Spyware Blaster Review

SpywareBlaster secures your browser against potentially unwanted software and sites – preventing the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software, exploitation of security vulnerabilites, and much more.  This program is not a spyware remover! It does not scan your system and detect spyware that has already been installed.

The best part is that you can use it as an added layer of security and can work with most other security software. SpywareBlaster is built to work with any other software on your PC. You can add it as an additional, powerful layer of protection to whatever software you already have installed. In fact, SpywareBlaster’s protection works well to augment nearly any combination of security and privacy tools, by focusing on prevention.

Yet another advantage of using Spyware Blaster is that it is a low maintenance software. You just have to install it once and them remember to update is definition files once in a week or so. And if you want to even to do away with the hassles of remembering to update the files, then you can buy the pro version, which allow the software to auto update the files as soon as they are released for download.

Spyware Blaster also includes a nice feature called System Snapshot. It is something like a restore point, which remembers your system configuration at a particular point of time. Once you have created a System Snapshot, you can revert your system back to this point in case you get infected with some malware at future time.

What Can Spyware Blaster Do to Protect Your Computer

As we have already mentioned that Spyware Blaster is not the regular type Antispyware who scan and remove spyware from your computer. It actually prevents them getting installed on your computer. Here are the functions it can perform…

• Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware and other potentially unwanted programs.
• Block spying / tracking via cookies.
• Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted or dangerous web sites.

Here is a youtube video of Spyware Blaster.

[Download Spyware Blaster]

SuperAntispyware Free – A Review

SUPERAntiSpyware scans your computer for known Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers and many other types of threats, and allows you to remove or quarantine them. It offers daily (manual) definition updates, as well as home page hijack protection and customizable scan options.

SuperAntispyware is highly regarded by the security software community for its capabilities to scan your computer for any spyware infection and clean it. But the biggest disadvantage of Superantispyware freeware version is that it does not provide you a real time protection from spyware threats. You can download it from the website and use as a portable antispyware to scan your system and clean it. The real time spyware protection is reserved only for the pro users, who by the paid version of it.

Features of SuperAntispyware

1. Quick, complete and custom scanning of hard drives, removable drives, memory, registry, or individual folders.
2. Includes trusting items, and excluding folders for complete customization of scanning.
3. Detect and remove spyware, adware, malware, Trojans, dialers, worms, key loggers, hijackers, parasites, root kits and many other types of threats.
4. Light on system resources and won’t slow down your computer.
5. Repair broken internet connections, desktops, registry editing.
6. Prevent potentially harmful software from installing or re-installing.

Here is a youtube vide on SuperAntispyware.

[Download SuperAntispyware Free]

Spyware Terminator Review

Spyware Terminator is a computer protecting software from Crawler LLC. It is freeware so you can enjoy it without any restriction. The installation downloader is small size, which can be easily downloaded and executed to start the main antispyware package. The Spyware Terminator user interface allows you to work with the software very easy and it does not have a complicated settings menu.

The software scans, cleans and protects your computer against malware. The scanning menu has five options to choose from. The user can do a Fast Scan and the software will check only the important parts of the system; Full Scan performs checks on memory, registry, drives and NTFS ADS.

The user can do a customized scan and choose exactly what the software should check. The options here are virus scan, system, registry and files scan. You can also choose to do a deep files scan and test only infectible files (.exe, .com, .dll) on your drives. The option of scanning only some folders is also available.

The best part, which I liked about Spyware Terminator is its setup-and-forget approach. You are not required to baby-sit each and every task. It performs what it is expected to do and does it quietly in the background. Real-time protection monitors key spyware types and Windows objects, though slight system slowdowns depend on your machine. Those features and the simple scheduler will make this app appealing to novices.

Here is a youtube video review of Spyware Terminator. The music is a bit annoying, but you can watch the video with muted sound.

[Download Spyware Terminator]

Windows Defender Review

Windows Defender, formerly known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, is a software product from Microsoft to prevent, remove, and quarantine spyware in Microsoft Windows. It is included and enabled by default in Windows Vista and Windows 7, and is available as a free download for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

Windows Defender features spyware scanning capabilities like other free spyware-scanning products available on the market, and includes a number of real-time security agents that monitor several common areas of Windows for changes which may be caused by spyware. It also includes the ability to easily remove ActiveX applications that are installed. Also integrated is support for Microsoft SpyNet network that allows users to report to Microsoft what they consider to be spyware, and what applications and device drivers they allow to be installed on their system.

