Here are the highlights of a CNET editors' review which was first published on 15th June 2005 but updated on 27th February 2006
Webroot's Spy Sweeper is well known for being one of the better spyware detection and removal programs.
Version 4.5 (now superseded) offers improved speed during system scans while still supporting an impressive list of advanced features and options. In testing done by Download.com, SpySweeper finished at the top of our list for removing known spyware and tied for fourth place with PC Tools Spyware Doctor for overall performance. Spy Sweeper costs £19.95 at the start, plus there's an annual subscription fee to keep your signature files updated beyond one year. A 30-day free trial is available, however, it will not remove any spyware it detects; for that, you'll need to purchase the product, a practice we think is just plain wrong.
Setting up and installing Spy Sweeper is a snap. After downloading a copy from the Internet and launching the installation wizard, you're prompted to choose your default settings, such as scan frequency. Spy Sweeper then asks permission (which you should grant) to connect to its home base and retrieve the latest version of its spyware-threat database. After updating, Spy Sweeper is ready to start cleaning your system.
Spy Sweeper uses an intuitive user interface. Just press the Sweep Now button to scan your system, then the Remove button to rid it of any found spyware. If Spy Sweeper identifies any programs you know you want to keep (for example, if you find out later that a removed app is essential to any shareware you use), you can tell Spy Sweeper to ignore them in the future.
Like Spybot and Microsoft AntiSpyware, Spy Sweeper includes proactive shields that scan for new pests trying to infest your system while you surf or download files. Whereas Spybot produces a pop-up dialog box requiring you to answer yes or no to a specific installation request, Spy Sweeper flags the new installations with a brief pop-up over the taskbar in the lower-right corner of the screen and asks later whether to accept or remove the installed components. As with Microsoft AntiSpyware, you can schedule Spy Sweeper to run only during off-hours.
Unlike the free antispyware applications, almost all of Spy Sweeper's functions can be automated. It can scan your system, update spyware definitions, delete quarantined files after a set time frame, and check all incoming files without you having to lift a finger.
In testing performed by CNET Download.com, Webroot Spy Sweeper's 30-minute, 39-second scan time was the longest among all participants. But even with a long scan time, it's hard to argue with the results:
Webroot Spy Sweeper found and removed everything we threw at it. However, although each threat was named, the supporting information was vague. For example, Webroot Spy Sweeper couldn't tell us much about what it detected, only that the threats were detected and removed. While other programs such as Microsoft AntiSpyware and PC Tools Spyware Doctor do a better job with reporting, only Webroot Spy Sweeper removed all of our test spyware apps.
The context-sensitive built-in help system within Spy Sweeper is very complete. If you still have questions, Webroot offers good online options, including extensive FAQ's and e-mail technical support.
Note: Webroot Spy Sweeper 2008 is the latest version
Spyware grows more sophisticated every day. There's more of it, and it's more malicious than ever before. Experts agree: Webroot Spy Sweeper delivers the most advanced spyware detection, blocking and removal available to beat dangerous spyware programs.
Dangerous and annoying spyware can infect your system in many different ways when you use the Internet. Webroot Spy Sweeper gives you 360 degrees of protection. Powerful new Smart Shields offer real-time protection by blocking known and emerging spyware threats as you browse - before they ever reach your computer and personal information. If your PC is already infected, Webroot Spy Sweeper's advanced discovery methods locate and completely destroy malicious spyware that hides within your PC - even spyware that hides using rootkit technology.
File sharing programs and swapping music, photos or other files are notorious avenues for spyware infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper can effectively identify slight changes in new spyware threats or variants to prevent spyware threats from ever installing on your PC.
To ensure you have the most advanced spyware detection available, we constantly expand Webroot Spy Sweeper's definition database. As a Webroot Spy Sweeper subscriber, we pass this powerful spyware detection arsenal on to you through regular automatic updates.
Spyware infection can slow you down while online, or even prevent you from using your PC. Webroot Spy Sweeper quickly provides maximum protection with minimal interaction. Our completely upgraded user interface makes it easier than ever for users of all abilities to stay protected. With an easy-to-use console and customisable options, Webroot Spy Sweeper makes scanning for spyware a breeze.
All Webroot products are backed by knowledgeable and friendly support experts who will help you through even the toughest spyware problems. Unlike many of our competitors, we offer this online and phone support absolutely FREE.
Vista (32 bit versions of Home Basic, Premium, Business, or Ultimate), XP (32 bit versions of Professional, Home, Media Center, or XP Tablet) Windows 2000. 300 MHz processor 100 MB hard drive space 256 MB RAM
Vnunet.com Review
January 2008
"In our tests Webroot Spy Sweeper found all traces of spyware on our computer and offered more information than many of the popular free alternative anti-spyware packages."
PC Pro Review November 2006
PC Pro Recommended and PC Pro A List
