Sure, spyware's a big problem. But we're here to
help. The following programs delivered some of the
best results in our latest testing.
Best Overall: SpyBot Search & Destroy
It isn't often that the best overall product in a
category is free, but this time, at least with this
program, you get more than what you pay for.
If you're used to Microsoft's Outlook, SpyBot
Search & Destroy will look like an old friend.
It borrows Outlook's user interface, and this makes
it pretty easy to understand and use.
During our tests, SpyBot did a good job finding
all the adware, but it missed some of the more
popular keystroke recorders and system monitors,
including WinWhatWhere, NetObserve and NetBus.
However, it was one of only two programs in our
tests that included information about program it
found, including whether removing it would break
another application.
SpyBot had another stand-out feature: It also
debugs system problems, including incomplete
software uninstalls and broken links, and can help
you uncover browsing history files you'd rather
delete.
Product: SpyBot Search & Destory
Company: PepiMK
Software
Price: Free (donations requested)
Pro: Free, Powerful, Easy to Use
Con: Doesn't remove popular keyloggers
Summary: A good all around product, unless your
spouse or boss suspects something.
If You Must Pay: SpySweeper
When we first tested SpySweeper, we were not
impressed. It only found 7 of our 20 test
applications, and it clashed with Norton AntiVirus.
However, WebRoot is rapidly updating the program,
and the latest version, 2.0, fixes most of the
problems we found. In addition, it offers concise,
but specific details on the spyware it does find –
which lets you quarantine and remove programs that
you don't need, but keep those you do.
The interface is clean, and easy to navigate.
SpySweeper includes a scanner that will look just at
memory, or will scan your entire registry and hard
drive – this can take 20 minutes or more. A free
web-based scanner is available, and the full product
can be downloaded for a free 30 day trial.
Product: SpySweeper
Company: WebRoot
Software
Price: $29.95 annual subscription
Pro: Nice Interface, Complete Scan, Specific
Warnings
Con: Not Complete, Work In Progress
Summary: If you're really concerned about keeping up
with new spyware, SpySweeper offers a subscription
where they promise to keep you free of Spyware for a
year.
Other Options: Want more choices? Our Spyware
Shoot-Out compares all the top Spyware
programs, both free and fee.
