- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: April 13, 2009
- Total Downloads: 19,050,934
- Downloads last week: 25,521
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1254 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.More popular Spyware Removers downloads
- 599,838 downloads 1. Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware
- 595,020 downloads 2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- 97,872 downloads 3. Spybot - Search & Destroy
- 54,742 downloads 4. Spyware Doctor 2010
- 25,521 downloads 5. SpywareBlaster
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 1254 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 68 user reviewsSee all 68 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"Everyone should have this program on their computer!"
Pros: This is a great program. I like all the features and that it doesn't take up much space on your hard drive. After you install it and set it up and update it, you don't have to do anything else but make sure its updated.
Cons: Nothing... This isn't really a con to me, but just make sure you check for updates about every two weeks.
Summary: A great program for keeping spyware off of your computer. It's great on resources because it doesn't use any.
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
Pros: Seemed to work too well -see comments in the Cons section
Cons: This kind of tool is supposed to be invisible. I was always having to answer questions it had ... Custom configuration may have resolved these problems but I just switched to Spyware Blaster
Summary: I have never had a serious maleware problem so I was not as concerned as others might be. If you are having serious/numerous spyware problems you might give Spybot a try. It seemed to be very sensitive - I found it too sensitive. It is possible, wit... read more >>
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"Part of a multi-faceted security approach"
Pros: Free. Broad selection of spyware blocked. Doesn't run in background, so uses no system resources. Small; takes little room on hard drive.
Cons: None I can think of.
Summary: For years, SpywareBlaster has been a part of my total protection package. I have never had a serious spyware infection, although it is difficult to say to what extent SpywareBlaster is responsible for that. If Blaster stops just one infection, it's ... read more >>
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"If you don't want Spyware use this product."
Pros: Easy and it works.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: I would consider this program as one of the essentials along with Spybot Search & Destroy.
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Version: SpywareBlaster 4.2
"I've used it for years and have never had any problems"
Pros: Easy to set up and easy to update
Cons: No free automatic updates . so you have to remember to manually update or pay
- See all 68 user reviews Write review
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