Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 Antispyware

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.

Editor's Overview

• Good antispyware
• Rootkit protection (when enabled)
• Great user interface
• Free tech support including phone support
• Doesn't offer fully functioning trial

By not enabling rootkit detection, Spy Sweeper fails to understand that most users won't even know to turn this feature on, or that it's an important feature to begin with. While it's true, rootkit protection can be resource intensive (that's why Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 turns it off by default), it's become a vital defense against rootkit infestations that can hide in normal PC applications unnoticed. Rootkit protection is a must in our view.

And then there is this attempt to install a third-party toolbar (Ask.com). The toolbar isn't destructive, but do we really need another toolbar? Plus, most people simply skip through the install screens without reading them. Webroot must know this and are attempting to slip in an extra money-maker partner: Ask.com. This doesn't Webroot's otherwise good reputation for quality software.


Spy Sweeper Features

• Comprehensive antispyware
• Real-time monitoring and protection
• Automatic defense updates
• Free customer support
• Rootkit protection (when enabled)
• Better risk assessment
• Multiple user protection
• Spyware news & information
• Satisfaction Guarantee

Another sticking point is the fact that Webroot doesn't offer a fully functional version of their antispyware software. Their trial version will install, scan, and identify the spyware, but won't remove it. You're pressured into buying the antispyware software if you want to remove the malware. Another ding to their reputation, in our opinion.

On the good side, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 incorporates their always functional, and easy to use interface. It's crisp, clean, and intuitive. The scans display color-coded tabs marking your progress: Sweeping, Quarantine, and Summary.

Also, as always, Webroot Spy Sweeper is still at the top of their game when it comes to actual spyware and malware protection. If they would just correct a few of these stumbling blocks, 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 2000, Vista (32 bit versions of Home Basic, Premium, Business, or Ultimate), or XP (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.
• Download Size: 12.4 MB

Conclusion

Overall, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 loses points with us for trying to install a third-party toolbar, for not enabling rootkit detection by default, and not offering a fully-functional trial. Aside from these objections, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 is a very effective defense against all forms of spyware/malware.