- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (Limited access to online database); $19.95 to buy (Buy it now)
- Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: December 15, 2004
- Total Downloads: 1,388,398
- Downloads last week: 1,125
- See full specifications
A newer version of WinPatrol is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 467 votes
See all user reviews
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 spots in the Windows system malware is most likely to alter, including programs launched at start-up, browser helper objects, scheduled tasks, services, and cookies. WinPatrol consumes few resources and doesn't slow your PC. 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 home page. You can view full reports in HTML format, and the app even lets you manage which programs launch on system 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
From BillP Studios :WinPatrol with Scotty the Windows Watch Dog will sniff out worms, adware, keyloggers, spyware, cookies, and Trojan horses. 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. Scotty lets you confirm any new programs or add-ons set up to run on your computer. Unlike traditional security programs, WinPatrol doesn't scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. Instead using a heuristic approach, a snapshot is taken of your critical system resources, and WinPatrol alerts you to any changes that occur without your knowledge.
Version 8.1.2 continues optimization, so Scotty spends less time on patrol. Also, a new animated taskbar icon provides immediate feedback to let you know Scotty is active.
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User reviews of WinPatrol 8.1.2
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 467 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 19 user reviewsSee all 19 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: WinPatrol 8.1.2
"Highly specialized but excellent at what it does."
Pros: Does exactly what its supposed to do, unobtrusively, and using almost no system resources.
Cons: It's not a do-everything utility, of course.
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: WinPatrol 8.1.2
"Very user friendly spyware blocking tool"
Pros: WinPatrol is a very straightforward and friendly option for people who want to block adware and spyware but don't have the time or the will for the more advanced tools. Winpatrol simply alerts you every time an application tries to change settings or install itself.
Cons: Though WinPatrol can identify a lot of potential infiltrators, it can't always stop them. It's best to use in conjunction with a spyware cleaner.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: WinPatrol 8.1.2
Pros: Cant live without this little beauty of a program.
Very simple user interface, great design and functionality.
I have been using the free version for about 6 months. Love It
Cons: No cons, apart from the fact that the full version costs some money.. The free version will do all you want, as long as you have a slight understanding of what your doing..
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: WinPatrol 8.1.2
"Scotty Dog Rules!!! Go get 'em Scotty. Grrrrrrrr."
Pros: Scotty's always on patrol keeping track of all those other programs that are surreptitiously trying alter your computer in ways you may or may not want them to. He doesn't let anything get by him. It's surprising how many programs try to do things without your permission or knowledge (like add things to your startup routine - bogging down your startup and slowing down your PC). Also Scotty gives you all kinds of valuable info on the programs and processes that are running on your computer (more if you have the Plus version, which I highly recommend).
Cons: Won't stay off the furniture and ALWAYS wants to go for a walk. j/k Scotty's a very well behaved doggy.
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: WinPatrol 8.1.2
Summary: This program DOES NOT REMOVE spyware and malware, it PREVENTS the installation. I cannot understand some comments: this program controls everything running (including the startup wich is very useful to kill some programs that you do not need durin... read more >>
- See all 19 user reviews Write review
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