CNET Editors' review
XP-AntiSpy claims that users of Windows XP are at risk from catching a nasty virus with the program's built-in updates. This download aims to let users make the decisions about what gets added and what gets turned away at the door, but is best used by experienced users.
This freeware program's interface is as basic as it gets. It's designed purely for functionality, with no thought for aesthetics. Users see every possible nook and cranny that spyware and viruses can wiggle through on their computers thanks to a long, scrolling list that showcases everything from Media Player Functions, Error Reports, the computer's network, Internet Explorer, and more. Under each heading, users see the different functions each perform and are given the option to disable them.
On any given system, this list can stretch for quite a while and, as the manufacturer claims, it can take up to half an hour to go through each and customize. Each listing comes with a brief description at the bottom of the screen, but novices could be overwhelmed with so much information. XP-AntiSpy has a default setting, which was extremely easy to implement, but we weren't totally comfortable leaving it up to the program to decide which updates to permit.
XP-AntiSpy is simple to operate, but deciding which updates are critical and which are not isn't a task for the novice. More experienced users who want a quick way to disable certain updates might find this to be a very useful tool.
Publisher's Description
From TR-Software:
XP-AntiSpy is a little utility that lets you disable some built-in update and authentication 'features' in WindowsXP. For example, there's a service running in the background which is called 'Automatic Updates'. I don't know what this service transfers from my machine to other machines on the internet, especially the MS ones. So I play it safe and disable such functions. If you like, you can even disable these functions manually, by going through the System and checking or unchecking some checkboxes. This will take you approximately half an hour. But why waste time when a little neat utility can do the same in 1 minute? This utility was successfully tested by lots of users, and was found to disable all the known 'Suspicious' Functions in WindowsXP. It's customizable, but comes up with the Default settings, which are recommended.
What's new in this version: Version 3.98 removed setting Deny access to 16-Bit-Applications from Suggested profile and fixed several errors occurring on 64bit systems.
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All versions:
5.0 starsout of 2 votes
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Results 1-2 of 2
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"Belongs in everyones security/privacy toolbox"
Version: XP-AntiSpy 3.97
Pros
Very good for "hardening" my XP system.
Cons
I don't know any
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"Excellent Software, But "Beware""
Version: XP-AntiSpy 3.97
Pros
This software really does stop microsoft from spying on you!
Cons
Your version of windows will no longer work with XP-AntiSpy installed, Microsoft technicians hates this software and they will disable your copy of windows!
Summary
When ever i would install this software after about three days to a week i would start getting messages telling me i have 29 days left to validate windows. In order for your copy of windows to work correctly you have to allow microsoft technicians to spy on you, If not they will stop you from using windows. Then after your 29 days left warning is up, When you reboot your computer the next day you get a message stating: You Must Validate Windows In Order To Continue Using Windows.
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