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SpywareBlaster

CNET Editors' review

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.

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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 and Mozilla/Firefox, 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.

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All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    4.2 stars

    out of 1,359 votes

    • 5 star: 769
    • 4 star: 352
    • 3 star: 100
    • 2 star: 51
    • 1 star: 87
  • Current version:

    4.4 stars

    out of 138 votes

    • 5 star: 88
    • 4 star: 31
    • 3 star: 9
    • 2 star: 6
    • 1 star: 4
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 115

  • 4.0 stars

    "Easy and simple to protect!"

    January 9, 2006  |   By ste_p

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    within one click you can scan and protect against hundreds of threats on IE or Firefox etc. and are all listed

    ONE QUICK SCAN PROTECTS YOU FROM LOADS OF SPYWARE

    Cons

    i would like an auto update feature free with this program instead of you having to go back to it regularly to update new threats

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Absolutely Brilliant"

    January 9, 2006  |   By v9tz

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    I can`t praise this product enough! Go to javacoolsoftware.com for the latest version 3.5.1

    After using spywareblaster for nearly a year now, I would not feel happy surfing the Net without it. Spyware blaster blocks spyware/adware from installing itself and so renders spyware sweepers useless, occasionaly I will run a spyware scan with Spybot search and destroy and Microsoft Antispyware to verify my system is clean and It always is. I especially like the little Icon that inobtrusively appears to alert you when items have been blocked, clicking on this displays where the adware/spyware cookie(s) have come from, what it is and exactly what it does. Spywareblaster has just blocked a third party cookie delivered by this site from altfarm.mediaplex.com. Called mediaplex it collects information about your pc and information generated by browsing the website, such as which pages are visited and how long an individual stays on each page. Automaticaly blocked.

    Cons

    None.

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Great protection and interface - Easy to use"

    January 6, 2006  |   By ngkelli

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    The simple tutorial in the beginning helps you easily navigate throughout the basic but attractive interface. It is also Mozilla/Firefox friendly, and protects against ActiveX and tracking cookies.

    Cons

    Using AutoUpdate will require you to pay for a subscription, but manually downloading definitions yourself will be more than efficient, and is free.

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Does what it sais"

    January 3, 2006  |   By Andrew932

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    Blocks spyware well

    It's free

    Incredibly easy to use

    Able to update

    doesn;t interupt you

    Cons

    Not many updates are released

    Small database of spyware definitions

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Version 3.5 came out Jan 1 2006 and its Perfect"

    January 1, 2006  |   By GuidoMele

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    I immediately downloaded 3.5 on all my PC's.

    All went great

    - no problems (normal)

    Fyi

    Before you download/install,"turn off "the old software and remove , then restart PC and download 3.5 --You will be more than pleased- I am ==

    Cons

    None

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Stop spyware getting into your system"

    December 30, 2005  |   By thewizard1992

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    Does exactly what is says on the tin, blasts spyware before it can get into your system and cause serious damage.

    Cons

    Doesn't scan for spyware

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  • 2.0 stars

    "It's ok, i think"

    December 28, 2005  |   By sb007

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    Doesn't slow anything down. I don't know, it doesn't tell me what it's doing.

    Cons

    I don't understand what's great about this product. Lot of positive reviews but I don't know what it's doing if anything. It doesn't run in bottom corner and there are no alerts if it does something. I got a virus recently and it didn't do anything to stop that. How do you guys know what it is even doing?

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  • 5.0 stars

    "TRUELY UNBEATABLE!!"

    December 23, 2005  |   By OGTiago

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    This program stoppes all kind of Spyware/Adware getting into your comp. it has got a nice interface and also protects Firefox which is an extra :)

    Cons

    It says it works in the background when you close it. but it should have something in the system tray.

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  • 4.0 stars

    "Great software"

    December 22, 2005  |   By The_Nameless

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    Keeps out trojans/spyware/adware/tracking cookies. FREE.

    Cons

    Need to have more frequent updates, with more protection added in each update -- Sorry, but 10 objects 3-4 times a month doesn't cut it...

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  • 3.0 stars

    "make this software more nice"

    December 20, 2005  |   By kojet_05

    Version: SpywareBlaster 3.4

    Pros

    i like to download installation program. i hope this website can add more free software.

    Cons

    some of your antivirus applications is not suitable for my pc. please check all the applications again.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

Results 1-10 of 115

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