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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:
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.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 750 votes
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Current version:
4.6 starsout of 16 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"easy to use"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
excellent help for new computer users
Cons
cant think of anything
Summary
well worth downloading for all the help it gives, great to stop new programmes trying to run at starup
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"the best. keeps getting better"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
tells u everything going on in your computer. been with them for years. couldn't live without it.
Cons
absolutely none
Summary
keeps getting better. lifetime onetime investment. best money i've ever spent!!!!!!!
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"The best aid for computer health (speed) I know of."
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
It keeps the gang of wanna be startup programs out of my tray. It simply lets me say whether I do or don't want a program to start automatically when I boot. That enables me to keep my computer running fast.
Cons
absolutely none
Summary
I've been running 'Scotty' for over 8 years and I say Bill P. is a genius. Every programmer wants to get his program to start up when the computer is booted. You get too many and all you've got is clutter. It's counter productive to have a program running if you're not using it. So get WinPatrol and put Scotty to work.
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"Great Program"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
Extremely helpful, easy to use and to understand!
Cons
NONE at all
Summary
Has saved me twice from bad applications that wanted to install at startup. The Plus version has ability to get more information on services, startup programs, scripts, activeX, etc. running on my computer - all those files, dlls, etc. that I never understood.
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"great free program"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
It helps me when I am working on other people's machines. I caqn decipher what is loading during boot and disable and enable programs easily.
Cons
None at this time.
Summary
Great trouble shooting program....
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"great tool and and must have"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
add or remove start up programs, see what is running, alerts to new programs that will start up on system boot
Cons
I cannot think of anything that do not like
Summary
Great program for the serious computer user
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"Meets all expectations."
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
How easily it does the job promised.
Cons
None to date.
Summary
Want to get rid of cookies, works great. Delay starts, great function to help start up.
Get great assist in Plus answers. On and on and on. works well in all aspects offered. -
"A useful and far-reaching tool"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
broad spectrum of useful applications
Cons
Have not found any negatives, yet.
Summary
have not had opportunity to evaluate more than a few of the functions, but so far, very good!
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"helpful utility"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
particularly useful in monitoring software that installs itself at startup
Cons
have not found any problems
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"dependable"
Version: WinPatrol 19.1.2010.1
Pros
always on top
Cons
works good for me
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