CNET Editors' review
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.
What's new in this version: Version 4.6 prevent the installation of Spyware, Malware, Adware, and Hijackers.
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- SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 1,359 votes
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Current version:
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"A no brainer"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.5
Pros
It's free!
Cons
None noticed
Summary
Still the same great product!
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"Solid Real Time Protection for IE and Firefox users"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.5
Pros
- Simplicity Itself - Easy Download and Install
- Requires Minimal Attention - Just Update, then leave alone
- Specific Home Page ProtectionCons
- Would like to see more frequent definition updates
Summary
All antispyware software authors apply different techniques and spyware definitions to their products, and thus we have all been educated to run more than one source. So how does anyone judge the efficacy of just one antispyware software set ?
I listen to what the test labs say together with the advice of independent experts (thanks, Seth), plus the public (thanks to all CNET members who review), but confess that the only true measure is whether you suffer problems. I don't. My PC is always mean, lean and clean.
Spyware Blaster (for its' Real Time protection) is part of my security system together with Spybot (Real Time protection, Scans and Removal) along with MBAM and SuperAnti Spyware (for Scans and Removal) plus Avast for my antivirus defence (Real Time Protection, Scans & Removal). Finally, throw in CCleaner for Registry and Privacy control, and, as already stated, I just do not have any problems - NEVER NEVER EVER (to date that is !).
So, which software is working for me. All of them or just 1 or 2. Do I Care ? They cost me nothing and work TOGETHER seamlessly. Therefore, do I recommend Spyware Blaster. YOU BET I DO. -
"Use to be better works mostly for IE users"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.5
Pros
Works good for IE sitting quitely in the background.
Cons
No support for Opera which is my main Browser.Only blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Mozilla Firefox, Netscape,but not for Opera.Works best for IE.If you use the immunize feature with SpybotSearch&Destroy it will block the same stuff as SpywareBlaster.
Summary
If you use IE this will block 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.Support for Opera is not available.I don't use IE or Firefox anymore so I will be removing this.I run and recommend MalwareBytes and SuperAntispyware.Oh also I recommend CCLeaner also.
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"A REALLY GOOD PROGRAM"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
It just sits in the backgound doing its job like it says
Cons
wish it would let you know when it stops something
Summary
A good program to add to your system and works along side your antivirus
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"Great part of a computer's protection system"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
This software does a superb job of PREVENTING spyware from inhabiting your computer. I've used it for at least 6 years and I recommend to all the folks who pay me to straighten out their computers periodically.
Why people review it here and complain it has no realtime scanner escapes me. Yeah, it doesn't have one. Duh. No one said it is a do-everything malware solution, including it's authors (Javacool).
So if you have your favorite antivirus, firewall, and malware scanner, why should you bother to install this?
1) It doesn't use up any memory and slow your system down, because it only needs to run when you are updating it or changing settings, and yet protects you from the kind of crap the internet tends to throw at your computer while you are surfing.
2) You'll spend less time messing around removing junk that was installed on your computer because you didn't have Spywareblaster.Cons
You have to remember to update it every few weeks to maximize the protection or pay Javacool to automatically update it and have their small updater program running in the background all the time. I can remember to update it myself, and I really prefer to turn off all those check-automatically-for-program-update running in the background. Less to go wrong IMHO.
Summary
If you read through all the reviews, you'll see other people that work on computers noting that they recommend it to the people that have them work on their computers. It's for good reason.
DO use it with a good firewall, antivirus, and periodically scan for malware. Your computer will not thank you for it, but it won't cause you the kind of grief you can get by NOT having it protected. -
"Nice to have an easy place to update bad site lists.."
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
This can block programs from changing your home page on web browser and can stop browser hi jacks!
Cons
I wish the free version had auto updates. Or at least the auto update version would be a one time fee.
Summary
I load this on all of my clients (family and neighbors ~25 PCs) computers that I regularly tune up and remove viruses!
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"Didn't stop a Trojan"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
Not sure if it works or not
Cons
Didn't stop a Trojan or another piece of spyware.
Summary
It's running, but what is it doing if it doesn't stop a Trojan
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"Wasn't able to use it"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
I don't know
Cons
I wasn't able to use it because of the conflicts it was causing with my Norton Internet Security
Summary
There are much better programs
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"I 've been using this program for 6 years, no problems."
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
Runs in the background, learns fast easy, UI is great and updates come through CNET on a regular basis.
Cons
Can'nt think of any right now get back to you later.
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"seems pretty good"
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.4
Pros
It installed and said that it prevented many infections from my computer. Altough i dont have any idea how to prove this. This is a tool that is very well rated, and has been very much recommend to me by experts, so thats i think its biggest Pro
Cons
Not that i know.
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