Anti-Spyware Review

Look for reviews backed by independent testing.

Anti-spyware software helps users combat an ever-growing number of programs designed to gather system information from the infected computer and send it back to advertisers -- or worse, key loggers looking to steal passwords and other sensitive data. Gartner security analyst John Pescatore writes, "Spyware and phishing are actually bigger problems for consumers than viruses." Viruses cause much more severe damage than spyware, but spyware is far more prevalent. An accumulation of hundreds of spyware applets, which is not uncommon, is as crippling as a virus, and the worst types of spyware can contribute to identity theft.

The best reviews we found of anti-spyware programs are backed by testing, and PC Magazine does the best job of all in this regard. The writeups are detailed and thorough, and the reviewer also deliberately infects computers to test detection and removal capabilities. Ease of installation and use are also evaluated, but on "clean" machines, which doesn't always reveal hidden pitfalls. A trio of British magazines -- PC Pro, PC Advisor and WebUser -- also provide good coverage, but discussion isn't quite as detailed and testing isn't always clearly documented. Coverage at CNet.com and PC World has become a bit dated, while the coverage at Consumer Reports is too dated to be of any value at all.

Testing on clean computers provides insight into how an anti-spyware program works in a perfect world, but most typical computers are anything but clean. Conflicts with existing software either during installation or in use, system slowdowns, removal problems and tech support (or lack thereof) are just some of the problems users face. User reviews are the best way to see how well anti-spyware software behaves on typical computers, and Amazon.com and software download sites are good destinations for those.

Fake anti-spyware is a problem that's pervasive online. These are spyware programs that masquerade as anti-spyware. In a game reminiscent of Mad magazine's "Spy vs. Spy," fake anti-spyware reviews are also a problem. We found plenty of sponsored reviews. Some have informational value if the reviewer actually tests the programs, but the conclusions cannot be trusted. For that reason, we consulted only reputable review sources in our research. A list of known corrupt programs and ones of questionable value can be found at 2-spyware.com. Value-added products are the current trend. These include Internet security suites and anti-spyware programs with antivirus software or other security software. Internet security suites (covered fully in our report on Internet security software) offer anti-spyware components in addition to antivirus software, spam filters and a firewall. However, according to PC Magazine and other experts, most suites remove less spyware than standalone programs. Likewise, the antivirus and other security software in bundles built around an anti-spyware program might not be as effective or user friendly as other solutions.

Commercial anti-spyware programs -- whether bundled or standalone -- have an ongoing cost in the form of a license that must be renewed annually. In addition to commercial anti-spyware programs, a number of free solutions are available. Most of the free programs are risk-free to the end user -- they use minimal or no computer resources. However, some of them are incompatible with Norton, McAfee, ZoneAlarm, Trend Micro and other security programs. Otherwise, the only risk to free software is that it alone won't keep your computer clean. Also, beware of spyware programs passing themselves off as free anti-spyware products.

What is Spyware?

Spyware and adware covertly gather system or personal information from your computer and report that data to the perpetrator. This information is used by identity thieves or sold to advertisers to use as they wish. Adware is closely related to spyware and often uses information gathered by spyware to send unsolicited and sometimes inappropriate advertisements to your computer, sometimes as pop-up ads. The most commonly collected information includes your buying habits, history of website visits, personal information and e-mail addresses. The most insidious (and rarest) spyware can collect password and financial account information.

Tracking cookies are common programs that track your web browsing and report that information. Even if you don't mind the invasion of privacy, these mini-applications are always running and if you have too many tracking cookies, they can dramatically slow your computer.

The best defense against spyware is to practice defensive computing. Don't click on advertising. Don't download any software from unknown sources, especially without reading its documentation and end user license agreement (EULA). Find a trustworthy review before downloading. Anti-spyware software helps, but reviews say common sense can go a long way towards avoiding spyware.