Safer Networking Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5

December 2007. Safer Networking Spybot -- Search & Destroy used to be the darling of reviewers, especially because it's free. Experts now say versions 1.5 and 1.6, like any other free anti-spyware program, pale compared with paid protection and should be used as a supplement, not as a primary method of blocking, detecting and removing malware. You'll have to do frequent manual updates online to maximize the "immunization" feature that blocks malware from known perpetrators. A professional review of the more recent version 1.6 says that while it's faster than previous editions, there are more "false positives" during scans. The most knowledgeable user reviews say no one should depend on one anti-spyware program; Safer Networking Spybot -- Search & Destroy should be one of several. Reviews say the best paid protection is Webroot Software Spy Sweeper 5.5.7.122 (*est. $25).

We found the most current analysis at Download.com, which has a brief staff review of the 1.6 version and more than 100 written user reviews. PC Magazine and PC World review the 1.5 version, and Consumer Reports and WebUser rate the even older 1.4 version. Though not as fresh as CNet.com's coverage, their reviews do reinforce the idea that Safer Networking Spybot -- Search & Destroy's time as a primary defense is long gone.