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Spy Sweeper

Overview

Spy Sweeper is proprietary software sold by Webroot Software, which detects and removes spyware, and viruses (with optional AntiVirus component) on personal computers that run Microsoft Windows.  Spy Sweeper is a software designed to defend your computer and your identity from prying spyware. This anti-spyware program is equipped to beat off malicious, information-seeking applications to keep your data private and safe. It is easy to use and is constantly updated to combat emerging threats.

Features

Spy Sweeper offers three different scans, including a quick scan that can promptly quarantine and access levels of risk in less than a minute. It can also run selective scans if you want to exclude specific file types. This program is so simple to use that computer novices can configure their settings, yet it offers the kind of protection that computer pros demand.  Spy Sweeper examines files on a computer's hard disk drive, as well as objects in memory, the Windows registry and cookies, and quarantines any suspicious objects it finds.

It is normally purchased as a yearly subscription; some broadband services, such as MSN Premium, also offer rebranded versions of Spy Sweeper as part of their subscription.  Now you can explore the Internet, download files and share files without worries. Spy Sweeper can protect your computer no matter what you do online. Additionally, all updates are free and technical support is free.

System Requirements

Spy Sweeper 5.0 has an increased list of minimum system requirements that a user's PC must meet in order to run Spy Sweeper 5.0 which are:

• • Windows 2000
• • XP Pro
• • XP Home
• • XP Media Center Edition

Spy Sweeper works with Windows Vista with an upgrade from Webroot's website.

Effectiveness

Spy Sweeper is continually evolving and the newest version 5.5 is better than ever. It runs without bogging down your system and can run quick, custom or full sweeps in record time. This program has fifteen shields, which include shields that protect from tracking cookies, explorer hijacks, keyloggers, ad sites and much more. If you don’t know what kind of protection you want, the program will run 12 recommended shields. After a scan, Spy Sweeper provides easy to understand reports. When items are detected, the report assigns a level of risk and description for each item. You can then quarantine, delete or restore the discovered items. Spy Sweeper will also keep you informed of immediate threats by warning you if an application is trying to install on your computer.

Updates

In October 2006, Webroot released Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, which includes removal and protection of computer viruses . The anti-virus component is based on an anti-virus product made by the software vendor Sophos. In June 2007 version 5.5 was released, which included the ability to scan email attachments, and an improved user interface. In October 2008 version 6.0 was released.  Additionally, all updates are free and technical support is free.  Webroot supports Spy Sweeper through embedded help, online FAQs and email support. Unlike many software providers, Webroot provides prompt toll–free phone support. 

Ease of use and installation

Spy Sweeper is extremely easy to use and has a well–organized interface with tabs for all major functions. This program takes the guesswork out of configuring your security with easy to understand recommended settings and alerts notifying you when you need to update.

Pros and Cons

With such a powerful and versatile anti -spyware application, one can expect a slight decrease in overall system performance, especially on slower computers (less than GB of RAM, less than 1Ghz processor speed).  Therefore users should beware that they'll need more memory and processing power than Webroot recommends. Still, Spy Sweeper is a top performer when it comes to detecting, preventing, and removing malicious programs.

This software works better on more powerful computers.  On slower systems, full scans took around 30-40 minutes. There are products that scan faster, but you can always schedule full scans to run when you won't need to use your PC.
Spy Sweeper is a tough defender and can protect the computer from new threats to your privacy.

With the offer of Window Washer for free, one can rest easy with 100% privacy and a fast, smooth-running computer.

 

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