In tests performed by AV-Test.org for the "Spyware Specialists" story, Spybot performed worst of the five products tested. While detecting a solid 80 percent actively running adware and spyware, it detected only 2 percent of inactive threats. It disinfected a median 45 percent of adware but a far-below-average 20 percent of spyware. It also offers no protection against actively running rootkits. On the other hand, Spybot's Tea Timer real-time protection performed well in behavior-based detection tests. Spybot also successfully detected additions to HKCU and HKLM Run keys (Registry keys targeted by many malware threats) and changes to Internet Explorer Search and Home pages; however, it did not detect changes to the global startup folder.
Spybot's interface is deep with options, but its settings window buries within it a dizzying number of check-box options for file recovery, scan speed optimization, and startup tasks. Techie types who want minute control over individual line items might like these options.
Spybot also falls short where all free security programs do, and that's in free telephone tech support. Spybot does provide e-mail tech support--that's better than the free version of Ad-Aware, which doesn't offer any support. I also experienced an irritating interface glitch that obscured the buttons on a dialog box asking me (presumably) to allow or deny a change to a Registry file.
Despite the bugs, some PC users will continue to use Spybot out of thrift or sheer loyalty; but other programs provide better protection against current threats.
-- Narasu Rebbapragada
File Name | Downloads | License | Date |
---|---|---|---|
This free antispyware program with a solid scanning engine has a significantly improved UI.
|
14715616 | Free | Aug 2007 |
Perennial favorite antispyware tool has lots of settings.
|
7685755 | Free | Mar 2007 |
Eliminate an insidious pest that Spybot and Ad-aware can't stop.
|
868048 | Free | Jul 2006 |
Spyware fighter lets you examine Windows startup programs.
|
756950 | Free | Mar 2007 |
Stop Web sites from changing your home page without your permission.
|
468409 | Free | Jul 2007 |
Catch spyware before it installs itself and wreaks havoc on your computer.
|
227169 | Free | Feb 2007 |
Protect yourself against sites that want to hijack your browser's homepage.
|
180499 | Free | Aug 2007 |
Rid your PC of annoying adware and spyware, and take advantage of a host of proactive features.
|
158817 | Buy Only | Sep 2007 |
This speedy spyware checker is easy to use, and it's excellent at finding active spyware.
|
152325 | Trial | Aug 2007 |
The free AVG Anti-Root is designed to protect you. It does one thing, and one thing alone: finds and kills rootkits.
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93844 | Free | Jun 2007 |