Spybot Spybot-S&D 1.4 review

Verdict:

Review Date: 21 Aug 2006

Price when reviewed: Free

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

Spybot-S&D, or Spybot Search & Destroy, is a free anti-spyware utility beloved of computer techies, magazines and websites.

Many people feel that, combined with Ad-Aware and HijackThis, you have all you need to get rid of spyware. Although it lacks full real-time protection by default, it does include a couple of resident protection tools.

The first real-time tool, enabled by default, is the SDHelper system. This prevents Internet Explorer downloading known spyware files. The optional TeaTime system monitors the computer and tries to identify and block spyware processes. We left this disabled, which is the default setting. A setting called Immunize changes Internet Explorer's settings to block bad sites known to contain spyware.

The program has an advanced mode with extra settings, including a screen that lets you find details about Winsock LSPs; see the ewido anti-spyware review on page 123 to find out about LSPs. There is even a file shredder included.

The default real-time protection levels didn't detect any spyware during their installation. A system scan found traces of all the programs, except the rootkit. Some files and settings could not be removed without a reboot. Spybot-S&D loaded up before the other programs to delete them. The rogue anti-spyware program remained on the system but no longer ran properly. Ad-Aware found five Registry keys related to one piece of spyware.

Despite not providing anti-virus-style real-time protection by default, Spybot-S&D does a reasonable job, particularly when paired with Ad-Aware. It's free, and although we'd prefer to pay for a faster-reacting program it's a sensible choice for those on a zero budget.

Prev Next

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous Reviews : Utilities Next >

Sponsored Links

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.