Features of Windows Defender

• Auto Start - Monitors lists of programs that are allowed to automatically run when the user starts the computer
• System Configuration (settings) - Monitors security-related settings in Windows
• Internet Explorer Add-ons - Monitors programs that automatically run when the user starts Internet Explorer
• Internet Explorer Configurations (settings) - Monitors browser security settings
• Internet Explorer Downloads - Monitors files and programs that are designed to work with Internet Explorer
• Services and Drivers - Monitors services and drivers as they interact with Windows and programs
• Application Execution - Monitors when programs start and any operations they perform while running
• Application Registration - Monitors tools and files in the operating system where programs can register to run at any time
• Windows Add-ons - Monitors add-on programs (also known as software utilities) for Windows

Is Windows Defender Still Useful?

Despite the powerful features of Windows Defender, it still remains a fact that standalone security applications like plain antivirus or plain antispyware products are loosing their utility. With the increasing complexity of today’s malware threats, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to categorize them into groups like virus or antivirus or anything else. And that’s why precisely you need a comprehensive security software providing protection from all sorts of malware threats, instead of standalone applications.

But does this all mean that Windows Defender has lost its relevance. Many people advocate this and recommend that it is a useless product in today’s scenario. But it is not the case. Windows defender still has its uses and it may not be the quickest of them all to detect a new spyware threat, but it better than nothing.

IG Security Blog has mentioned some cool features of Windows Defender, which still make it a relevant product and I quote here…

Windows Defender also does have some other cool features (in some versions) that seem to have worked good. Windows Defender contained a “light hips” that would block some programs on boot if it detected it to be suspicious. That always seemed to work OK on some types of threats. Another feature that worked nice with SpyNet. SpyNet is a Microsoft service used to collect data on possible malware files behavior. Since so many computers use Windows Defender that data collected can help when it comes to malware removal tools such as MRT. Microsofts MRT monthly update helps remove many common infections each month when users update there machines. Also on the Windows Vista/XP version Windows Defender contains a startup explorer letting you see what loads with your computer with an easy to use UI.

Here is a video on how to use Windows Defender in Windows Vista.

[Download Windows Defender]

Spyware – The Growing Threat

Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user’s personal computer. Sometimes, however, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users.

Today’s spyware are very complex and use intelligent tricks to fool around the anti-malware software installed in your computer. They require an all round security application and that is the reason that the trend these days is to provide a all-round security cover for your computer.

The standalone applications like Antivirus and Antispyware software, which were used earlier, are increasingly being replaced by comprehensive security suites. They provide all round protection from all sorts of malware like viruses, spyware, trojans, worms, network attacks, phishing etc.

For those, who still want to use a decent standalone Antispyware without paying for it, we have compiled a list of some of the best free antispyware software available for download. All the Antispyware application mentioned here have been reviewed in individual posts. Have a look at them.

1. Spybot – Search & Destroy: A popular spyware and adware removal program compatible with Microsoft Windows 95 and later. It scans the computer hard disk and/or RAM for malicious software. Along with spyware and adware detection and disinfection capabilities, Spybot-S&D can repair the registry, winsock LSPs, ActiveX objects, browser hijackers and BHOs, PUPS, computer cookies, trackerware, heavy duty, homepage hijackers, keyloggers, LSP, tracks, trojans, spybots, revision, and other kinds of malware. It can also, to some extent, protect a user’s privacy by deleting usage tracks like tracking cookies. - [Direct Link]
2. Ad-Aware SE Personal - [Direct Link]
3. Windows Defender: a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive. - [Direct Link]
4. Spyware Terminator: Millions of users worldwide rely on Spyware Terminator 2012, winner of many awards and high ratings from industry experts and users. Its free comprehensive protection is comparable to competitors’ paid versions! - [Direct Link]
5. Super Antispyware Free: SUPERAntiSpyware scans your computer for known Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers and many other types of threats, and allows you to remove or quarantine them. It offers daily (manual) definition updates, as well as home page hijack protection and customizable scan options.  - [Direct Link]
6. Spyware Blaster: SpywareBlaster secures your browser against potentially unwanted software and sites – preventing the installation of spyware and other potentially unwanted software, exploitation of security vulnerabilites, and much more.  This program is not a spyware remover! It does not scan your system and detect spyware that has already been installed. The best part is that you can use it as an added layer of security and can work with most other security software.  – [Direct Link]

Spybot – Search & Destroy Review

Spybot Search & Destroy (S&D) is a popular spyware and adware removal program compatible with Microsoft Windows 95 and later. It scans the computer hard disk and/or RAM for malicious software.

Along with spyware and adware detection and disinfection capabilities, Spybot-S&D can repair the registry, winsock LSPs, ActiveX objects, browser hijackers and BHOs, PUPS, computer cookies, trackerware, heavy duty, homepage hijackers, keyloggers, LSP, tracks, trojans, spybots, revision, and other kinds of malware. It can also, to some extent, protect a user’s privacy by deleting usage tracks like tracking cookies.

