2008 AntiSpyware Reviews

This years version of Spyware Doctor has outdone itself compared to last year's efforts. This version enhances a number of previously average components to make a smoother-running product. AntiVirus protection is added, powerful sypware prevention methods, superb detection and elimination rates, and multiple specialty bonuses. The installation is a little bit bumpy, but the end result is a clean system; well worth any bumps in the road getting there.

ZoneAlarm got its start as a powerful personal firewall application. Over the last few years, they've added much to their PC spyware protection. ZoneAlarm Pro has created a comprehensive antispyware, firewall, antispam, and identity theft protection, solution.

Like other antispyware applications, ZoneAlarm Pro can be a bit frustrating upon initial installation; especially if your PC is already heavily infected. The good news is, ZoneAlarm Pro is highly cabable of protecting your computer against all forms of spyware and other malware.

CounterSpy V2 is a fairly good antispyware program able to tackle some heavy spyware and virus infestations. We only ranked this third on our list this year because of a few frustrating experiences. One is the difficult install sequence. Like most other antispyware applications, CounterSpy V2 has a difficult time destroying entrenched spyware/viruses on your PC. The reason is, most spyware is very tough and actually has defenses against spyware-removal software. This makes it hard for antispyware software such as CounterSpy V2 to get installed in the first place.

For the most part, CounterSpy V2 was able to scan and tackle all forms of spyware, viruses, and malware. You should only experience installation problems if you have a serious spyware infestation that simply doesn't want to die.

On the plus side, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 has proven to be an effective defense against spyware and other malware infestations. It does well on the initial install and equally well on clean-system protection. However, we give this our number 4 slot this year because of a few annoying features.

There are two major issues with Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5: one is the fact that this antispyware software doesn't enable rootkit detection by default, and two, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 attempts to install the Ask.com toolbar by default. These are two points that knocked Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 down to number 4 on our list.

This year's offering by Ad-Aware is called Ad-Aware 2008 Pro. This antispyware/antivirus application is a mixed bag of results. On one hand, the software is excellent when it comes scanning and cleaning a system. The bad side is, Ad-Aware 2008 Pro's real-time protection is years behind the competition: making it virtually useless. What's the point of having an antispyware program if it won't protect your PC against new threats?

For this main reason, and a seriously flawed user experience, we can't give Ad-Aware 2008 Pro high marks this year.

This year's version of CA antispyware comes packaged along with what CA calls, "anti-virus plus." CA does an adequate job at detecting, removing, and preventing spyware and viruses, but not good enough, in our opinion. In independent tests, scanning results were average at best. Spyware, viruses, and other malware were only detected part of the time, and removal wasn't up to our standards.

If you're looking for a very basic anti-spyware and anti-virus application, CA Anti-Virus Plus CA Anti-Spyware 2008 will do ok, be highly recommend one of our top picks this year instead.