Top 10 Spyware Removal Tools of 2009
Spyware removal tools are in high demand these days because more spyware is forming faster than the anti-malware tools that are trying to improve to their detection capabilities. However, developers are on the move creating decent anti-spyware solutions that are easy to use and powerful enough to prevent unwanted data from entering the computer. But all of these different options aren't directly helping people because there are now dozens of anti-spyware software to choose from. Here are the top 10 spyware removal tools of 2009 that you outperform the many others being advertised on the web.
Spyware Doctor
Spyware Doctor by PCTools is a light spyware removal solution that can perform some light cleaning by removing some harmless cookies. In fact it removes more cookies than many of the other spyware utilities tested, but it doesn't explain the specifics regarding each threat so advanced users may find another program down the list to be more useful. Still Spyware Doctor has a sleek user interface that novice users can rely on and the latest version is a bit more stable.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender is the anti-spyware solution that comes with Windows Vista and 7 and is offered as a separate download for XP. It has exceptional detection capabilities although it fully relies on its database to determine whether entries or files are good or bad. Any advanced heuristics require another spyware solution to be working alongside it. Windows Defender still makes it to the top 10 spyware list because it is well integrated with Windows, doesn't eat up too much system resources, and the Windows 7 version is very easy to update the database.
Spyware Cease
Spyware Cease is one of the more compatible modern spyware removal programs out there as it works on Windows 98 and every other operating system succeeding it. The interface is very clean and is fairly light to run on slower system configurations. It has some real-time detection capabilities and may even detect some harmful Trojans which is normally handled by more complete security solutions. The database updates very quickly too displaying the changes right on the program's homepage. Those that want a first-line defense may want to pass this because Spyware Cease is unfortunately not freeware, but is still a well-rounded commercial solution that is cheaper than complete security suites.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
Spybot - Search & Destroy is a very popular spyware removal tool that has topped the popular charts in several software download sites. It is famous for being a full freeware solution that has impressive detection rates it also has a lot of extra features including a secure file removal tool, hosts file blocker to block certain adware servers, and a system startup manager that allows users to prevent any unwanted or harmful applications from starting up after Windows loads so that they can be later removed when a full scan is made. Spybot has some instances of locking up, but aside from that, it is a great all-around free utility.
Ad-aware Anniversary Edition
Ad-ware had a long history and was one of the earliest spyware detectors to successfully remove adware and spyware by the bulks. Every succeeding version, ad-aware boasted more features and improved on its detection. Now the latest version of Ad-aware performs faster than ever with quick scans completing in less than 10 minutes. It is completely free for all users to install if they want the full adware/spyware removing features and paid users get even more by having an anti-virus solution built-in. Ad-aware may detect some false positives, but it is still a top antispyware software for new users to try.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes anti-malware is one of the newer programs that are rising in popularity because if its effectiveness in removing all kinds of different adware, spyware, and other kinds of malware. It is designed to work with any anti-virus scanner that fails to detect certain trojans. It also has a free version that is fully functional as well as a paid version that adds real-time protection. The user-interface is pretty good and has some extra features including network drive scanning and shell integration when individual files need scanning.
Spyzooka
Spyzooka is another complete lightweight spyware solution that is speedy and user-friendly at the same time. It includes a live protection module that gives IE browser users some additional protection. It does not offer too many advanced features, but the simplicity can help some people that do not want to play with the configuration options to set up an anti-spyware program. Spyzooka is one of those programs that you just need to set up and then let it run on its own.
SPYwareREMOVER
SPYwareREMOVER is another good program that is very light on the system requirements and can run on virtually any operating system. It has some nice integrated extras including a cookie cleaner, pop-up blocker, and other useful privacy cleaning functions. It is an outstanding all-around utility that serves as both a security and diagnostic tool.
AdWare Alert
AdAware Alert may not be one of the fastest scanners on the list, but the reason behind the slow speed is due to the fact that it completely scans everything in the hard disk and registry for harmful entries and lists them in a structured format afterwards. This is the program of choice for people that have far too much spyware and adware in their system.
NoAdware
NoAdware was previously mistaken as one of the rogue anti-spyware applications out there, but now it is more than safe to install and it can even help detect other rogue applications that are present in the system. It has superb real-time protection that scans running processes, registry entries, and actual files. Performance is average, but the friendly interface and effective removal capabilities clearly make up for it.
All of the programs in this list are trusted and have some good advantages that average computer users will benefit from. Advanced users are better off with the commercial special antispyware tools reviewed here.