Anti-Spyware Software Review

When you are browsing the internet, you are potentially exposing you and your computer to an ever-present multitude of security risks found online. One such risk is spyware, a type of malware that is installed without your knowledge and can be difficult to detect. These rogue programs can wreak havoc on your Windows system, interfering with normal use and secretly capturing sensitive information, such as saved passwords and keystrokes.

As spyware and other malware continue to evolve, so should your efforts to combat them. Antispyware software is an effective tool that can help protect your computer against not only spyware, but a range of other malicious software as well. A vast array of antispyware applications exist, but not all are created equal, and some prove more effective than others. Some of the best spyware removers proven to work include BitDefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Panda Antivirus Pro. For more information, see our articles on antispyware software.

Anti Spyware Software: What to Look For?

There’s more to antispyware software than simply blocking malware; these applications must effectively scan for, detect and remove harmful spyware programs. Additionally, they should be light running, allowing you to use the computer and run other applications without significant slowdown. The following is an in-depth look at the criteria we used to determine the best antispyware software on the market.

Protection Effectiveness
Antispyware software is only as good as its detection capabilities, for it can only remove the spyware it has detected. We looked for applications that can effectively detect and protect against a wide range of spyware, keyloggers, rootkits and any other potentially harmful malware.

Removal Effectiveness
A far more challenging task than detecting spyware is actually removing it. Based on independent efficacy test scores, this criterion assesses how well an antispyware application can successfully eradicate any malware it finds.

Usability
Usability refers to the specifications of the software and how it impacts your computer once installed. For instance, we assessed how much disk space each antispyware tool requires to install and how much memory (RAM) it uses while both idling and actively scanning.

Help & Support
We assessed the type of support and documentation that supplements each piece of antispyware software. Each application should include a built-in help section that you can access from the interface, as well as online documentation. We also looked for the option of direct technical support via email, telephone or chat.

The best anti-spyware software may be light running, but equipped with effective detection and removal tools, these applications can protect your PC from harmful spyware and malicious attacks. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™