Free Software Downloads and Software Reviews

My rating:

Product:

Webroot Spy Sweeper

Version: 5.5

There are better choices then Spy Sweeper!

Pros: I first bought this program in 2006 and used it on and off (more off then on). I didn't renew even though I could have for $19.95. It was recently given to me as a gift on a CD in version 5.2. Installed on my Win XP Pro SP2 drive to my many regrets (dogged a fast system. uninstalled immediately). I tried to install on my Vista Home Premium and was immediately prompted to contact Webroot support to obtain a Vista compatible version, I did. Believe it or not, it runs better on Vista then XP for me but I have some concerns.

Cons: I compare other anti-spy programs to Spy Emergency 2007 which is my first choice. Why? because it's fast, light, looks great with skins and detects and deletes infections with it's huge data base nearing 1.000.000 signatures. Spy Sweeper has a paltry 230,000+ (to few signatures in todays market). A full sweep is very slow though fairly effective. It slows me down in a full sweep where the other mentioned program doesn't at all.

Posted: 21-Mar-2008 08:15:03 PM

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My rating:

Product:

Returnil Virtual System Personal Edition

Version: 2

Does everything it should with ease.

Pros: Once installed, turn on system protection and re-start. Your on a virtual system so theres no way to catch spy-ware, viruses or damage your operating system which I've done to many times without it. It's a superior way to test software including anti-virus programs, tuning, tweaking, registry cleaners, etc. Re-start and the what ever you installed is gone, just like it t never happened. If you decide you like it, start with protection turned off and install it for real. It's simple to use and free just makes it that much better.

Cons: No cons. This is a good, free virtual drive program

Posted: 29-Mar-2008 08:11:20 PM

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My rating:

Product:

McAfee Internet Security Suite

Version: 2008

And the verdict is.......

Pros: I used McAfee for over a year when it was free through my ISP and it was ok but nothing to write home about. This suite came pre-installed on my new Dell Desktop with dual hard drives. The first thing I did was download MCPR ( the McAfee removal tool) and removed it from both. The anti-virus isn't bad at all but I agree that the firewall is the weak point in this suit and thats the reason I got rid of it. I just can't trust it. A new computer is a big investment for anyone so security is of the utmost importance to me. I chose another suite for mine.

Cons: Firewall is the weak point. It can be disabled or bypassed by a hacker. Doesn't flash warnings or ask questions like I'd expect.

Posted: 27-Feb-2008 10:20:26 PM

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My rating:

Product:

Ashampoo UnInstaller

Version: 3.05

Better on a new or freshly formatted drive.

Pros: This program is a nice offer by Ashampoo. That is, as long as it's installed no later then second, behind their defrag utility. When monitoring installs it can completely remove programs in a safe manor. As long as you allow it to do the full job it was intended to do, it's a good program. Professional GUI, lots of options including drop & drag, easy to use like all their software. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it as an after thought to an established system.

Cons: Like I said, as long as you allow it to do the full job it was intended to do, it's a good program. If you don't allow it's install monitor to run, then get Revo. It's free and can pretty much handle all the tough ones.

Posted: 31-May-2008 05:04:49 AM

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My rating:

Product:

ESET Smart Security

Version: 3.0.642

Perect for me but not for everyone.

Pros: Excellent virus and trojan detection, decent spyware detection. Light on the system which makes it a good choice for Vista users. I have it on one Vista Home Premium and one Windows XP Pro SP-2 drives and Mcafee on the shared desktop in our home with no children still here. Re-designed user interface ia great and simple to use, Firewall is configurable but needs more options like a slide button for different levels of security. Interactive mode works fine for me. It asks lots of questions but remembers your answer's.. It flashes a red highlighted pain on an inbound detection then it's up to you. I gave up Kaspersky woth almost 9 months left on the subscription for this suite on Vista and have not been let down once. I use Norton Ghost to clone all our systems and it picked up and guided me thru creating a recovery disk that includes ESET's drivers.

Cons: No parental controls. No identity theft protection. If you have kids and need a suite with all the fancy features get McAfee, Norton or Trend Micro. But, Trend Micro 2008 sucks. Expensive for a single user license, add $10 bucks for the 2nd. Thats what I did.

Posted: 18-Apr-2008 10:11:25 AM

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Ratings submitted:	99
Reviews written:	99
"Helpful" votes received:	843
"Not helpful" votes received:	160

My Profile: Charles K

Webroot Spy Sweeper

There are better choices then Spy Sweeper!

Returnil Virtual System Personal Edition

Does everything it should with ease.

McAfee Internet Security Suite

And the verdict is.......

Ashampoo UnInstaller

Better on a new or freshly formatted drive.

ESET Smart Security

Perect for me but not for everyone.

About me: Charles K