Developed by Javacool Software LLC, SpywareBlaster is an anti-spyware innovation classified as a pure immunizer. This simply means that it is incapable of seeking out the spyware application and eliminate or destroy it. What it can basically do is to simply modify the existing computer system so it will be capable of blocking any incoming spyware application. Other than that, SpywareBlaster can offer no other form of protection.
In spite of this limited function, SpywareBlaster is accepted by many as a very effective immunizer. Its other advantage is that its functions are updated quite frequently, though to avail of this particular benefit, a $9.95 fee has to be paid. Payment of the said fee entitles users to get an automatic update of the anti-spyware software for one year. Otherwise, users of SpywareBlaster can do a manual updating on their own which will cost them practically nothing. That is, if they know how the process of manual updating is done.
SpywareBlaster is available as a freeware, which means the program can be availed free of charge. One can simply download it from the website of Javacool and from there install it into your system. Once installed, the left corner of SpywareBlaster will show links to access its main functions.
For SpywareBlaster to be of significance to its user, its updated version should always be employed. That is why availing of the program's automatic update feature is always a good decision, assuming such a feature is available.
The SpywareBlaster tools page will enable users to make changes in their browser's search pages and in other similar pages as well. In effect, the application will repair such pages which have unfortunately been damaged by spyware. Several other tools in the software enables users to establish blocks to prevent any future spyware attempts at gaining entry. Additionally, some other tools will allow users to prepare protected copies of the computer system's files.
The Protection button is the main weapon of this anti-spyware software. By pressing this particular button, users will gain entry to software links which will open the protection arm of SpywareBlaster. The button will likewise present the user with a set of selections meant to help him fine tune his protection settings.
Once pressed, the protection button of SpywareBlaster will give the system the needed immunization, keeping away all known spyware threats. It goes without saying that the system will gain greater immunization if the SpywareBlaster gets updated regularly.
Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot Search & Destroy or simply Spybot is one anti-spyware software quite popular among a lot of internet users. Perhaps, its name is an added attraction as it gives the impression that Spybot is very much like a soldier who is always on the look to eliminate harmful programs.
Yet, Spybot is not really a spyware destroyer. It is more appropriately categorized as an immunizer, basically offering to make changes in the computer system in order to prevent the entry of potentially harmful spywares.
Spybot was originally just an accidental project developed by Patrick Kolla. Eventually however, it evolved into something bigger. Today, the software is a full-pledged anti-spyware weapon constantly being updated and revised by a team of dedicated volunteers out to protect most PC systems from being harmed by spyware application.
Basically, Spybot also has a database where threats from various spywares are stored which users can easily access to keep them informed of the types of spywares that can cause great harm to their PC's.
Upon installation, Spybot will present you a wizard which will guide you into the process of updating the application. Afterwards, the program will attempt to restore the system to its original status, after which it will then immunize the entire system.
Spybot has the added advantage of being available in many different languages and can be customized, which means its tabs can be used to change every application inside the Spybot software to better suit the user's unique preferences. Thus, if users wish to adopt only certain updates and/or changes, they can do so by merely pressing the desired tab or button.
The Spybot tools section include several selections which are more numerous than the SpywareBlaster. Some of these can be used to either lock important system files, delete files safely, or simply make use of the application's two built-in blockers. All of these tools can be utilized so modifications can be made within the system to keep it safe from all spyware threats.
Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware properly belongs to the older generation of softwares having anti-spyware features. It has been in network community for quite a time, reason enough for it to be referred as the 'grandfather' of the anti-spyware pack.
Developed by the German company Lavasoft, Ad-Aware is available in both freeware and commercial or shareware versions. Users who opt to use the freeware type can easily download the program directly from the company website and will surely have a grand time learning more about the software through such an option as the company has put up quite a vast set of relevant information on its website. This includes details on software usage, and a database on potentially harmful spywares and a summary report on the software itself. The website also has an ongoing section detailing experiments being made at the research department of Lavasoft.
One disadvantage that Ad-Aware holds is that not too much information has been given about the firm which developed the software. Except for its point of origin, not much is known about Lavasoft. Not even a mention of the names of the personalities working for the company was made in its website.
Such secrecy on Ad Aware's part can be quite disappointing, more so if we consider that its freeware version only scans then removes known spywares in a given system. For added protection, users will have to purchase Ad-Aware's shareware version, which come in three different varieties, namely, the Plus version, the Professional version, and the Enterprise version, each of which carry spyware protection types exclusively its own.
Nevertheless, just like many other anti-spyware creations, installation of this software is quite easy. However, the software has a unique feature in this regard in the sense that it gives the installer the privilege to limit system access only to himself and to some other users who may have access points to the PC.
A request for software update will automatically greet the user after Ad-Aware is installed. This request is actually quite easy to grant as it merely involves two clicks of the mouse. Afterwards, the home screen is presented. The set of buttons located on the left corner serves as entry points to the many functions of the application.
Not too many Ad-Aware tools are presented in the freeware type. The version though does provide users the opportunity to alter both the start pages and the search pages after these are given modifications.
Ad-Aware is categorized primarily as a scanning anti-spyware creation. This denotes that it functions as a destroyer, that is, it seeks and identifies the spyware inside the computer system then eliminates it. Strictly in this particular function, Ad-Aware does its work quite effectively, often scanning the system for known spywares in a relatively short period of time.
However, the limited Ad-Aware tools in the freeware type also serve as its disadvantages as users will have no choice but to settle for the commercial version if they prefer a more updated and advanced Ad-Aware program. In this particular aspect, specifically the financial aspect, Ad-Aware can be quite costly which only burdens users especially since they are in the midst of trying to get rid of a particularly harmful spyware application.
Those are just a few of the anti-spyware creations in the market today. They are all highly effective and highly popular but strangely, also highly flawed in one aspect or the other. Nevertheless, they are the best weapons we have today against the ever-growing threat of what is probably the greatest internet danger we have ever faced. They also happen to have several other allies which come highly recommended as well. Just like them, these allies also have their own share of limitations, though that does not mean that they are ineffective.
For now, they may be our best hope. It is the prayer of many that in the not-so-distant future, more innovations will come in the anti-spyware world, the better to combat spyware at more or less equal footing and eventually cast it out completely from the face of the world wide web.
All content on this site are copyrighted and protected by law. The reviews are written exclusively for userreviews.com. Distribution, copying and in any other way re-using this information for private or commercial purpose is forbidden.
