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Spybot – Search and Destroy 1.3
Price: Free

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Overall

Reviewed By: Susan Denim

This review updated: 24/06/2004
Featured in magazine:
Issue 86
Manufacturer Contacts:
Web Address: http://security.kolla.de


Spybot S&D has been a favourite with the Web User team for some time. Regularly updated to catch the latest threats, and free to download (a small donation is appreciated but not required), it can prevent spies infiltrating your system as well as uncover any agents already installed.

The latest version has had a slight facelift but remains easy to use with one-click buttons to search for spies, pick up any updates and recover your system should you manage to accidentally delete something you shouldn't. Meanwhile, a mere two clicks can help 'immunise' your PC from attack by placing special codes in the Windows Registry – you can block a whopping 1,776 nasties using this feature alone.

Key improvements in this release include the option to back up the Registry automatically, the ability to create Restore Points in Windows Me and XP and, more importantly, much faster scanning for spyware. The results of a scan are colour-coded to indicate the level of danger and things are now listed alphabetically rather than by the level of threat. However, we have to admit we preferred it the old way.

Any serious spyware threats found are pre-selected for deletion and to remove them you simply hit the Fix Problem button. An expandable panel can provide more info about these or any other items found, and the program currently identifies over 16,000 tracking cookies, keyloggers, Trojans and other horrors.

More Anti-Spyware reviews:

• Trend Micro HouseCall
• F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
• PC Pitstop
• Symantec Security Check
• System Checkup