CounterSpy 2.5.1043

Publisher's description of CounterSpy

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CounterSpy 2 is tough on spyware, adware, rootkits, and other malware, but is light on system resources and memory. Advantages of CounterSpy 2: Heavy-duty antispyware protection treads lightly on system resources. Kernel-level Active Protection defends 24-7. Hybrid design combines antimalware technology with our award-winning spyware detection and removal. Deep-rooted malware is exterminated at boot time, before Windows loads. Incremental definition updates greatly reduce update downloading time.

Version 2.5.1043 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

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Editor's review of CounterSpy

Along with its solid ability to remove spyware, CounterSpy includes a few features we don't normally see in a spyware remover. The attractive interface is nicely arranged, with highly visible buttons to get beginners started. Scanning times are on par with other spyware removers such as Ad-Aware and Spybot, and seem pretty thorough.

CounterSpy's publisher updates its definition file frequently and runs a fully staffed spyware research department. After a scan, CounterSpy can delete, quarantine, or remove spyware. On the quarantine screen we found we couldn't scroll the list of spyware, and we also would like to see a button that would select all of the found spyware, to make removal easier. Those small issues aside, CounterSpy goes above and beyond by including a scheduler, secure file shredder, and a history cleaner. We particularly like the scheduler, which makes it easy to set up weekly scans.

As with other reputable spyware removers, it includes active protection which also monitors ActiveX controls. The trial download includes 15 days of definition file updates. With all the spyware remover scams, it's good to see an application of this quality.

User reviews of CounterSpy

• Average user rating: out of 505 votes
• Your rating: Write your own review

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  CounterSpy

  There was a time when I swore by it!

  by: Charles K on 25-May-2008 04:08:29 AM

  Pros: There was a time when I swore by it, back before version 2. I bought it then, in late 2007 and was very happy with it. Then, I upgraded to this version and the problems started straight away. I just can't recommend this program anymore which is a shame.

  Cons: Theres a few things I just can't figure. Like why so huge? Why so hard to update? Why won't the annoying pop-ups remember my answers? And lastly, why so gosh darned intrusive?

  The security software I use now together are 83.1 MB all added together.

  ESET Smart Security: 27.7 MB.

  Spy Emergency 2008: 20.6 MB

  Webroot Spy Sweeper: 35.8 MB

  These together are about 33% of the size of Counter Spy. All three are very effective, update easily, are much faster, unobtrusive for the most part and all are lighter on my system.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (8 of 9 users said yes)

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  CounterSpy

  useless

  by: alice_b0wie on 09-Apr-2008 07:29:47 PM

  Cons: has too much control, it slows you down, endless pop ups. it might find spyware but its not worth the trouble. i can't understand why someone would want something like this

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (8 of 12 users said yes)

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  CounterSpy

  It finds uncommons.

  by: shockwavesn1per on 21-Apr-2008 06:53:31 AM

  Pros: A very "flexible" interface. It enables the user to configure the settings, scheduled scans, real-time protection, etc. It also has a vast database.

  Cons: Sadly, there's only half month trial and it is heavy on CPU usage. The updates also took forever on a DSL connection. In addition, CounterSpy finds only uncommon ones, such as smilMail. It does not find Smitfraud.

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

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  CounterSpy

  Great but still could be improved

  by: kkolpam on 18-Apr-2008 03:20:57 AM

  Pros: It has an outstanding spyware detection and removal which is the most important thing for an antispyware (at least for me). Its active protection provides great protection though the pop-up might be annoying for some users but it did remembers the action. The 15 day trial is full featured which allows the users to remove the threats detected, unlike other antispyware such as spyware doctor and spy sweeper which have removal-disabled limitations in the trial version. It's good to see CounterSpy doesn't focus on low risk threats (tracking cookies), unlike other antispyware which always detect many tracking cookies and mislead users to think that antispyware is fantastic. CounterSpy also offers a few useful features such as System Check which can improves the machine security. Personally, i like the user interface of CounterSpy, which is simple, straight forward and easy to use.

  Cons: Somehow, definition updates could be a pain. It took extremely long time to download new definition file and sometimes it fails to merge the definition file (In this case, download the full definition file is required). Installation file for CounterSpy is too big for an antispyware, however, it's acceptable because CounterSpy includes whitelist scanner in order to cut down on false positives. Anyway, I still HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (6 of 8 users said yes)

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  CounterSpy

  Reminds me of Comodo Firewall, stupid!

  by: tomwa53 on 18-Apr-2008 05:55:07 AM

  Pros: Good detection and removal if you can tolerate,.........

  Cons: Active shields are flat out stupid, a pain in the rear end. The program is huge at over 240MB installed. Oh, you doubt me? Check add / remove in the control panel in XP, or rt. the Counter Spy folder, click properties in C:\ program files on Vista. Updates are slow and sometimes impossible. I'm glad my subscriptions run out.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (5 of 10 users said yes)

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