After taking care of the malware components already on our test system, we proceeded to immunize the computer, protecting it from future adware and spyware assaults by preventing known malware threats from ever reaching our system.
The immunization component of Spybot-S&D also includes a browser helper tool that integrates with Internet Explorer to provide ongoing protection from threatening downloads and known tracking cookies. The browser helper only works with IE, though, so users of Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, or other browsers will not be able to take advantage of these features.
Bringing Out the Advanced Artillery
Spybot-S&D's advanced mode makes it possible to customize the client to your heart's content. It also puts all of the program's more advanced settings at your fingertips, including scheduling and automation options, skins settings, exclusion options (for ignoring specific programs and/or cookies), and extensive logging and reporting capabilities.
The advanced mode additionally makes it possible to limit scans to only certain types of malware, with the ability to specifically scan for browser start page hijackers, tracking cookies, keyloggers, trojan horses, hidden dialers, and various other forms of adware and spyware. Users can additionally clean their usage tracks to prevent other users of the computer from analyzing recent activity.
Several accessory tools can also be accessed through the advanced mode, including a secure shredder for permanently removing files from your system (making it impossible to retrieve them), several IE tweaks for modifying a few of the browser's hidden settings, a tool that searches for registry inconsistencies, a system startup tool that allows you to view and manage applications that run at system's start, and a collection of reporting tools that generate additional information for managing your system's security.
In addition to the standard English version, Spybot Search and Destroy is also available in more than forty other languages. A complete listing of supported languages is available on the Spybot-S&D site.
Overall, while you can now find dozens of spyware detection and removal programs on the Internet and at your local Best Buy, none currently matches all that Spybot Search and Destroy has to offer. With its powerful malware detection and removal capabilities; recovery and immunization features; easy to use, dual-mode interface; handy set of additional system tools; and price tag (or lack thereof), it's hard to find fault with Spybot-S&D.
We're still in search of the perfect all-in-one desktop utility that offers real-time protection for adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and worms — and, while we're at it, one that also automatically handles security updates and patches for major programs and operating systems — but until such an app arrives, Spybot Search and Destroy will retain its place as an essential, can't-live-without-it component of our anti-malware arsenal.
Pros: Comprehensive spyware detection and removal capabilities; tracks, detects, and removes more forms of malware than competing clients, including Ad-aware; inexpensive (donationware); extensive set of features and handy tools; easy to use; dual modes for regular and advanced users
Cons: Permanent adware/spyware blocking only extends to IE, not other browsers; doesn''t scan for viruses/worms; Windows-only solution; Spybot-S&D website has limited bandwidth, rendering it inaccessible at times
