Antispyware Updates
November 18, 2009
SpywareQuake is the latest rogue antispyware threat to hit the net. Like all rogue antispyware, SpywareQuake is a fake antispyware program that aims to either take your money, or steal your identity.
But SpywareQuake is a bit more dangerous than previously thought... read more
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Why AntiSpyware?
Spyware has become an increasingly difficult problem to deal with. Not only is spyware more wide-spread than ever, the ability to remove spyware on your own is nearly impossible. That's why we at AntiSpyware Software Reviews have reviewed and rated the best spyware removal software applications available today. Each antispyware software is rated for functionality, value, and prevention.
How Do I Know if I Have Spyware?
If you suddenly start seeing your computer doing strange things like getting lots of pop-ups, or search results from strange places, you probably have spyware. Most spyware isn't meant to steal your identity, it's only meant to gather your surfing habits and push you to buy their products. But still, hijacked search pages, pop-ups, and other advertisements are annoying and unfair.
How Did I Get Spyware?
There are several deceptive ways spyware creators can infect your computer with spyware. Some sites will offer a free piece of software like a screen saver or a toolbar. This free software is sometimes bundled with spyware - so you get both the free software and the spyware all in one shot. Other methods include hiding spyware in email or IM chats.
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2009 AntiSpyware Software Reviews
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Spyware Doctor Antispyware 2009
PROS
 Improved protection Better risk evaluation Superb rootkit removal Reduced memory usage Less unnecessary alerts Auto threat evaluation Bumpy installation
Spyware Doctor has outdone itself compared to last year's antispyware effort.
This year's offering enhances a number of previously average components to make a smoother-running antispyware software. AntiVirus protection is added for one thing, powerful antispyware methods, superb detection and elimination rates, and multiple specialty bonuses.
The installation is a little bit rough, but the end result is a clean PC free of spyware; well worth any bumps in the road getting there.
$39.95
 
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Zone Alarm Pro Antispyware 2009
PROS
 Great antispyware Powerful firewall Kernel-level protection Real-time protection Identiy theft protection Inexpensive Paid phone support Detailed firewall settings
If you're looking for something with a little more power in your antispyware, Zone Alarm Pro 2009 is the antispyware, firewall combo that combines the best of both worlds. Zone Alarm has a long history of innovative and powerful firewalls to keep the bad guys out. Combine that with an equally potent antispyware and you've got some serious protection.
Zone Alarm Pro 2009 even includes some decent email scanning, identity theft protection, and even a WiFi monitor. Not bad for an antispyware application. Zone Alarm Pro 2009 even incorporates your current antivirus software without any conflicts.
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CounterSpy V2 Antispyware 2009
PROS
Tough antispyware Light memory use Real-time protection Antivirus protection Regular updates Browser clean-up Less expensive Challenging install Average user interface
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 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.
$19.95
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Webroot Spysweeper 6.0 Antispyware 2009
PROS
Good antispyware Great user interface Free tech support Low memory demand Rootkit needs enabling No full-trial version Third-party install
Webroot Spysweeper 6.0 offers up a slightly more enhanced antispyware prodoct than last year's version. The most notable feature is that Webroot finally created a Vista-compatible version (better late than never). Webroot has the usual goodies including good antispyware detection and removal. Rootkit protection, and an easy to use interface.
Despite these solid features, Webroot continues to stumble on a few key points. One is the fact this antispyware tries to install an Ask.com search toolbar during the process. All we wanted was a good antispyware, do we really need another toolbar? This is simply an attempt for Webroot to make a few extra bucks off their customers. Not very good taste, in our opinion.
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STOPzilla Antispyware 2009
PROS
Fast scan Free tech support Poor real-time protection Poor spyware filter Bad rootkit prevention
STOPzilla Antispyware 2009 hasn't updated there software in a few years…and it shows. While STOPzilla Antispyware still provides an average level of spyware protection, it's not nearly enough in today's heavily infected world.
On the plus side, STOPzilla Antispyware 2009 scan quickly, installs easily, and has good support. But on the negative side, the majority of spyware, Trojans and other malware easily broke through STOPzilla's barriers. This lack of antispyware protection is simply unacceptable.
$29.95
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CA Anti-Spyware 2009
PROS
Simple protection No anti-phishing feature Poor tech support Third-party installs Up-sells More expensive
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 2009 will do ok, be highly recommend one of our top picks this year instead.
$49.99
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