Vista SP1 Blocks Some Anti-Virus Programs

More Vista flubs from Microsoft are surfacing, this time we are learning that Microsoft's Service Pack One (SP1) has a nasty side-effect of blocking third-party applications from working. More serious is the fact that some of these programs are security apps such as antivirus programs: Zone Alarm Security Suite 7.1, Trend Micro Internet Security 2008, and BitDefender 10.
Microsoft has put together a list of the 12 "programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows Vista Service Pack 1-based computer will either."
Problems with Vista SP1 problems started Wednesday when Microsoft pulled an update that would prepare Vista PCs for the SP1 update. Software and hardware compatibility with Vista has also been a nagging issue with users.
Most troubling is that a majority of the incompatible programs are virus detection programs. Windows Vista SP1 will block BitDefender 10, Jaingmin KV Antivirus, Trend Micro Internet Security, and Zone Alarm Security Suite. The Microsoft support page does state that a compatible version of all of these programs are now available, however older versions will be blocked.
Programs that will either not run or lose functionality include Iron Speed Designer, Xheo Licensing, Free Allegiance, NYT Reader, Rising Personal Firewall, and Novell ZCM Agent. Microsoft's support page also provides links to each program's support page so that if you experience any problems there is a source for help.
This is not the open invitation to embrace Vista that many Windows users were hoping and expecting. The fact that Windows Vista SP1 has compatibility issues with security programs that will help keep my PC running smoothly is a very worrying prospect.
Hopefully some good news will come out about SP1 before it becomes readily available mid-March. Otherwise I don’t see a switch from XP to Vista in many people's futures.

From http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/006533.html

Spyware Doctor

Anti-spyware protection with AntiVirus 5.5.0.204 support

This is the software publisher's description.
Malware & spyware removal utility that detects, removes and protects your PC from thousands of potential spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, spybots and tracking threats. This is the version that includes an AntiVirus module.
Did you know that numerous programs tested against Spyware Doctor detected only small fraction of Spyware and completely removed an even smaller amount? Also most of them were unable to effectively block Spyware in real time from being installed on users PC in the first place.
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus has the most advanced update feature that continually improves its Spyware and Virus fighting capabilities on a daily basis. As Spyware gets more complex to avoid detection, Spyware Doctor responds with new technology to stay one step ahead.
Spyware Doctor's advanced OnGuard technology only alerts users on a true Spyware and Virus detection. This is significant because you should not be interrupted by cryptic questions every time you install software, add a site to your favourites or change your PC settings. Such messages can be confusing and may result in undesirable outcomes such as program errors, lost favorites or even spyware and viruses being allowed to install on the system. We've done the research so you don't have to.
The latest v5.5 has gone under some redevelopment and has a smaller memory footprint and requires less CPU usage than previously, amongst other new enhancements.
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Standalone Virus and Spyware Scanners

From Mary Landesman,

It's not just viruses that plague today's Internet users. Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use, while adware can bombard your PC with unwanted advertising. Both pose a drain on your bandwidth and can lead to loss of security. Following are a selection of the best dedicated adware and spyware scanning tools to ferret out these often hidden menaces. If you go the standalone route, make sure you back it up with antivirus software and a firewall.
1. McAfee VirusScan
McAfee AntiSpyware 2006 is no longer sold as a standalone product, but don't despair. McAfee VirusScan (2006) includes the same stellar protection. In our tests, both products nabbed 98% of running processes associated with adware and spyware, effectively neutering the infestation. At $39.99 for both stellar spyware protection and a top-notch virus scanner, McAfee VirusScan (2006) is a steal.
2. Webroot Spy Sweeper
Spy Sweeper removed 100% of the miscreant BHOs and Toolbars in our tests and stopped 84% of the active processes associated with adware and spyware. Spy Sweeper is a standalone spyware scanner and not a full-fledged Internet security suite, thus it is best used in conjunction with antivirus and firewall software.
3. Sunbelt CounterSpy
Sunbelt's CounterSpy removed 90% of the miscreant Browser Helper Objects (BHOs) in our tests. Sporting above average detection for only $19.99, CounterSpy offers inexpensive protection, an easy-to-use interface and US-based tech support.
4. Windows Defender
Windows Defender is offered free antivirus scanning complex and, like CounterSpy, sports above average detection rates. The product is still considered beta and tech support is not provided. Despite these setbacks, it can provide a good second opinion. However, Microsoft AntiSpyware and CounterSpy should not be installed on the same system, as they both share common components.
5. Spybot Search & Destroy
Free for personal use, Spybot doesn't have stellar removal rates. It does, however, provide TeaTimer and SDHelper which are extremely effective at preventing adware and spyware from gaining a foothold on your computer. So while you may not want to rely on it for detection and removal, you may want to install and activate it alongside other protection to help keep your system spyware-free.
6. Hijack This
Another free utility, Hijack This isn't a traditional spyware scanner. It will, however, provide a full report of what's active on your system. Experienced users can peruse the report, identify the miscreants, and use Hijack This to disable the unwanted loading (or do so manually). Less experienced users can save the Hijack This log and send it to a more savvy friend for advice.