Spybot Search & Destroy has been on the anti-malware scene for quite a while, and for a free product, does a good job. It works better on the simpler forms of spyware than on the more devious types, however.

User Interface: The Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 user interface has been enhanced in this version of the product to include multiple skins. The user can now change the application's look and feel according to personal preference. Functionally, however, Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 leaves something to be desired. Terms used are not intuitive, and at first glance it is difficult to figure out how to run a scan. There are two modes of operation; Default and Advanced. Advanced mode allows the user to configure Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2, access advanced tools, and get more information.

Scanning: Scanning was slow and not very thorough. The threats found by the scan were in the form of registry keys and tracking cookies.

Real-Time Protection: Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 offers limited real-time protection. TeaTimer is a local memory-resident application that monitors for malicious processes and Internet Explorer activity. However, since it runs with privileges from the current user, it cannot detect all malware activities.

Upgrades and Updates: Updates must be downloaded manually. The definition file updates are not updated as frequently as the top-of-the-line applications.

Value: Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is a freeware download. No purchase is necessary, but Paypal donations are accepted online.

Integrated Support Options: Free online web-based and e-mail support. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are available online. No phone support is available. Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is supported largely by the community via Web-based forums. The product provides a Help system and a tutorial. We were not able to launch the tutorial after the product had been installed.

Top Features

• Winsock LSP chain viewer.
• Uninstaller removes traces left behind by old applications.
• Secure Shredder – permanent file deletion tool.

Pros

• Browser immunization through use of restricted Web sites.
• Quarantine (Recovery) allows restore or deletion of detected files and registry keys.
• Web site URL blocker with manageable Blacklist/Whitelist tool.
• Quarantine allows recovery of files and permanent removal through deletion.
• Supports multiple languages, although not all are supported completely.

Cons

• Poor information on application and definition file versions.
• Scans are slow and not very thorough.
• Moderate memory consumption: 38 Mb.
• Moderate malware and spyware detection and removal.
• No companion anti-virus engine.
• No support for e-mail or Instant Messenger protection.
• Full scan does not start automatically after installation.
• Poor tracking cookie detection.
• Scheduling of automatic scans uses Windows Task Scheduler.
• No automatic updates available.

Installation: Installation is straightforward and typical. After agreeing to license restrictions and answering a few questions, setup begins to download the most current application files and then installs them. Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2. The setup prompts the user to start Spybot and TeaTimer, a real-time monitoring component.

Once Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is started, it prompts the user to make a backup of the Registry. Then it prompts to search for updates. When finished updating, it indicates that it is important to apply the immunizations and perform a full scan. After exiting the Updater, Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is running and available to configure and perform scanning operations.

Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 supports Vista, XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 32-bit operating systems. Vista is supported only when Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 is run manually with Administrator privileges.

Spyware Detection: In our testing, we found that Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 malware detection was only fair. It did not detect most malware/spware that was pre-installed on the system. The Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 definition database currently supports over 133,000 malware/spyware signatures.

Phishing and Malicious Web site Protection: Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 does not provides protection against phishing attacks and malicious Web sites.

Upgrades and Updates:The product was not configured to retrieve updates automatically.

User can configure how and when updates and upgrades will be performed.

Customer Support: Free online Web-based and e-mail support. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are available online. No phone support is available. Product is mostly supported by the community via web-based forums. The product includes a Help system.