CounterSpy 3.1.2710

• License:

  Free to try; $19.95 to buy

• Editor's Rating:

  5.0 stars

• Average User Rating:

  3.5 stars (out of 534 votes) Rate it!

• Downloads:

  1,368,126

• Operating Systems:

  Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000

• Additional Requirements:

  Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Internet access with at least 56Kbps connection if you plan on participating ThreatNet.

• Limitations:

  15-day trial

• Date Added:

  April 22, 2009

• Previous Versions:

  Select a version CounterSpy 3.1.2416 CounterSpy 3.1.2315 CounterSpy 2.5.1043 CounterSpy 3.1 CounterSpy 2.1.946 CounterSpy 2.5.1043 CounterSpy 2.5.1032 CounterSpy 2.1.946 CounterSpy 2.1.917 CounterSpy 2.1.946 CounterSpy 2.1.917 CounterSpy 1.5.82 CounterSpy 1.0.25 CounterSpy 1.0.29 CounterSpy 1.0.26 CounterSpy 1.0.25

• Add to my Watch List

Publisher's description of CounterSpy

CounterSpy is a powerful spyware and malware remover that treads lightly on system resources. It's a powerful Antispyware tool that does not bog down your PC. Long, "heavy-CPU" spyware scans are a thing of the past. With CounterSpy's small memory footprint, you don't have to choose between PC security and PC performance.

Note: If you are running another security product with its own real-time protection, and see an impact on system performance, we recommend you disable CounterSpy Active Protection.

See more CNET content tagged:

Real-Time,

Sunbelt Software,

anti-spyware,

scan,

spyware

Editor's review of CounterSpy

• 5.0 stars

• "Stop spyware in its tracks"

• Reviewed by: CNET Staff
• Version reviewed: CounterSpy 3.1.2710

CounterSpy 3.1 continues the strong series of releases for this basic yet powerful antispwyare software. The program makes it simple to schedule and customize spyware scans or run scans on demand, while also offering an adjustable level of real-time protection.

Installation is quick and easy. A configuration wizard walks users through the basic settings options for the program, including necessary proxy info, the frequency of risk-definition update checks, the level of real-time protection, and the initial scan schedule. Oddly enough, the default scan is 1 a.m. and can't be edited in the wizard. It's easy to change scheduled scans from the program interface later, but why not offer an hour choice at setup? It should also be noted that CounterSpy strongly recommends that Windows Defender "should be disabled," in case you are a fan of that software.

In addition to the standard Quick Scan and Deep Scan (full computer), CounterSpy has a fully customizable option that lets you specify which areas of your machine are scanned and what the scan is looking for. CounterSpy also throws in a few extra tools, including a file eraser and a history cleaner, which are becoming more standard on security apps, and a PC Explorer tool, which is cooler. Click "Explore" and you'll see a drop-down menu and a display that provides quick access to system information like running processes, hosts file, LSPs, Downloaded ActiveX controls, start-up programs, and browser helper objects (when bad, they're called browser hijackers). Nifty.

CounterSpy claims that the latest release has faster scans and uses less system resources, so it's worth looking at both. Based on our limited testing, scan times seem a bit faster than comparable programs, but not the type of instant satisfaction. Quick scans, however, which examine specific vulnerable areas of your machine. Also, the endless options for customizing the area of your scan and how the scan works are impressive. As for resources, while deep scanning, the CounterSpy Service used about 30MB of internal memory, while the user interface took up about half that. The Service did occasionally jump up in RAM usage and CPU, but we managed to run (and use) Outlook, Photoshop, and Firefox with no snags while the full scan was running.

All in all, the feature set (a smooth, quick spyware scanner, comprehensive logging, helpful bonus apps like the aforementioned PC Explorer, well-organized settings, and intuitive interface); the fully functioning 15-day trial that gives users plenty of time to test, scan, and most importantly, remove threats from their PCs; the smart design; and the strong stability and performance are all major factors that contribute to the top rating for this antispyware app.

User reviews

• Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 534 votes
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 4 of 4 user reviewsSee all 4 user reviews
  This software version | All versions

• 5 stars

  Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2710

  "Still like and still improving despite past bumps."

  by Richard Forester on May 22, 2009

  Pros: Scans fast, finds problems, good interface, has all needed features, excellent support, still improving in all areas, fixed pass problems.

  Cons: They have been solved.

  Summary: I am a intermediate computer user and form my six years of experience using many differant spyware programs I find CounterSpy the best on the market.

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 5 stars

  Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2710

  "Great Anti Spyware Program"

  by data414 on May 17, 2009

  Pros: One of the best programs out there, I am a Computer tech and we use Counterspy every day on customers computers to remove spyware and it does a great job. Never had any problems with it messing up any firewalls, and removing it is easy as can be.

  Cons: There are no cons. its a great program, its free for 15 days and its only $19.95 for a year.

  Summary: For a full function program that can be used for 15 days for free you can't go wrong. At my computer Co we have used Counterspy on over 1000 different computers with all the different versions of windows, anti-viruses, firewalls without any problems... read more >>

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 1 stars

  Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2710

  "messes things up"

  by lavinio66 on May 6, 2009

  Pros: interface and layout

  Cons: there is no remove in add or remove so although you can use it free for 15 days they make it difficult to remove the programn.while installing this piece of crap it messed up my firewall. using revo uninstaller I managed to get rid of this rubbish

  Summary: I have used it before on my daughters laptop and now I realise it messed up her anti virus. This app should come with a goverment health warning. it seems that counterspy has conflicts with certainly my av f secure.I do not like the attitude of mak... read more >>

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review  | Read reply (1)

• 4 stars

  Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2710

  "The Best Anti Spyware tool I have tried Up to date"

  by mallings on April 30, 2009

  Pros: High detection rate, reasonable quick, includes a schedule scanner, many daily updates , very good online protection. Very user friendly with a very good interface.

  Cons: Only free for 15 days and after that period the only concern is the price.

  Summary: This is among one of the best anti spyware tools on the market only bypassed by webroots spy sweeper.
  
  As the saying goes you get what you pay for, so this program is clearly better then any freeware you might find on the market. I know t... read more >>

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• See all 4 user reviews Write review