Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5

Publisher's description of Webroot Spy Sweeper

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Webroot Spy Sweeper is a tool used to stay safe from spyware, adware, keyloggers, and Trojans, all of which can lead to identity theft and fraud. With Webroot Spy Sweeper installed on your PC, you can use the Internet without fear of infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper uses powerful Smart Shields that block threats before they can infect your computer and even scan incoming and outgoing emails for infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper quickly and effectively provides maximum protection with minimal interaction. With an easy-to-use console and customizable options, Webroot Spy Sweeper makes maximum protection a snap, plus Webroot offers FREE US-based phone and email support. You won't have to scan and restart your PC over and over with Webroot Spy Sweeper - one sweep and your PC is clean.

Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.

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Editor's review of Webroot Spy Sweeper

This rock-solid antispyware tool gets an upgrade for Windows Vista compatibility, but with its spyware-removal limitation, the protection offered is only as good as the money you pay for it.

The interface is easy to understand, and the Home section should steer new users to the necessities: starting a scan, checking shield status, and updating definitions. As in older versions, the Quarantine section will let you restore any components accidentally altered after a system scan. The Sweep option includes a flexible scheduler, the ability to change the default scanning method level, and other options to customize the program. In addition to its real-time, browser, and ActiveX shields, the app offers several barriers to other threats such as Windows Messenger Service exploits, keyloggers, rogue start-up items, and pesky rootkits.

There were no problems running the app on Vista, but be sure to uninstall any other third-party antivirus apps to avoid conflicts. Unfortunately, Spy Sweeper maintains its detection-only trial limitation, making it impossible to test how well it actually removes malware. Anybody concerned with keeping malicious software and viruses off their computer shouldn't bother with the trial unless they're pretty sure they're going to buy the full version.

User reviews of Webroot Spy Sweeper

• Average user rating: out of 1267 votes
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  Webroot Spy Sweeper

  It's available with or without the Anti-Virus.

  by: Chainmail2006 on 22-Aug-2007 03:23:39 PM

  Pros: The anti-virus add on just costs $10.00 more. Where I had issues with the last version (supposedly compatible with "Vista"), this version has resolved the problem of "Vista' compatibility. This application is an effective anti spyware product with several active protection and scan options. But it still lags in comparison to "Spy Emergency 2007". This version runs fine with "Vista" and the company offers good tech support except after a new release. Everybody is calling them then.

  Cons: It's a resource hog and noticeably slows system startup and other applications like "Firefox". It's not that bad on ram usage but is terrible with your processor , even on a powerful computer. The signature data base is over 188,000 but thats light next to other, like applications. "Webroot" is working on their software, trying to improve them, but this one still isn't ready for prime time. Because of these cons, I can't recommend this product.

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  Webroot Spy Sweeper

  I can't see these poor reviews.

  by: The Sports Fan on 29-Mar-2008 11:55:53 AM

  Pros: I'll bet anything, it's not as bad as most of these reviews claim it to be. All I can say is how it does for me. One copy on two systems, no problem. It updates more often then I can remember the last time I owned it. A full sweep on either system takes about 15 minutes with 40+ a little, Gigabytes on the disk. Can't see the complaints on how long a scan takes. Good detection but lacks the ability to kill detections. Complaints on support is something I've never experienced with Webroot. I just call and they have always been nice, helpful and American.

  Cons: The so called free trial is a complete waste of time. To much cookie detection. Can't see how to permanently delete detected items. Regardless, I like it better then Spyware Doctor.

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  Webroot Spy Sweeper

  There are better choices then Spy Sweeper!

  by: Charles K on 21-Mar-2008 08:15:03 PM

  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.

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  Webroot Spy Sweeper

  folks can whine about it all they like.

  by: sharkhunter922 on 25-Apr-2008 05:11:13 AM

  Pros: But, the bottom line remains the same. Webroot is a reputable software vendor. Nothing like PC Tools at all.

  Spy sweeper is an excellent anti-spy app in the full version and I have no issues with it consuming resources at all. In fact, I'm running a full sweep as I write this review, with no slow down at all. It has excellent detection of all types of nasties and it now can be purchased as an integral part of a security suite with a firewall and AV module. They will never bill your credit card for renewal without your consent.

  Cons: Although theres no false positives (scare tactics) associated with the free trial, it's useless and I can't recommend it unless you plan on a purchase.

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  Webroot Spy Sweeper

  one of the better ones

  by: alice_b0wie on 22-Dec-2007 04:52:50 AM

  Pros: quick boot time, pop ups are rare and are actually relevant, its not an annoying intrusive program like most security apps. if you have an old, slow, unmaintained machine or an outdated os(xp) this might not be for you.

  Cons: none, but if you subscribe to some of the companies that make these products they'll send you notice of sales. i only paid $15 for this. well worth it. also i don't give low scores on apps you have to pay for. also i wouldn't give a review on something until i've understood how it actually works.

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