A newer version of CounterSpy is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
Features
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
-
Downloads:
1,346,144
- Operating Systems:
Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Additional Requirements:
Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003 Server
- Limitations:
15-day trial
- Date Added:
August 02, 2006
-
Previous Versions:
Publisher's description of CounterSpy 1.5.82
From Sunbelt Software:Remove spyware and protect your computer from pop-up ads, browser redirects (hijack), lagging performance and other malicious threats. Counterspy's Active Protection system employs dozens of online 'guards' who continually monitor your PC for suspicious software attempting to install. CounterSpy is antispyware that gets its updated spyware definitions from three sources, including our own research team, Microsoft's own spyware research group, and directly from users, like you.
Editor's review of CounterSpy 1.5.82
stars
- "Stop spyware in its tracks"
- Version reviewed: CounterSpy 1.5.82
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.
More popular Spyware Removers downloads
- 383,179 downloads 1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- 365,482 downloads 2. Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition
- 88,515 downloads 3. Spybot - Search & Destroy
- 36,238 downloads 4. SpywareBlaster
- 32,295 downloads 5. Trend Micro HijackThis
- See all Spyware Removers downloads
User reviews of CounterSpy 1.5.82
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 534 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 62 user reviewsSee all 62 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
40 out of 41 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 1.5.82
Pros: Scans live, has updates, it scans memory, registry and files. Its pretty fast too. It has some advanced features for watching ongoing process and quarantine. It detects unwanted items that other programs might miss too like all anti-spyware programs. The interface is good too.
Cons: Not free
-
43 out of 48 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 1.5.82
"CounterSpy Does What It Says"
Pros: The first spyware I have seen that even though there is a 15 day trail period actually removes what it fines without having to buy it and no false positives to scare you into buying it. It is not a system hog either. The interface is clean and very user friendly. CounterSpy just doesn't scan for spyware it also has and the Active Protection. It also has Tool which include: My PC Explorers enable you to inspect and manage key elements of your system that are normally hidden and difficult to change.My PC Checkup helps keep your computer secure by updating your computer settings to recommended security levels.History Cleaner is a privacy tool that removes all Internet History usage logs and 75 different activities. Secure File Eraser is a powerful deletion tool that ensures the complete destruction of any files you wish to remove from your machine. CounterSpy scans your entire system, including in-depth scans of your computer's hard drives, memory, process, registry and cookies. It uses a continually updated database of thousands of known spyware signatures to provide you with ongoing, accurate protection. Spyware scanning can be done manually (on-demand scanning) or on a scheduled basis. Also if you are in the Scan Menu if you click on View near the Low Risk Programs you will see a display box that you can see the Top 10 Spyware threats (which you can customise from a drop down menu) and other details like what the spyware does and where it hides in your computer through the CounterSpy Research center. This feature excellent. Work well with my Internet security program. The price of $19.95 is a great price and renewal after 1 year is up is only 9.98 which is excellent. Worth the download and the money after the 15 day trail.
-
13 out of 14 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 1.5.82
Pros: It Was fast and removed items AdAware and Spybot had trouble getting like Huntbar and IBIS toolbars. AdAware and Spybot could find them but not get rid of them.
-
30 out of 33 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 1.5.82
Pros: top antispyware programe does what it says finds plenty and removes 15 day trial
Cons: the only complaint is 15 days trial make it 30 days guys i would be alot happier other than that cant complain realy
-
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 1.5.82
Pros: Has effective real time protection tools, has deep scanning abilities, and other tools that make it's price a must for anyone who wants to be on line. Does more than any free software.
Cons: Uses alot of ram, loads a little slow, and may not find all threats. Some threats are made to be difficult to find, I found that Spyware Doctor found two infections CounterSpy couldn't find. Still, I recommend it even with this pitfall.
- See all 62 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.
All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.
