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Spybot Search & Destroy is a free antispyware utility that targets adware, malicious code, and other threats. It also cleans security tracks, shreds files, and tweaks the Registry. The optional TeaTimer feature protects the Registry from real-time attacks. Spybot isn't a replacement for a full antivirus program, though it does detect and remove some threats. It's a constantly updated, on-demand adware and malware scanner you can run regularly to sweep your system. Spybot S&D is free for personal use.
Spybot's Setup screen let us choose which components to install, including skins, languages, and integration with Security Center. A pop-up message warned against removing ad robots lest their associated apps stop working, but we were more interested in what the average user experiences when running Spybot, so we just left things as they were downloaded.
Before it scans your system, Spybot asks to back up your registry -- let it. It only takes a minute or two. Even though the risk is low, Spybot has the power to delete what you let it delete, and a backup can save your bacon if something goes wrong. When we finished the setup process, Spybot asked if we wanted to read the tutorial or the help manual or start using the program. We opted for the extensive manual, which covers everything from basic options to settings for visually impaired users. Spybot's been around since the days of Windows 95, with many updates, so users have abundant resources: tutorials, FAQs, how-tos, forums, and so on.
It sounds like a long path to running Spybot, but in fact it's a quick and easy process. The main tool, Search & Destroy, has three buttons: Check for Problems, Recovery, and Updates (Spybot's menu also offers Recovery and Immunize features). The program offered a Hint of the Day while it scanned, though our initial scan took a lot longer than the tool tip took to read. Spybot found adware burrowed into our test PC. We had to run Spybot again as an Administrator and reboot to clean it all. But that's thorough cleaning and fine with us. Security-minded users should definitely try Spybot Search & Destroy.
Spybot-Search & Destroy-Search your hard disk and registry for threats to your security and privacy. -Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Safer-Networking:
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
What's new in this version: Version 1.6.2 features support for the latest Opera releases, support for Google Chrome, and improved support for fast user switching while Spybot is running.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 5,640 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 767 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Effective easy to use."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Simple &straightforward to use. Seems to be very thorough. My computer guys use it themselves.
Cons
Can take a while.
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"Great program that protects your computer"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It has a continues updated database, it can immunize your browser from know malicious sites, it secures against bot's and the annoying malware bars like Babylon and Incredibar.
Software is free, but you can buy / donate.Cons
Old userinterface - should have been updated in version 2 that I consider upgrading to.
It does take a little CPU power while running in background.Summary
In order to make full use of the software, you must right-click and run under administrator rights.
If you have been attacked by Babylon or Incredibar malware, this software may help. Winning combination with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software. -
"What is eating your memory?"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Makes the getting rid of those pesky trojans and other nasty bugs in your system easy and headache free. Provides real time protection, and helps keep your system protected. Immunize your Deck now.....
Cons
Have been using this for a while and put it on my new deck. There have been no cons that I have found.
Summary
Simple and easy to use. Instructions in the help files explained well what to do, and how to keep my deck safe from harmful spyware. Anyone who wants to keep their systems up and running this is a must. Was recomended by several sites as one of the best, as well as several IT people to keep my deck safe and running at its best.
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"Good for finding those extra virus problems."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Easy to set up and download.
Needs no real set, just gets going.Cons
BEFORE loading, you must decide whether you want temp files removed.
Once loaded, it gives you only 30 seconds to decide.Summary
A straightforward anti virus that quite simply works with no fuss.
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"Different but good"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It seems thorough
Cons
It seems to have slowed down.
Summary
Overall good.
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"doesn't actually DO anything"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
has a good reputation.
dunno why.Cons
doesn't work.
Summary
you have to run a scan at least 10 times before it even STARTS actually fixing something.
then it just makes stuff up that isn't there to trick you into thinking it IS actually doing something. -
"Great program in it's own class"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Spybot fills it'd own class with no programs. Works very nicely with my other protection programs.
Cons
None in the last
Summary
I have been using Spybot for what seems like a lifetime and it has never let me down. It's a first class program and this version is great. And it's FREE, WOW
Cons
Davey-O
Updated on Apr 3, 2013
None in the last 15 years or more -
"Very well constructed, easy to understand and use."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Excellent, seems to be easily configured.
Cons
Does not run automatically.
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"confusing to use"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
seems to pick up discrepancies
Cons
Keeps asking for administrator. I am the administrator but not sure how to relay it to this program
Summary
really can not give a fair one with out it working to its fullest
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"gr8est app since sliced bread"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It's great for protecting my PC from the hackers on the cable company ISP network takes care of the spyware n adware
Cons
takes alot of RAM I need more RAM now
Summary
Spy Bot Search and Destroy even detected when I was making changes via msconfig I like their shredder also
