SpywareBlaster 4.1

Publisher's description of SpywareBlaster

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SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware--it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, and many other browsers, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.

Version 4.1 adds full Mozilla Firefox 3 support, and various feature and protection enhancements, tweaks, and optimizations.

See more CNET content tagged:

spyware removal,

spyware,

ActiveX,

malicious software,

Mozilla Corp.

Editor's review of SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster started out as a malicious software blocker focused on ActiveX-based attacks. It has kept that component and expanded, and now can block all kinds of spyware that gets delivered through your Web browser, although its defenses are most useful for Internet Explorer users.

The dedicated IE tools are useful. Users can block all Flash content, create encrypted backups of the Hosts file, manage browser page settings, block cookies, and create customized ActiveX blocks. Firefox and Netscape-specific protection only offers cookie blocking, but you can create a customized blacklist that will function across multiple browsers. Users can also create a system snapshot for PC recovery in case of a devastating attack. The interface is designed well, uncluttered and easy to navigate. For $10 a year users can get automatic definition file updates and tech support, otherwise those must be done manually.

It's a little surprising that there's no support for Opera, and there's a noticeable lack of spyware removal capabilities. Although we appreciate the good job that SpywareBlaster has done in the past, this current version doesn't hold up very well against other security products that prevent attacks and remove infections.

User reviews of SpywareBlaster

• Average user rating: out of 1112 votes
• Your rating: Write your own review

This software version | All versions

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  SpywareBlaster

  Blaster Upgraded +

  by: shockwavesn1per on 12-Jun-2008 01:02:40 PM

  Pros: What caught my attention of v.4.1 was the slick design, compared to SpywareBlaster 3.5.1. It had that Vista Aero feeling.

  When I ran it, it was much faster than it's predecessor v.4.0

  SpywareBlaster provides a good comprehension of what it's blocking and where it is blocking. It adds killbits where disables malicious Active-X's and ads from intervening.

  Overall, SpywareBlaster is a great arsenal to your collection. It does not run in the background, but just one click and the protection is activated permanent.

  Cons: Integrated support for Opera browsers.

  A future idea would be something of a "real-time" protection and a "network shield". ;)

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

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  SpywareBlaster

  avast said it as a worm

  by: super61 on 26-Jun-2008 07:28:17 PM

  Pros: unknown

  Cons: it maybe have worm

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (0 of 4 users said yes)

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  SpywareBlaster

  good protection

  by: asd264 on 24-Jun-2008 03:53:01 PM

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (1 of 2 users said yes)

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  SpywareBlaster

  Great preventive measures

  by: randysvh on 19-Jun-2008 04:47:20 PM

  Pros: It is simple and easy to use. It is geared to do one main thing and that is to prevent spyware from having a chance.

  Cons: i think the distance of the preventive measures are just the beginning and more can be done. With the help of Spybot Search and Destroy and Advanced windows care i get a lot more results and protection.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (4 of 5 users said yes)

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  SpywareBlaster

  Does its job well--and for free

  by: azshadowwalker on 26-Jun-2008 09:16:57 PM

  Pros: I have spyware removers. However, many of the free spyware removers don't provide real-time protection or blocking. Spywareblaster fills that void. That's why I find the editor's review ridiculous. I don't need it to remove spyware. There are dozens of good, free apps out there to do that. However, those apps often don't include the feature that Spywareblaster provides. When using free tools, it is often necessary to have multiple single-function tools. There's nothing wrong with that.

  I also like that the program doesn't bug me with a bunch of pop-ups trying to "prove" that it's working. I just want it to do its job and leave me alone. It does.

  I've been using this app for so long, I've forgotten what it was like before I had it. In fact, it's been so long, that I can't even remember when I first installed it. All I know is that I've now run it on 3 different machines and I recommend it to others.

  Cons: In all the years I've used this app, I've yet to find a negative.

  Was this review helpful? Yes | No (2 of 2 users said yes)

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