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.
The other flaw is that Webroot Spysweeper 6.0 fails to automatically engage the rootkit protection by default. This is a powerful and important feature they've included, but why isn't it engaged by default?
$29.95
Editor's Overview
- Solid antispyware detection and removal
- Good rootkit protection (when enabled)
- Easy-to-use interface
- Low system footprint
- Vista compatible
- Installs third-party toolbar (Ask.com)
By not enabling rootkit detection by default, Spy Sweeper fails to realize that most users won't even realize they need to turn this feature on, or that it's even important to begin with. While it's true, rootkit protection is typically resource-intensive (that's why Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0 turns it off by default), it's become an important defense against rootkit attacks that can hide unnoticed in normal PC applications.
And then there is the attempt to install a third-party toolbar (Ask.com). The toolbar isn't damaging, but do we really need another search toolbar? Also, most people simply skip through the install screens without thoroughly reading them (and that's what this antispyware application is counting on). Webroot must know this and are attempting to make a few extra bucks on the side with Ask.com. This tarnishes Webroot's otherwise good reputation for quality software in our opinion.
Antispyware Features
- Antispyware detection and removal
- Real-time threat protection
- Rootkit discovery and protection
- Low system resource use
- Custom or scheduled spyware sweeps
- Windows Vista compatible
- Low impact on games and movies
- Multiple user protection
- Free customer support
Another sticking point is the fact that
Webroot Spysweeper 6.0 doesn't offer a fully functional version of their antispyware software. The trial version will install, scan, and locate the spyware, but the antispyware won't remove it. You're forced into buying the antispyware software if you want to actually remove the spyware. Not a very nice trick.
On the plus side, Webroot Spysweeper 6.0 continues to use their always functional, and easy-to-use interface. It's clean, crisp, and intuitive. Each scan displays color-coded tabs letting you know where you're at in the scan progress: Sweeping, Quarantine, and Summary.
Webroot's antispyware has nicely integrated an online backup and restore function into their software. This lets you backup any files you want to protect in case your system crashes (or burns, or is stolen, or is infected beyond repair). You can then retrieve the files once your PC is back online. Webroot offers 1GB of online backup space for free (not much space, but a good start).
Despite the drawbacks, Webroot Spy Sweeper antispyware is still at the top of their game when it comes to real spyware and malware protection. If they could just correct a few of the stumbling blocks mentioned above, Webroot would have a fine product.
Support
- Offers online FAQs
- 24-7 e-mail support
- Toll-free live telephone support located within the country of the caller
- All technical support through Webroot is free for registered users
System Requirements
- Windows Vista (32 bit versions of Home Basic, Premium, Business, or Ultimate) and Windows Vista SP1 (32 and 64 bit versions of (Home Basic, Premium, Business, or Ultimate) or Windows XP SP1 SP2, SP3 (32 bit versions of Professional, Home, Media Center, or XP Tablet)
- 300 Mhz processor
- 100 MB hard drive space
- 256 MB RAM
- Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher or FireFox 2.0 or higher for connecting to the Webroot web site.
Conclusion
In the end, Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0 loses some credibility with us for trying to install the Ask.com search toolbar, for not enabling rootkit detection by right away, and not offering a fully-functional trial to actually remove the sypare it finds. Aside from these objections, Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0 is an effective defense against all forms of spyware and malware.
$29.95
