There are many anti-spyware programs over the Internet that promises to protect the software user's PC from spyware and other kinds of malwares. The problem with some of the anti-spyware applications downloaded from the World Wide Web is that they contain spyware themselves so users are not exactly getting spyware protection at all. Spyware Medic is not one of those anti-spyware programs. Because it came from credible software publisher and distributor, Rose City Software and Inifinisource Inc., users can be assured that they would get the spyware protection they want and need. Spyware Medic receives recognition from many software professionals and was awarded high ratings for its excellent functionality. Spyware Medic merits a whopping 97% score for its reliable and outstanding performance.
The emergence of spy softwares or simply spywares caused many computer owners, especially those that are always using the Internet, to be concerned about their privacy. Aside from anti-virus softwares, anti-spyware softwares are also fast-becoming must-haves. Because spyware became rampant in the recent years, the need for an effective anti-spyware software also increased. Many users look for anti-spyware softwares that offer many features and tools to prevent these unwanted applications from entering their computer system. Spyware Medic is among those few softwares that offer a straightforward defense against spywares.
Aside from spyware protection, Spyware Medic also protects the computer system for any attack by adwares, browser hijackers, key loggers and other form of malwares. The Spyware Medic's job is simple -- once installed and executed, it scans the entire system for any signs of malicious software attacks. It then cleans the system and prevents it from being infected again. Spyware Medic also has a tool called SysWatch which works silently in the computer's background and continuously monitors the system for any changes which might signal a spyware attack and prevents these possible attacks immediately. With Spyware Medic's solid protection, unauthorized individuals will no longer be privy to any personal and confidential information the computer stores.
Disadvantages
Spyware Medic's system is straightforward, so it is really easy to use. Perhaps the software is too basic and simple that it somehow fell short in providing tools and features other than the standard spyware protection. Truth of the matter is, if compared with other softwares that offer anti-spyware protection, Spyware Medic does not boast any false positives for the sole purpose of prodding people to buy it. But even though it does provide an excellent protection against most of the malicious softwares that recently took over the Internet world, it can't be avoided that anyone (particularly the most discriminating users) would ask for more than just the usual stuff. This probably serves both an advantage and disadvantage to Spyware Medic. Those people who want a clear-cut anti-spyware software will not be disappointed with Spyware Medic; but those who are expecting a little more from their anti-spyware application may find Spyware Medic lack of tools disappointing. But this one tiny drawback does not in any way lessen the capabality of the application.
As far as the trial version of Spyware Medic is concerned, it is kind of disappointing that after downloading it, a user's computer is only rid of 25 identified cookies. It does not have an expiration date, but the 25-cookie limitation still remains a major drag.
Price
If compared with other anti-spyware programs, Spyware Medic is relatively cheap. Protection from spyware should not be expensive, and Rose City Software has seen to that. The trial version is for free, of course, but it would be better if a user buys the complete version. The original price of Spyware Medic is $29.95, but Rose City Software currently has a limited offer that allows users to get the software for 20% off. That's only $23.95. The registered version will receive updates on the spyware database for an entire year for free. Users who will take advantage of the offer will also get a Systweak Photo Album for no cost.
Software Size
Spyware Medic only requires a small disk space to accommodate all the files it needs to run. There would be no need to remove other applications to make room for the anti-spyware program. It only needs 2MB (give or take a couple of bytes) of free hard disk space to be installed in the computer. That's pretty small for an effective and complete spyware removal system. Other anti-spyware programs need bigger hard disk capacities to be able to run. Aside from the 2MB disk space, Spyware Medic also requires a minimum of 5MB only for the installation process. That's only a total of 7MB which is still comparatively small.
Operating System Required/Compatibility
The publisher of Spyware Medic specifically advises users to install the anti-spyware program only on computers with genuine Microsoft Windows operating system. Installing it on other operating systems (like Linux and Macintosh, for instance) might cause problems with several applications or with the system itself. It is compatible with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows available -- Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Millennium Edition, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. Spyware Medic strictly runs on Microsoft Windows systems only, so never ever attempt to install it in a non-Windows computer.
Aside from the Windows operating system requirement, Spyware Medic will also need 16MB of available RAM (Random Access Memory), as well as an Intel 486, Pentium or a better processor to run. There must also be sufficient hard disk space so that all the needed files of Spyware Medic to run will be accommodated. These are only the minimum system configuration needed, meaning that the more up-to-date the computer is, the better. Having the proper computer configuration is important because the anti-software application would not initialize without them. A user should check first whether he has all the system requirements beforehand so he won't have to encounter any error while installing or using it.
License
Spyware Medic is a shareware, meaning that users who want spyware protection can get it for free on a limited period or usage. The evaluation version only has the capacity to eliminate 25 cookie entries, but it does not have an expiration date. After eliminating 25 cookies, the trial version will not be able to detect and remove any more spyware attacks on the computer so it's pretty much useless already. The user would have to buy or register for the complete version, if he wants to get rid and protect his computer from spyware and other forms of malware.
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.
