Privacy Defender

Capable of defending your PC against basic privacy threats, this application does a competent job of tidying your system. The handy interface lets you quickly clean files or access program settings via the tray icon.

However, you have to close all browser windows before starting a cleanup session. Not only does Privacy Defender delete your Internet Explorer cache, history, and browser cookies, it also erases DAT files that store your personal information, which usually is impossible to do without restarting the system. We'd also prefer support for alternative Web browsers, a perk many of this application's competitors offer.

The utility zaps recent Windows documents, temporary folders, and RealPlayer files, and lets you access a Web site without adding the URL to your browser's address field. Still, we missed extensive support for third-party apps (such as IM clients and P2P apps), as well as a secure file shredder.

We also think the five-day trial period is quite stingy, especially compared to what some competitors offer. If you just need to guard your computer against average privacy risks, Privacy Defender is a decent choice, but more comprehensive solutions are readily available.