Safer Networking’s Spybot – Search & Destroy

Safer Networking’s Spybot – Search & Destroy



Reviewer’s Rating of Spybot – Search & Destroy: 3½ out of 5

Overview:

Spybot – Search & Destroy Version 1.4 is a popular freeware anti-spyware application for Windows computers. It is a stand-alone anti-spyware application that scans your computer for spyware coupled with a real-time spyware monitor that helps to stop spyware from infesting your computer. TechnologyTips recommends using at least three (if not four) anti-spyware applications on your computer. You should install Windows Defender, CA Anti-Spyware 2007 and Spy Sweeper along with Spybot Search & Destroy on your computer to keep spyware at bay. It is worth noting that you should only run one real-time anti-spyware shield on your computer. Running two or more may create problems. Using multiple scanners is okay, though.

Safer Networking’s Spybot – Search & Destroy is the anti-spyware solution for you if you are looking to add to your anti-spyware application arsenal.

Pros of Spybot – Search & Destroy:

One of the first anti-spyware applications along with Ad-Aware.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
Simple, straightforward and easy to use. One of the few applications to offer a free real-time protection monitor, unlike Ad-Aware Free and AVG Anti-Spyware Free. Fast scanning time with 20 minutes to scan a 20Gb hard disk drive. When switching to Advanced Mode, the application offers ueber-geeks and advanced system tweakers many tweaking options. The details on issues the application finds are very easy to read. Multiple language support is also available, unlike other applications which charge for multiple language versions.

Cons of Spybot – Search & Destroy:

CPU use was 80 per cent and higher during a malware scan, RAM use increased incrementally. On Vista, UAC approval was needed in order to launch the application. I could not open the scan report once the scan was completed. It lacks an automated update feature, therefore, you have to remember updating the program and do it manually. You need an administrator-level account to run the application on Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista.

Comments:

A terrific addition to your existing anti-spyware applications. Adding automated updates would be a great improvement. Vista version needs a bit of tweaking too.

Price: Free for personal non-commercial home use via Internet download.

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