June 27, 2005
Reviews of anti-spyware software from PC Magazine
PC Magazine: New Product Reviews Contains a number of reviews of antispyware.
ZeroSpyware 2005 3.2 "Good. ZeroSpyware removed or blocked most, but not all, of the spyware we tested it with. It's unusually informative, offering detailed information about found spyware but also identifying known harmless processes. And its live 24/7 help with remote diagnostics makes it an excellent choice for those who are less tech-savvy."Spyware X-terminator 2005 " Poor. Despite its tough-guy name, Spyware X-terminator was completely ineffective at blocking spyware and did a poor job of removing spyware from an infested system. It offers no data about found threats beyond a severity level rating. We can't recommend it, especially given the number of superior products available."
Spyware Eliminator 4.0" Good. Spyware Eliminator detected most of our samples but couldn't remove many of them. Its threat descriptions are detailed but awkward. The ADS system completely blocked many spyware threats, but completely missed others. With wider coverage, ADS may become a powerful tool to keep spyware from ever getting installed on your system.
Spyware Doctor 3.2 " Very Good. Spyware Doctor removed or at least detected all the spyware in our tests; it even removed two keyloggers. When installed before testing, it blocked or quickly removed all but one item. While its descriptions of found spyware could use work, it's very effective and easy to use.
Spy Sweeper 4 " Very Good. Spy Sweeper 4 is faster than its predecessor and catches a significant number of newer threats, but it is otherwise unchanged from the previous version. We're coming to expect more information about found threats and a smoother user interface. It's effective at spyware removal—but the competition is getting fiercer."
Norton Internet Security 2005 Antispyware Edition " Fair. Integrating antivirus, antispyware, and firewall smoothly in a single package is a fantastic concept. However, the antispyware module here just doesn't hold up, and the all-inclusive package may not install on an already-infested system. For now we suggest you continue to use a standalone antispyware product."
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (beta) " Good. MSAS did well at removing spyware. Despite its elaborate Security Agent protections, it let more than half of our test spyware install. Still, it's free! Use it if you're on a budget, or use it in conjunction with another antispyware tool."
I use Spybot - Search & Destroy, rated as Good by PC Magazine.
--- today's special is
We make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon, and the stars: as if we were villains by necessity; fools by heavenly compulsion. -- Edmund (Shakespeare)
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Posted by ernie at June 27, 2005 07:45 AM
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