- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (15-day trial); $19.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: November 03, 2008
- Total Downloads: 1,360,070
- Downloads last week: 759
- See full specifications
A newer version of CounterSpy is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 538 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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.
Publisher's description
From Sunbelt Software :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.
What's new in this version:
Version 3.1.2315 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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User reviews of CounterSpy 3.1.2416
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 538 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 5 user reviewsSee all 5 user reviews
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2416
Pros: I have been using CounterSpy for 4 years and this version is the best, fast, finds problems and eliminates them, has all the features you need in a spyware, support is there and helpful.
BUT?Cons: Three times now when CounterSpy automatically updated this version the program froze and the scan ran endlessly I had to remove CounterSpy and call support for help reinstalling the program it seems to be working OK this time. Support was helpful.
Summary: Third time is the charm I hope I like every thing about CounterSpy Hope my one problem is solved.
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Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2416
"slow to scan, slow to update"
Pros: it eradicates malware which the more popular anti-spyware programs don't find
Cons: resource hungry -- i'm still waiting for the updated definition file to finish downloading
Summary: using Counterspy to remove malware has all the elegance of using a steam-engine to do one's ironing -- sure, it works... but reinstalling your operating system works even better, and will probably take less time
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2416
"Does the job well, have had no trouble on Vista or Xp"
Pros: removes spies and does what it says, better than any other out there.
Cons: slow on the total scan, but when it gets them all, I can suffer with it, the test time could be 30 days rather than 15
Summary: This is a great program, it's worth the money, the time and effort to use it. I have used them all, and always find this is the best of what is out there.
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Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2416
Pros: Seems that it works.
Cons: Its "active protection" treats Spyware Terminator as Rogue. I got blue screens until I uninstalled CounterSpy with its "active protection" that finds nothing except false positives.
Summary: Not recommended.
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2416
"Malwaebytes' Anti-Malware is FANTASTIC"
Pros: My system was infected Virtumonde. Macafee, Spyware Dr and Spysweeper totally ineffective. Yahoo ansers'' ilknur K suggested Malwarebytes? and VundoFix. A full system scan & restart later, Virtumonde was completely gone. Didn't have to use Vundofix.
Cons: The ONLY ?negative? was it scanned too slowly.
Summary: Before I try any new "defense" program, I don't just read the reviews of the"experts". I trust the reviews of users such as yourselves.I now use ZoneAlarm, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes? Anti-Malware & CounterSpy.
- See all 5 user reviews Write review
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