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- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/NT
- Date added: January 26, 2009
- Total Downloads: 111,384,643
- Downloads last week: 103,501
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 5245 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 bugs and false positives make 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 a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn't, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.
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. 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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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 5245 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 303 user reviewsSee all 303 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"This is the best spyware prevention I have ever used."
Pros: I had several spyware in my home computer. After I downloaded this program, the spyware was destroyed & now my system is functioning better than before.
Cons: I haven't seen anything that I dislike about this software.
Summary: In my limited experience with this product, I have noticed increased speed in my computer. After I downloaded this program, it began searching for any spyware in my system. When it found spyware, it was detroyed. I haven't had anymore spyware pro... read more >>
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"does the job very well as good as though you pay for"
Pros: through and good
Cons: alittle slow
Summary: get this it's worth it
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Spybot Search and Destroy has proven itself to be an indispensable component of my
arsenal of virus-fighting tools.Cons: The scanning process tends to take more time that others.
Summary: Did a great job of identifying removing viruses others have missed.
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Easy to use, works, unobtrusive. Good hints, so heed them!
Cons: Not as thorough as Ad Aware and heavy user of resources. Not for older machines. Takes time on slower machines.
Summary: Good program, worth having, don't expect miracles. Pay attention to warnings.
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"It works as well as advertised"
Pros: Quick, unobtrusive and apparently thorough
Cons: none I can find
- See all 303 user reviews Write review
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