- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7/NT
- Date added: April 13, 2009
- Total Downloads: 19,163,192
- Downloads last week: 23,753
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1259 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on December 05, 2008
SpywareBlaster started out as a malicious software blocker focused on ActiveX-based attacks. It has kept that component and expanded, and now can block all kinds of spyware that gets delivered through your Web browser, although its defenses are most useful for Internet Explorer users.
The dedicated IE tools are useful. Users can block all Flash content, create encrypted backups of the Hosts file, manage browser page settings, block cookies, and create customized ActiveX blocks. Firefox and Netscape-specific protection only offers cookie blocking, but you can create a customized blacklist that will function across multiple browsers. Users can also create a system snapshot for PC recovery in case of a devastating attack. The interface is designed well, uncluttered and easy to navigate. For $10 a year users can get automatic definition file updates and tech support, otherwise those must be done manually.
It's a little surprising that there's no support for Opera, and there's a noticeable lack of spyware removal capabilities. Although we appreciate the good job that SpywareBlaster has done in the past, this current version doesn't hold up very well against other security products that prevent attacks and remove infections.
Watch the CNET video review of SpywareBlaster:
Publisher's description
From Javacool Software :SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware--it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, and many other browsers, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.
Version 4.2 adds Windows 7 support, Internet Explorer 8 support, K-Meleon support, faster updating worldwide, automatic program upgrade support (for AutoUpdate users).
What's new in this version:
Version 4.2 adds Windows 7 support, Internet Explorer 8 support, K-Meleon support, faster updating worldwide, automatic program upgrade support (for AutoUpdate users), and many bug fixes and tweaks.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 1259 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 73 user reviewsSee all 73 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"You don't have it? You need it!"
Pros: Does a great job with blocking spyware from getting in from your browser. No memory or cpu usage as it does not need to run in the background. Many useful features such as the flash killer, system snapshots,host backups.
Cons: Nothing.....
Summary: For such a small program this thing is quite good at blocking spyware/adware. With a small fee you can support Javacool and get auto updates. As with a nonprofit organization they need money to put bread on the table. I would personally acquire a su... read more >>
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
Pros: Easy to use, easy to update.
Cons: Not able to schedule automatically.
Summary: Good as any pay-for service, and it's free.
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"Great Product. Does what it says and does it well."
Pros: Runs great and does a great job of ferreting out any spyware lurking in your box.
Cons: Can't really think of any. I wish I could schedule scans but I understand why they keep this in the paid version.
Summary: IF you want to be able to recover from any trojan downloads without rebuilding your hard drive. You HAVE to have this program to help you get rid of all the crap aiming for you on the web.
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
Pros: got to tell all my friends its the best
Cons: none so far
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"I have SpywareBlast on all of my machines!"
Pros: Easy to use.. Easy to update.. Frequently updated.. Doesn't run constantly in the background, hogging system resources and most importantly.. Keeps my machines safe!
Cons: I wish I didn't have to pay for an auto-update feature.. but I do anyways to support the developer!
Summary: I run spyware blaster in conjuction with CCleaner on all of my machines and recommend them both to all of my clients, friends and family.. I periodically run a virus scanner, but haven't had the need for mainstream commercial products in YEARS and t... read more >>
- See all 73 user reviews Write review
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- ActiveX,
- Netscape Communications Corp.,
- malicious software,
- spyware,
- spyware removal
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