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(More customer reviews)This version of Spysweeper is somewhat improved over version 5.X. In particular, the availability of a "no extra charge" firewall, i.e., the Webroot Desktop Firewall, is a nice advance. It means that the chances of incompatibility between your anti-malware, anti-virus, and software firewall are now significantly reduced.
As noted in my earlier review of version 5.x, Spysweeper was one of the first quality anti-malware programs available. Although there are now a number of free products with similar or, arguably, enhanced capabilities. So an important question is how does this version stack up.
The software has not changed greatly. The interface is essentially identical. Full sweeps are still quite long, even on a quad core system with four gigabytes of RAM. Although one reviewer for an earlier version mentioned sweeps completed in 5-6 minutes, I've never had sweep times even approach those results for the earlier version or this later one. With this version my sweep times have been reduced below an hour, while they exceeded an hour with the earlier 5.X version. It's uncertain if inherent sweep speed has actually gone down or not, as my CPU, memory, and disk speeds are better than with the original system. Of course, it's also not clear if the relatively long sweep times are due to thoroughness or to inefficient algorithm designs. Faster sweeps can be achieved using the "quick sweep" option. However, if you're going to check you system for malware, it seems a "full sweep" is most appropriate.
Spysweeper continues to have implementation deficiencies. It still specifies the number of cookies it finds. However, unless it determines a cookie is a problem, e.g., a tracking cookie, it provides no further information. A clearly better approach would be for Spysweeper to list all cookies it finds with their location and allow users to decide which, if any, cookies to keep. However, Spysweeper has not advanced in this area from their previous versions.
Some of my disappointment with Spysweeper relates to the company's intrusive sales "nags" after purchase, while making it difficult to avoid or eliminate them. For example, when you select "Check for Updates" manually from the Spysweeper "Home" page, your browser is opened and you are taken to one of the company's web pages (nag screens) -- even if your product is up-to-date. There you'll find the option to add (buy) "Webroot Internet Security Essentials". This is an unnecessary, and time-wasting annoyance. Other competitor's products, some available for free, simply download program updates automatically if needed, without requiring your browser to be opened, and presenting you with nag ads each time you request a manual update. Spysweeper should certainly consider removing this "feature" in the near future.
During a Spysweeper installation, Spysweeper may not be the only software you will be installing. The default during the Spysweeper installation process is to also install the "Ask" search bar in your browser without requiring your specific approval. If you are not alert this will be done automatically. Clearly an "op-in" for a possibly undesired feature would be more appropriate than Webroot's "op-out" requirement. As the Ask toolbar is available for free download from Ask at anytime, the current default installation is not a service to Webroot customers. If you do not want the Ask toolbar added to your browser, carefully check your options as you install Spysweeper
Spysweeper is still a quite competent product, at least at the time of this review, although with some technical issues. However, in rating it I considered not only its technical features, but also how user-friendly I felt it was for a purchased product. In this comparison, Spysweeper's unnecessary sales pitch each time you manually check for an update, and its ill-advised tactic of opting you in for the installation of a browser toolbar without your explicit approval, were significant negatives. Hopefully, the decrease in user friendliness from early versions will not continue, but the future may prove otherwise. The value difference and user-friendliness between Spysweeper and free competitors appears to be diminishing.
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The #1 best-selling protection against spyware.Spyware is not just a threat to personal privacy it s also a leading cause of fraud and identity theft. Webroot® Spy Sweeper® gives you 360 degrees of protection. Powerful Smart Shields block known and emerging threats to ensure that your system and personal information remains safe as you browse the Internet. If your PC is already infected Webroot s advanced discovery methods will find and destroy malicious spyware hiding within your system including spyware that hides using advanced rootkit technology. With multiple awards and millions of users Webroot Spy Sweeper is the best-selling and most effective antispyware protection on the market. Award-winning technology trusted by over 7 million customers FREE U.S.-based phone support Smart Shields stop spyware before it attacks Automatic daily defense updates ensure safety from the latest threats Gamer Mode provides continuous protection without interrupting games and movies Compatible with Windows® XP and Vista® 64-bit SP1 operating systemsSystem Requirements:Windows 2000 Vista (32 bit versions of Home Basic Premium Business or Ultimate) or XP (32 bit versions of Professional Home Media Center or XP Tablet)300 Mhz processor100 MB hard drive space256 MB RAMInternet Explorer 5.5 or higher or FireFox 2.0 or higher for connecting to the Webroot web site.Download Size: 12.4 MBFormat: WIN XPVISTA Genre:UTILITIES Age:667208434107 UPC:667208434107 Manufacturer No:43410
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