Spy Sweeper

Feature Set:
Although a superior product before, Spy Sweeper offers even more features with its 4.5 edition, adding more freedom, convenience and flexibility to its spyware protection capability. One such enhancement is a scheduling wizard, which walks you, step-by-step, through the process of setting up automatic scans¡ªallowing your computer to check for spyware, whether you are around or not.

Perhaps some of the best and unique features in the new Spy Sweeper are its "Shields" to block spyware before they can infect your computer. Spy Sweeper 4.5 offers new shield for even greater protection. For example, the ActiveX Shield blocks potential spyware that is installed through ActiveX components on the Internet. The Spy Communication Shield prevents infection by blocking communication to web sites that are known to host spyware.

The BHO Shield blocks the installation of Browser Helper Objects which can track your web browsing activity or install toolbars without your knowledge. Spy Sweeper also provides automatic updates, which keep your program up-to-date on all the latest spyware threats and comes with several prevention features that keep spyware from getting access to your computer in the first place.

If spyware or adware is detected on your computer, Spy Sweeper offers you with brief descriptions and severity analysis for each, giving you the option to keep, delete or quarantine the spyware found. The "More Details" button will send you to a website that provides further information on most spyware and adware programs¡ªallowing you to make the most informed decision possible about your spyware removal.

Effectiveness:
Spy Sweeper 4.5 is more effective then ever before, offering removal capabilities for some of the most persistent and hard-to-remove spyware out there. It found and removed nearly 100 percent of the spyware and adware we tested it against and its extensive spyware database is one of the largest in existence today.

Ease of Use:
Spy Sweeper offers one of the most intuitive and user-friendly designs we've seen to date, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced users alike. Just select ¡°Sweep Now,¡± click to begin your scan and the program does the rest.

The program will also alert you when it discovers a spyware threat, providing you with threat severity and removal options. Version 4.5 has redesigned the results screen to make it even easier to understand the results and the risk factor.

Customization:
Spy Sweeper 4.5 now offers the ability to support multiple users on a single computer, giving each user the ability to customize the program to their needs and schedule.

Other valuable customization options that come with Spy Sweeper include the ability to choose when and which portions of your computer are to be scanned, opting to prevent spyware from changing your Internet settings and the ability to ignore specific applications that you've decided to keep on your computer.

Ease of Setup/Installation:
Spy Sweeper is easy to set up; after one quick download, automatic installation begins. Upgrades are just as simple.

Help/Support:
Webroot supports Spy Sweeper through a built-in help section, online FAQs and email support and is one of only a handful of manufacturers out there to offer a toll-free support line.

However, the best part of Spy Sweeper's support is the company's new and improved customer service center, which has added enough new employees to get email responses out fast and most phone calls answered as they come in¡ªnot 30 minutes to an hour later like other spyware support lines out there.

Summary:
With Webroot's release of Spy Sweeper 4.5 and the strides it has made towards first-rate help support, this product is at the top of its game. With its easy-to-use design, innovative feature set and some of the best spyware detection around, you just won't find better spyware protection than this¡­Spy Sweeper is simply the best.