Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6

Publisher's description of Spybot - Search & Destroy

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Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

Version 1.6 features improved speed for on-demand scans, support for a dozen different browsers, and easier on-access use.

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Editor's review of Spybot - Search & Destroy

Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.

The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.

Unfortunately, the program has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors. The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn't, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.

User reviews of Spybot - Search & Destroy

• Average user rating: out of 4698 votes
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  Spybot - Search & Destroy

  I love spybot!

  by: andeyejah on 12-Jul-2008 04:26:43 AM

  Pros: I love this app but i have a problem with this latest release.Im using vista business and when i try to do a full immunization it tells me i don't have admin rights to perform this action.When in facto i do as im the only one using this pc!.I have set myself up as sole user.So what is the problem?.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks.

  Cons: That's my only complaint.

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  Spybot - Search & Destroy

  A charged up Spybot.

  by: shockwavesn1per on 09-Jul-2008 01:35:47 PM

  Pros: Scanning times and immunization is much more improved as it covers both Opera 9.51 and Firefox 3. What I liked was TeaTimer's ease of use and now lower memory usage.

  Well done.

  Cons: If Spybot could just use ClearType with the GUI.

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  Spybot - Search & Destroy

  Faster scanning engine with this version

  by: ritchie58 on 14-Jul-2008 03:52:40 PM

  Pros: This is a great tool for the never ending battle against malware. A good rule of thumb however is not to rely on just one anti-spyware application. I use Spyware Terminator 2.2 which has an active resident shield, Adaware 2008 and SuperAntiSpyware as well. (All of which you can download right here on CNET.) Spybot is an excellent additional scanner. If you use the expert mode there are a number of useful tools as well!

  Cons: No automatic updating. Just search for updates before you run a scan.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (3 of 4 users said yes)

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  Spybot - Search & Destroy

  For me it works Fine!

  by: Old jazz lover on 18-Jul-2008 02:26:01 PM

  Pros: I using spybot, in all vesions, this is better than olders! more fast!

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  Spybot - Search & Destroy

  GREAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE !!!

  by: mark bevan on 10-Jul-2008 04:23:16 AM

  Pros: First of all can you change the Editor's Review as it's the same comment from the old version!! That's a bit unfair CNET. I must admit a few serious changes have been made ( in a positive way) to this latest version. Scanning time has now been halved, before it was a bit on the slow side! And the problems with immunization has been resolved too, which again was a major problem before.

  As with the last version i wasn't very happy with it, to the point of having to remove it. But now i am more than happy to have this anti spyware on my computer as a good back up!

  Having a couple of anti spyware on your computer does no harm (but good).What one misses the other will pick it up!!

  Cons: Come on CNET, keep up with the times!!

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (5 of 7 users said yes)

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