WinPatrol 17.0.2010

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• Quick specs
• Price: Free $29.95 to buy (Buy it now)
• Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows Server 2008, Windows NT, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
• Date added: October 12, 2009
• Total Downloads: 1,443,244
• Downloads last week: 1,584
• See full specifications

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CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

This program uses a simple yet effective method of fighting all kinds of malicious programs. It inspects several Windows system spots that malware is most likely to alter, including programs launched at start-up, browser helper objects, scheduled tasks, services, and cookies.

The latest version includes two new logs: one emulates the popular HijackThis log style, while the other is a CSV-exportable format. There are also more tweaks for Vista users, as well as the usual bug fixing. The app consumes few resources, doesn't slow your PC, and is highly customizable. You can set the interval between checkups; the default is every three minutes. If something new installs on your PC, the program notifies you and asks whether you want the newcomer. This won't cure serious infections, but it will save you from annoying adware and malicious sites that hijack your browser's home page. You can view full reports in HTML format, and the app even lets you manage which programs launch on system start-up, including a "delayed" start-up.

Improved cookie handling is taken care of by Pinky the Squirrel, who eats "cookies with nuts"--that is, cookies that contain user-defined nuggets of text, such as ads. Users who install a lot of new software will find the program invaluable.

Publisher's description

The power of multiple programs without the bloat of a security suite. Clean up your Taskbar, ActiveX, Brower and Startup programs. WinPatrol monitors and exposes adware, keyloggers, spyware, worms, cookies, and other malicious software. This program puts you back in control of your computer with no need for constant updates. WinPatrol's goal is to help you better understand what programs are running on your computer and to alert you to any new programs added without your permission. Unlike traditional security programs, WinPatrol doesn't scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. Instead, it uses a heuristic behavioral approach, taking a snapshot of your critical system resources, then alerting you to any changes that occur without your knowledge. Version 16.1.2009.1 detects if other programs are monitoring HOSTs and some other system files to prevent conflicts, adds support for Accessibility Sound Sentry in Vista or greater, and now better handles events that are blocked by User Account Control.

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