Spybot – Search & Destroy is one of the very first spyware removers appeared in the computer security field. It has plenty of functions and is absolutely free to use. The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders.

The user can modify various scan and startup specific settings, set the program to ignore certain objects, schedule system scans, apply different skins or languages (Spybot-S&D is translated into 51 languages). The program includes useful additional tools, which prevent browser hijacks, uninstall user-chosen software, unrecoverably delete specified files, display and allow changing system startup settings and other advanced options.

A Serious Disadvantage of Spyware Search & Destroy

However, there is one serious disadvantage with the use of standalone Free Antispyware software like Spybot S&D. Several of the largest commercial security products require users to uninstall Spybot when they are being installed or when they run. Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security since version 2009 force users to uninstall Spybot during the installation process, although there is no serious incompatibility yet known. The discussion was concluded in the Kaspersky forum, which said not to install Spybot at all. Kaspersky seems to be reluctant to fix the issue, despite receiving several complaints.

Similarly other popular security software like Norton and Trend Micro also prompt you to uninstall Spybot S&D before letting you use their software.

Here is a youtube video review of Spybot Search & Destroy.

[Download Spybot Search & Destroy]

Zillya Free Antivirus Review

Zillya Antivirus detects and eliminates all kinds of viruses, worms, trojans and rootkits along with other malware that might make computer fail, cause system errors, reduce performance and might even destroy or expose to 3rd parties users’ data. Zillya Antivirus has a separate module that detects and removes spyware and adware applications. This way Zillya Antivirus reliably protects users from programs that are installed in a stealth way to collect personal information and / or display aggressive advertising.

Zillya! Is a Ukrainian team of professionals in the area of computer information security. They have been engaged in the development of security software for long have a strong presence in that market.

The download file is a relatively smaller one as compared to other freeware antivirus software. However, the memory requirement for the running of the software are reported to be on the higher side.

In addition to the basic functionality of providing realtime protection from malware and virus threat, there are lots of other features also included in the free version of Zillya Antivirus.

Features of Zillya Free Antivirus

• Protection from spyware and adware: Zillya! Antivirus has separate program modules that are responsible for detection and removal of spywares and adwares. Zillya! Antivirus protects you from programs that are secretly trying to penetrate into your computer in order to gather confidential information and /or show aggressive advertising.
• Real-time protection: Patrol — is a system of checking in real time, is used to detect viruses and other malicious programs that try to penetrate into your computer. It monitors running processes, effectively blocks and removes threats in passing, prevents the infection.
• Scan modes and scan scheduler: Zillya! Antivirus has three modes of scanning (quick, full and custom) and the possibility to schedule the scans. Each mode of scanning is performed with certain parameters in accordance with the purpose of the regime. Quick scan — express check of most sensitive areas of the system. Full scan — makes full system scan. Custom scan — you create your own plan of scan, you. Can choose what to scan — hard drive, removable media, CD. After scan, Antivirus proposes to do certain actions with detected infected items: fix, quarantine, delete, ignore.
• Mail scan: Zillya! Antivirus scans mail for the virus presence. This is helping to prevent viruses attached to e-mails came to customer’s PC. This function is making incoming and outgoing mail scans.
• Office documents scan: Zillya! Antivirus scans all types of Microsoft Office documents for the malicious software.
• Downloaded information scan: Zillya! Antivirus scans all files downloaded from Internet by Internet Explorer. This feature is protecting customer’s PC from harmful software coming from the net.
• Advanced Tools: Zillya! Antivirus is provided with additional modules: Startup Manager and Task Manager. Startup Manager helps you to see a list of applications that run at the system’s startup. And Task manager helps to see the applications and processes that are running in the system. These options extend the program functionality and help the user better control all the processes in the system.

Here is a video review of Zillya Antivirus from Youtube.

[Download Zillya Free Antivirus]

PC Tools Free Antivirus Review

Among its various layers of security, PC Tools AntiVirus Free touts effective security tools such as Search Defender, File Guard, Email Guard, and Smart Updates.  Search Defender protects you while you surf the web by warning against unsafe websites; File Guard checks for and blocks known malware in real-time; and Email Guard defends your PC against spyware and viruses that are sent or received via email.

All the while, PC Tools AntiVirus Free runs Smart Updates to ensure that your PC is always protected against the latest threats by providing frequent free automatic updates and product upgrades.

PC Tools Free Antivirus is regularly updated, and even includes some useful extras like phishing alerts, Web site ratings, and adware and malware protection.

Despite all the claims, various testing agencies and labs have found that PC Tools Free Antivirus is definitely not the best tool when it comes to provide the effective malware detection and protection and against the latest threats and viruses.

