Impressive before, and new version (3.0) is improved
Written: May 30 '04 (Updated Aug 07 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to download and use. Thorough search. Frequent updates.
Cons: Cost. (But see review for discount coupon code)
The Bottom Line: Well worth having if you don't mind the price.
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| b144's Full Review: Webroot Spy Sweeper 2.0 Full Version for PC |
I downloaded Spy Sweeper 2.6 after beginning to despair that the free Spybot S&D would ever be updated again. (Spybot, of course, has since been both upgraded and updated, but so has Spy Sweeper -- now at version 3.0 -- since my original review.)
I've been generally impressed with how thorough and well thought-out a program Spy Sweeper is. It's very easy to download, has a clear interface and is user-friendly. Most importantly, it conducts a very thorough (if not fast) sweep.
Still, version 2.6 is not without a key drawback. (BUT SEE UPDATE BELOW) One of the things I liked about this program when I read up on it is that it not only detects adware and spyware, it prevents their installation in the first place. The problem is, you have to keep Spy Sweeper open (minimized) to take advantage of that feature -- and when it is left open, I've found it to be a bit of a resource hog. It distinctly (if not seriously) slows down my browser. This is especially the case when I click on links: there's a noticeably delayed reaction when Spy Sweeper is open. (My RAM is 512, which should be more than sufficient.) As a result, I generally keep Spy Sweeper closed when I'm on the 'Net, which, I confess, negates the preventive, "on guard" feature that attracted me to the product in the first place.**
**IMPORTANT UPDATE (7 Aug. '04)
The problem I wrote above appears to have been completely eliminated with the new version (3.0), which is a free download for old subscribers, and the only version available for new subscribers. I can now leave Spy Sweeper open, but minimized, to detect any meanies trying to get on my computer, and I find no slowdown or system drain at all. There are also minor tweaks and improvements over the previous version. As a result of these changes, I now recommend Spy Sweeper 3.0 without any reservations. The remainder of my old review follows below. **
Fortunately, I've had no reason to get in touch with the manufacturer (Web Root), but it does provide a toll-free customer-service number or, if you prefer, an e-mail contact. The latter includes a promise to get back to you within one business day. Although, as I say, I've had no firsthand experience, I have read the comments of at least one reviewer who was impressed with Web Root's customer service -- which, of course, is non-existent for freeware such as Spybot.
The price ($29.95) might seem prohibitive, but the Windows Users Group Network ( http://www.wugnet.com/shareware/spow.asp?ID=514 ) offers a coupon code that will provide about 30% off the download cost. That said, I have to confess that next year, when my subscription is up, I'll probably think long and hard before I renew, especially now that good old Spybot S&D is up and running again.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
b144
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Location: New York City
Reviews written: 2
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