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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Anti-Spyware Consumer Guide
What to Look for in Antispyware Software
It can sometimes seem like you're reading Greek when it comes to figuring out what features you need to get rid of that pesky spyware on your computer. What's a rootkit? What's the difference between adware and spyware? What's malware? Do I even have any of this? All you know is, your computer is acting funny and you suspect it's some kind of spyware causing all the trouble.
Below, we've made an easy to understand list of things to look for when purchasing antispyware software.
- Detailed Scanning Results
A thorough system scan should reveal every possible spyware file. It's important for an antispyware software to list every file and give you the option to keep it or delete it. This way, you're well informed on everything that the software categorizes as spyware and have the option to not delete a file it has mistakenly categorized.
- Complete Spyware Removal
This seems like a no-brainer, but it's important that an antispyware software completely delete every trace of spyware from your PC. Sometimes this isn't possible, and a file quarantine is the next best solution. However, a good antispyware program will delete all traces and components of spyware on your computer.
- Easy Install and Interface
The software should be easy to install with little effort from the user, and the interface should be clearly labeled and easy to navigate. An antispyware program that takes a PHD to install and use is probably a good sign that the software isn't going to be very useful to you. In the antispyware world, easy is better.
- Scheduled Scanning
Setting a schedule for your antispyware to do a full system scan can save you lots of time. You can simply set it and forget it. Without a scheduled scan, spyware can often creep in and do damage before it's too late.
- Real-time Protection
Good antispyware protection should continually monitor your system for any spyware attacks in real-time. This means the second an attack is happening, your antispyware software should kick in and automatically block the attack.
- Rootkit Detection
Rootkits are a new tool used by spyware operators. Rootkits are highly-targeted spyware applications that secretly attach themselves to normal computer functions like starting Word or an Internet browser. A good antispyware program can find and eliminate rootkits with no problem.
- Low Resource Demand
Antispyware software should run softly and quietly in the background. It shouldn't slow down your other PC functions when running.
- Automatic Updates
Frequent and automatic spyware threat updates are a must. When spyware versions can be designed and launched within minutes, every new update of protection is vital in the fight.
- Backup Function
Although this may not be a vital option to have, a good backup feature will prevent any mistakes made by you or the software. This feature allows you to back up your system settings before any spyware is deleted. If a normal file is accidentally deleted in the process, the software can roll back to your previous settings to undo the accidental deletion.
Keep these features in mind when researching your next antispyware software. Each program will have some or all of these features at varying degrees. The important thing to keep in mind is which programs have a well-rounded approach. Any antispyware software that has a powerful, and even balance of these features is well worth having.
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