after that and never went back.
Malwarebytes
When I first heard of Malwarebytes, I refused to download it because there was a fake scanner program going around at the same time with a similar name. Eventually, I realized it was a legitimate program and decided to give it a shot. It is now my first recommendation.
I currently have Version 2.x on my main computer and decided to install Version 3 (current as of this writing – 3.0.6.1469-10103) to see if there were any improvements.
One Small Problem
One issue I did have before was that Malwarebytes would automatically install the Premium Trial Version without giving you the option to opt out during the installation. This time, it installed the Free Version.
Don’t you hate it when things go right when you expect them to go wrong? 🙂
How To Deactivate the Premium Trial Version
Anyway, if you installed the Premium Trial Version by accident, and want to switch to the Free Version, just open the program.
- Go to the Settings tab on the left-hand side.
- Then, on the top tabs, click on My Account, and click on the Deactivate Premium Trial button.
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Hello Terry. Glad to see you are a fan of Malwarebytes. I started back in 2008, and continue supporting this product since it has never let me down. Version 3 did have some initial problems where have been corrected. I always got the pro version since it offers real time protection (better to prevent than try to remove later). Their tech support is top notch (I’ve used it), Mindblower!
For a moment there I was afraid Malwarebytes was taking the path of Lavasoft’s Adaware. At version 2007 it became a bloated mess that caused more problems than it solved. But everything seems to be back on track again.
Not sure what the issue is with disabling the Premium (trial) version since it automatically reverts to the Free version after 14 days. With the Premium you get to try out the anti-exploit, anti-ransomware, and the self-protection modules for a couple of weeks.
Well there is always the issue of having to many scanners running in the background at one time. I’ve known the premium version to cause problems in the past to some of my customers computers. Then there is the issue of people calling me about their Free programs giving pop-ups that it’s going to expire and they don’t know what to do. And personally, I still prefer a open and honest choice during the install.
Recommending Malwarebytes is like recommending a rusty wheelbarrow with a broken wheel.
Now it has it’s hooks into AdwCleaner which is no longer as effective as it was as a stand-alone program.
Can’t say I agree with you. I’ve cleaned out a few systems over the years with Malwarebytes. As for Adwcleaner, I am a bit concerned about it’s fate. It usually picks up some stuff that Malwarebytes misses, that’s why it’s important to use more than one scanner. If it’s maintained by the original developers we should still be OK.
As a female I do not enjoy seeing women have sex. Somehow this continuous popup has gotten on my cell phone & I would like to know how to get it COMPLETELY off my Note 3. I am going to get the Note 8 when it arrives this fall. I hope you are able to tell me how to get rid of this continuing popup. I only get apps from the Playstore. Thanks in advance.
Cell phones aren’t rally my specialty but there is a Youtube video here to help identify where the ads might be coming from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvD5xrTtowM
A quick search of the Internet comes up with this site with more information: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-android-virus/
Otherwise just go to the app store and download a anti-malware program with a good rating. I don’t have a cell/smart phone so I can’t recommend any program in particular. Maybe another reader can.
Just received a bulletin from Malwarebytes. Full article at (Link removed for privacy reasons ~ Dave)
“We’re alerting you to reassure you that if you’re currently using the premium version (or the premium trial) of Malwarebytes with real-time protection turned on, you are protected from this threat. Our premium technology blocks the WanaCrypt0r ransomware before it can encrypt your files. (The free version of Malwarebytes, however, does not protect you against WanaCrypt0r.”
Since I purchased the pro version years ago, I did not have to pay anything more to get version 3, and it does offer much more protection. Unlike yearly fees to a/v and firewall programs, Mindblower!
Sorry, as my above link does not work, and I’m unable to find the information online. Certain information is for those who subscribe to their newsletter only, Mindblower!
thanks – this was a very timely tip – my premium trial was up in 1 day!
Sorry but the best protection against all malware is to image your computer regularly so that you can always return to a recent safe image. In addition, if Microsoft stuffs your computer with a dodgy update you won’t be saved by Malwarebytes or any other malware protection if you can’t even boot up your PC. I have yet to ever be able to get Microsoft’s System Restore working when I tried to use it and don’t even bother with it these days and immediately switch it off on all drives.
The only protection software I use is Norton Security because it catches drive-by exploits in web pages and has saved me many times from reputable sites from going to the trouble of having to restore an image. I used to have every bells and whistles malware program going (including Malwarebytes) and was spending too much time fiddling around with them updating and scanning etc etc. The time spent installing, updating and maintaining these free scanners can be avoided with a simple re-image if any disaster strikes not to mention the annoyance of their incessant pop-ups urging you to upgrade to a paid version.
Personally I find it morally reprehensible that security companies like Malwarebytes had the opportunity to have helped prevent the spread of this latest ransomware by including real-time scanning in it’s free product and instead found some other way to entice users to pay for the premium version. I am sure many people are blissfully unaware that the free version does diddly squat to protect them against ransomware until it is too late.
There are good imaging programs out there that can perform automatic imaging and can boot a computer to the point where you can re-install an image from USB or CD. For those that have to do tech-support for customers, friends and relatives I suggest that you install one of those programs for them as it will save you countless hours of frustration.
Unfortunately too many people rely on their security software alone with no backups.
Reg, I totally agree that the only true solution to a safe running computer is to have a working image. But don’t blame companies and their products to keep ones computer safe from the person at the keyboard. Software can only protect for what it is designed to protect. Running a simple command like format the disk, delete every program, and other such stuff, is asking a bit too much.
I firmly believe many people expect software to be for free. To that I simply laugh. We should be glad we are given a free program, and often a chance to try out the paid version for a limited time to see just what the extra cash can give us.
I am sure you do not work for free. Please allow those who help us also get some money so they can also make a living. The amount is cheap. To those who were caught by a bug, and were not protected, they should only hold themselves to blame. They were given advance warning and did nothing, Mindblower!
Hi Mindblower
No I don’t work for free but I never suggested that software companies should provide their software for free either. What I did suggest was that security companies that do provide free versions of their software should provide enough functionality within their programs to help prevent the spread of nasties from mostly unaware users. This benefits all of us around the globe and encourages people to use your free software in the first place with the opportunity to convince them your premium version is worth the upgrade.
Should a budget traveller on an airline get a reduced functionality lifejacket so that a first class traveller who has paid a premium for his/her seat has a better chance of avoiding death ?
the price is way too high, (I have pro grade on 1 pc)
the sellers dont offer a family pack, (dah). 2-5 PC at a fair price?
and keep playing games and nagging.
I have zero patience for nag screens.
So what they are saying, is removing nags will cost you.
why is it that apps on cell are $1
they want , $40 for one PC for only 1 year.
I call greed.!