CNET Editors' review
Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but its bugginess makes it difficult to recommend. The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer. Unfortunately, the program has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors. The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot - Search & Destroy a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, but there are others in the category that do a better job without all the bugs.
Watch the CNET video review of Spybot - Search & Destroy:
Publisher's Description
From Patrick M. Kolla:
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 with other users. 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.
Version 1.3 adds enhanced immunization features, an improved interface, and integration of BrowserManager for spyware detection, plus the new Hosts File feature and bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 5,561 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 1,822 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Found this by chance best spyware ever don't bother with anyother"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
it was so easy to follow, it did everything that I wanted to do. GREAT!!!!
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"easy to use yet great features for advanced users also"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
finds 99% of spyware, active protection.
Cons
doesn't tell me when a new version is out
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"Es excelente"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
Es facil de instalar y de usar.
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"Gotta have it!"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
Easy to use, works very well against spyware, the immunization feature is wonderful
Cons
none
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"Herramienta indispensable de soporte"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
Una herramienta muy completa, ligera y rapida. Muy eficiente. Realmente funciona. Casi nunca crea problemas con el registro.
Cons
Ciertos programas alojados en memoria no se pueden eliminar hasta ser descargados manualmente. Pero son muy pocos y raros.
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"The best!"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
Simple, efficient, easy to install. Very good
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"Very good in his work, actualize often, with very good tools also."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
First it keeps actualice, is clear and simple to the beginner and could be powerful l for the advance user.
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"Excellent fully featured FREE program"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
This is an excellent, full featured product with some advanced tools such as host file editing and process killing. I have found it consistantly useful in keeping spyware at bay
Cons
Unfortunately, due to its success and free-ness it has inspired a LOT of jealousy and hatred. This causes unwarranted negative feedback in a vain attempt to rubbish Spybot.
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"Highly recommended"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
fast, effective, lots of controls and easy to use
Cons
none that i found
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"one of highest class in protection"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3
Pros
very usefull, it can protect your computer even if you don't know what a spyware is, i highly recomend this
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