Publisher: Webroot
Version: 2011
Pros: Large definitions database, easy-to-use interface, consistent updates, advanced rootkit protection and free online and phone technical support.
Cons: Compatibility issues with other security programs.
The Verdict: It's difficult to find an antispyware program that's more powerful. If this product were reduced to only its scanning capabilities, we would still recommend it as the top of the heap.
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Defend your computer and your identity from prying spyware with Spy Sweeper. This anti-spyware software is equipped to beat off malicious, information-seeking applications to keep your data private and safe. This program is easy to use and is constantly updated to combat emerging threats.
Spyware is continuously evolving, Spy Sweeper not only constantly evolves to be able to combat newly developed spyware but it is also effectively sly. It has the ability to run undetected by most malicious programs, so spyware doesn’t even get the chance to try to work around Spy Sweeper before it is already quarantined and subdued.
There is a wide range of people that use spyware removal software, some want to manually initiate scans and study the latest emergent threat. Others just want to install the anti-spyware software and rarely or never think about it again. Spy Sweeper can satisfy both types. Not only can this software defend in realtime with email scans and more, but it also offers a choice of three different system scans. For the hands-on type it can run custom sweeps that will skip selected folders or extensions. Or it can be set to conduct a full sweep periodically on its own. Or if you are an alert and impatient type it can be commanded at anytime to run a quick sweep that is able to find dangerous spyware or malware in less than a minute.
Nowadays personal computers are often used as a communication device and a way to get the latest news and entertainment, which requires connecting to the Internet. And if your computer is accessing the Internet, you and it are at risk. So why not protect your computer, your personal information and your online habits with the best anti-spyware software available, Spy Sweeper.
Ease of Setup/Use:
Spy Sweeper is extremely simple to use and the interface is well organized. It has easy to understand icons and convenient tabs for all major functions. This anti-spyware program does not require complex configuring; it offers powerful and well thought out recommended settings as well as the choice of custom configuring. It also has automatic alerts, so you always know when it is time to update.
Keep in mind that this software was developed primarily for home users, so it is designed to be easy to install and use; it does not take an IT department to figure out how to configure this anti-spyware software.
Webroot Spy Sweeper now also includes online backup facilities, and online access to backups so you can access your files from anywhere. And you don't have to worry about being interrupted while watching a movie or playing a game. In Gamer Mode you can set previously scheduled scans aside, but rest assured that your computer is safe with shield technology running in the background.
Detection Effectiveness:
Spy Sweeper is continually evolving and has the ability to combat most major threats. It can instantly prevent spyware, malware, parasites, data miners, adware and many more threats from accessing your information or altering your system. In total, it has fifteen smart shields that defend against annoying and troublesome pests like cookie trackers, browser hijackers, keyloggers and Trojans. If you don’t know what kind of protection you want or need, the program will run 12 recommended shields. We went with the recommended setting and never incurred any problems and we are constantly online and regularly downloading files, images and software.
Spyware performs numerous protective functions. It scans all ingoing and outgoing email, including attachments. It has anti-phishing and anti-spam features and watches for programs that try to alter toolbars, the computer registry or web browser.
After a scan, Spy Sweeper provides easy to understand reports. When items are detected, the report assigns a level of risk and description for each item. You can then quarantine, delete or restore the discovered items. Spy Sweeper will also keep you informed of immediate threats by warning you if an application is trying to install on your computer.
Removal Effectiveness:
Spy Sweeper can safely remove designated threats from the quarantine or they can be instantly deleted, without ever being a threat to your system, they are detected and isolated well before they can cause any havoc. This anti-spyware software can even detect and remove malware that Microsoft Windows operating systems cannot.
This software also includes a one-click feature that can remove adware, system monitors and Trojans. It safely removes associated registry entries, running processes and files to almost instantly improve the computers performance. This one-click feature is especially useful right after installation, to remove unwanted malicious items that may already reside on the hard drive.
System Performance:
With such a powerful and versatile anti -spyware application, we expected to take a performance hit after installation. We experienced a slight decrease in overall system performance after installing Spy Sweeper on our slower computers (less than 1GB of RAM, less than 1Ghz processor speed), so be aware that this program runs best on a system with more than the minimum requirements. In fact, its published requirements are a 300 MHz processor with 256 MB of RAM; first of all, if you have a computer that old, you are in desperate need of an upgrade, but second of all if you do have a system this limited you will likely notice a major slow down in your processing speed and multi-tasking ability with this program running. However, if you are like most people and have a PC or laptop with 2GB or more of RAM and a decent processor, this program will run with little noticeable slow-down.
Spy Sweeper can run in the background while you have other programs running, provided that you have a decent computer. If you are playing an online game or PC game and do not want to be interrupted you can set it to Gamer Mode and it will postpone the scheduled scan to another time. Nevertheless, your computer is not running unprotected; the real-time shield protection is always active. This scanning pause can also be used if you want to watch a movie uninterrupted.
Scan Performance:
Again, this is where a more powerful computer helps. On our slower systems, full scans took around 30-40 minutes. Scans on newer systems with 2GB of RAM and over a 2 GHz processor will likely run in about 20-35 minutes. Add dual processors and you might see a full system scan in as little as 10 or 15 minutes. There are other anti-spyware products that scanned faster, but you can always schedule full scans to run when you do not need to use your PC. Most people schedule scans to run automatically in the middle of the night. However, with a decent computer you should be able to do whatever you normally do on your computer while it runs in the background.
Support/Documentation:
Webroot provides free technical support by telephone, email and Twitter. Online they post a user manual and FAQs. They also offer professional services for installation, troubleshooting and spyware and virus removal.
Summary:
Spy Sweeper can ban unwanted, nasty guests from your computer and can safeguard all of your private information and Internet activity. Don’t be one of the 9 out of 10 Internet users that has simply become use to dealing with spyware. Protect your privacy and your computers health with Spy Sweeper.
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