And many of the features, which are shown to you in the dashboard are available only for the premium version. It looks as if the free version is only meant for the advertisement purpose of  the fully-featured premium version. If you are looking for some decent features in your free antivirus package and also want an effective malware protection, we would suggest some other alternatives, which we have already reviewed.

Features of PC Tools Free Antivirus

• Core Protection: Monitors for and blocks known malware in real-time. Protection from known viruses, worms, Trojans and other threats while defending against spyware, adware, bots, keyloggers and other malware.
• Email Protection: Guards your PC against spyware and viruses being sent or received via email.
• Identity Protection: Warns you about unsafe or phishing websites and displays website safety ratings in your search results
• Automatic Updates: Frequent automatic updates and product upgrades download to ensure that you are always protected against the latest virus threats

Here is a youtube video review of PC Tools Antivirus Free.

[Download PC Tools Free Antivirus]

Rising Free Antivirus Review

RISING Antivirus Free Edition protects your computers against all types of viruses, Trojans, Worms, Rootkits and other malicious programs. Easy to use, Active Defense technology, Patented Unknown Virus Scan and Clean technology and Patented Smartupdate technology make RISING Antivirus install and forget product and entitles you to focus on your own jobs with your computer.

The free version offers the same level of protection as the commercial version but does not include a firewall. The installation package is relatively small and the Rising Antivirus installation is fast. Rising Antivirus Free Edition is a stable software and doesn’t require a powerful computer to run.

The removal effectiveness of Rising Antivirus is medium and you can count on it to remove a large part of detected viruses. If the detected problem cannot be disinfected of deleted, is automatically moved into the quarantine. The false positive rate is medium but you can choose to restore the files from the quarantine if the files are not dangerous. Please keep in mind that there are mixed ratings from different independent testing agencies about the effectiveness of Rising Free Antivirus in removing the detecting the malware in your computer.

Features of Rising Antivirus Free Edition

• File Monitor: Automatically intercepts and deletes Trojan, Backdoor, Worm, and other malicious viruses program while opening a file.
• Email Monitor: Scans inbound (POP3) and outbound (SMTP) emails against Trojan, Backdoor, Worm, and other malicious viruses program.
• USB Disk Protection: Automatically intercepts and deletes unknown Trojan, Backdoor, Worm, and other malicious viruses program while removable devices connect to computer via USB port.
• Trojan Defense: Adopting Rising Dynamic Behavior Analysis technique on Windows operating system kernel and, intercepts unknown Trojan, Backdoor, Worm, and other malicious viruses program at real-time.
• Browser Protection: Taking Rising System Kernel Reinforce into web browser program and, intercept unknown Trojan, Backdoor, Worm and other malicious viruses at real-time.
• Office Software Protection: Automatically intercept unknown Trojan, Backdoor, Worm and other malicious viruses program and, prevent malicious attacks which exploit office software unknown vulnerability away while launching office software.
• System Kernel Reinforcement: Providing professional computer users two optional customizable methods as Templates and Custom, to detect, monitor, and intercept all malicious behaviors from viruses program and, reinforce Windows system kernel.

Here is a video review of Rising Free Antivirus.

[Download Rising Free Antivirus]

Panda Cloud Antivirus Review

Panda Cloud Antivirus is antivirus software by Panda Security; a free and a paid version are available. It is cloud-based in the sense that files are scanned on a remote server without using processing power of the user’s machine. The cloud technology is based on Panda’s Collective Intelligence. It can run constantly, providing protection against viruses and malicious websites but slowing the system to some extent as all such software does, or do a system scan.

The inherent advantage of using a cloud based antivirus software is that it is light on resources in your computer and it does not require to update the virus definition files in individual computers. As soon as a malware threat is detected by any of the computer running Cloud based antivirus, it notifies the central servers, which can quickly respond to nullify it. Once the central servers are updated, all the other computers running the cloud antivirus software are protected against that particular threat. There is no need that each and every individual computer has to update its virus definition files to protect itself against that threat.

But obviously you need to have an access to Internet. Panda Cloud Antivirus was probably the first antivirus application to use the cloud technology for malware detection.

Panda Cloud Antivirus is super easy to install and start working. Panda’s minimalist emphasis extends to the product’s user interface. Three big buttons let the user launch a scan, view protection statistics, or dig into the Recycle Bin (a holding area for suspicious files). Clicking one corner of the main window visibly flips it over to reveal a few configuration settings on the “back.” Simple!

Key Features of Panda Cloud Antivirus Free

• Real-time protection against all types of viruses.
• Automatic & transparent upgrades of new engine and program versions.
• URL and Web filtering of malicious, drive-by exploits and phishing sites.
• Product localized into 20 different languages.

Here is a Youtube video review of Panda Cloud Antivirus.

[Download Panda Cloud Antivirus Free]