Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
WinPatrol is a security program intended to help clean up your computer and protect against spyware, worms, and other things that might harm it or slow it down.
This security software is certainly not for the novice computer user. It's different from other software that typically scans for threats, and that's where it can get confusing. If you know an above-average amount of information about computers, you'll probably find certain tabs -- like Startup Programs and Delayed Start -- useful, but it's going to take a period of learning to really know what to do with ones like Cookies, File Types, and Hidden Files. This software does offer some Internet security, which we appreciated. The alert sound (dog barking) is cute but annoying after a while. Fortunately, that can be turned off. There's also a Help page for every tab -- though some of the tabs are not available in the free version -- and much of the information and instructions are written in a witty style, so even though you're taking in a lot of new information it won't be too boring or highbrow to understand. You're just simply not going to be able to enjoy the full benefits of this software right away, however, if you don't know much about the inner workings of your computer.
The download process was easy and simple. There weren't any problems while installing, either, so we're willing to give this a good rating.
Publisher's Description
From BillP Studios:
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.
What's new in this version: In version 17.0.2010, monitoring components rewritten in assembler to increase the speed and compatibility with other security programs. Support for Firefox and Chrome SQLite cookies is added.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 750 votes
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Current version:
4.8 starsout of 72 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I Love Scotty! Wroof Has Saved So Much Grief!"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
Easy to use, helps keep clutter out of memory any time you install something that thinks it needs to run on startup by letting you decide whether to let it run or not. I love it so much that I just upgraded to the paid PLUS version
Cons
None that I've found, and I'm a software QA person who is a bug magnet.
Summary
What's not to like about free?!! Try it, you'll love it!
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"AWESOME SOFTWARE"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
To many to name. I will just say this..... If you care about what is written on your computer system files, this is a must have!
Cons
There is only one! The user.
Summary
DOWNLOAD NOW!
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"Fabulous program that keeps me in control of my PC."
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
Having Scotty on patrol gives me tremendous piece of mind when I'm updating current programs/applications or downloading new ones. Nothing gets by Scotty! It's genius!
Cons
Not one thing.
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"It works. That's for sure."
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
Antivirus and antispyware wont secure your machine 100% With WinPatrol the evasive malware will be neutralized.
Cons
It asks for aproval every time you make even a little change to your system configuration (by downloading a new version of an app) instead of detecting that you (not malware) are doing it.
Summary
You can't see your antispyware in action, but you do see WinPatrol doing its job, and the way it works/interact with you makes sense a lot with what you do with your computer, so even if you don't know much about computers (like me) you do know that your WinPatrol is doing a good job ...for only a few bucks.
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"Great tol to manage you running prigrams"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
I like how it alerts me when there is a change being made and lets me get more onfo on the program when needed
Cons
Sometimes it an nag you a little too much, but you can change that if you want.
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"does everything it says on the box and then some more"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
software is stable and reliable
Cons
works well on all OS systems I run
Summary
Nero is as close as you get to perfectly written and described software.PLUS the support , if required, is fast and professional
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"INCREDIBLE customer support...worth every penny"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
This program together with its customer support are like having a free IT staff in many instances. Since most problematic programs are connected with StartUp, using WinPatrol Plus can solve many of them.
Cons
Absolutely none except that it makes any other program's customer support seem unresponsive by comparison.
Summary
Moving from the free to the Plus version is a must for anyone having pc problems...which includes almost everyone. Start with free to 'learn the ropes,' then upgrade to Plus for their tremendous support: both online (that explains other programs better than their own developers) and email (rapid, friendly and on-target). If only everything on your pc worked as well !. But using this program goes a long way towards making everything else work faster and better.
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"The Big Daddy of antimalware solutions"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
Light, simple GUI, easy and fast install, does the job it's designed to do, no frills.
Cons
No cons but remember folks this is not your normal antimalware product, there is no scanner and malware database or removal tools.
Summary
Been using WinPatrol for years I enjoy having scotty sit in my system tray and I really don't mind the odd bark or two. Hats off to Bill for a quality product that already has legendary status amongst die-hard geeks. Free to use but well worth the plus version for a lifetime of protection and help.
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"So far it has caught everything but one infected file."
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
I love the way it works in the background yet I have the option to scan whenever I wish. Also the automatic update, totally effortless.
Cons
As I said, It did let in one infected file however that can be expected with a file sharing program and it let me know where it was at so I could delete it. Plus it went no farther than that.
Summary
I would recommend it's use to others. I wonder though, I have another virus and spyware program on here that really doesn't seem to do anything. But it's there. Could having both programs affect the speed of my computer? Perhaps someone could answer this for me. Thanks Filled
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"Stupendous results!"
Version: WinPatrol 17.0.2010
Pros
WinPatrol truly is a watchdog for internet parasites and gremlins and I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Cons
You forget it's there and then it pops up when and where you least expect it like Kato does on Inspector Clouseau!
Summary
It came highly laueded, praised and recommended by guys who know their onions when it comes to computing navigation! It achieved results in less than 5 minutes after I had been trying w/ other junk for over 2 years!
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