SpywareBlaster 4.2

• License:

  Free

• Editor's Rating:

  3.0 stars

• Average User Rating:

  4.0 stars (out of 1229 votes) Rate it!

• Downloads:

  18,456,035

• Operating Systems:

  Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 98

• Additional Requirements:

  No additional requirements

• Limitations:

  No limitations

• Date Added:

  April 13, 2009

• Previous Versions:

  Select a version SpywareBlaster 4.1 SpywareBlaster 4 SpywareBlaster 3.5.1 SpywareBlaster 3.4 SpywareBlaster 3.3 SpywareBlaster 3.2 SpywareBlaster 2.6.1 SpywareBlaster 2.6 SpywareBlaster 2.5.3 SpywareBlaster 2.0.2

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Publisher's description of SpywareBlaster

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).

See more CNET content tagged:

ActiveX,

Netscape Communications Corp.,

malicious software,

spyware,

spyware removal

Editor's review of SpywareBlaster

• 3.5 stars

• "Give your defenses a boost"

• Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
• Reviewed on: December 5, 2008
• Version reviewed: SpywareBlaster 4.2

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.

User reviews

• Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 1229 votes
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 5 of 42 user reviewsSee all 42 user reviews
  This software version | All versions

• 5 stars

  1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

  Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2

  "Works Great and stops Spyware and bad ActiveX on ie"

  by musicman4you on July 11, 2009

  Pros: Makes Internet Explorer safer by blocking ActiveX-based attacks.I like that I get a popup warning me when I go to a page with Active X and that it has blocked the ActiveX then asks me if I want to block it by clicking okay.

  Cons: There are no cons for me.

  Summary: One of the best addons in protection for Internet Explorer users.You can also immunize your PC against over 100,000 threats for Internet Explorer with Spybot Search&Destroy.With both of these I don't think FireFox is any safer than Internet Exp... read more >>

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• 4 stars

  Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2

  "Easy to use fast and straightfoward"

  by rustypliers on July 8, 2009

  Pros: It gets on with the job in the background and just presents the results when finished in a clear manner

  Cons: More info about what it finds would be good in decision making

  Summary: Very pleased with te product in general

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• 4 stars

  Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2

  "Easy to use interface; update reminder"

  by tbrown3905 on July 4, 2009

  Pros: The interface is easy to use and intuitive. The update window pops up when you get ready to scan so you are reminded to update definitions.

  Cons: Would be nice to have auto-update, but only available in paid edition. That's understandable.

  Summary: An easy to use, up to date spyware scanner.

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• 4 stars

  Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2

  "A very good product, does as it says for FREE!!!"

  by smwylie on July 4, 2009

  Pros: iT DID WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO, FANTASTIC. This doesn't happen much in this day & age.

  Cons: Nothing. Did what it said it would do.

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• 3 stars

  0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

  Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2

  "I found SpywareBlaster did a really good job"

  by clifflid on July 2, 2009

  Pros: easy to use and did a good job

  Cons: nothing really overall a decent product

  Summary: it's a good product that did what it claimed

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