Webroot Spy Sweeper AntiSpyware review:1 stars (Deleted all files in my backup partition. TWICE!) - I'm a software tech., and regularly run "several" anti-spyware programs. I had the paid SpySweeper 3.5, and my subscrittion ran out. It was ok at detecting spyware on scans (that's ALL I used it for!), but it was a real resource hog with all the "real time" protection features enabled! It really slowed my super fast computer down! They came out with 4.0, so I downloaded the free trial to test it out. I copied it to my newer backup hard drive.
When I installed it, it deleted ALL my backup prgrams in that backup partition (luckily I had backups!). I did a complete system install, and tried it again. It again wiped out my partition! BAH HUMBUG!
I went to #1 rated CounterSpy, and am VERY HAPPY! Much cheaper, more "real time" protection, does not slow my computer down, and yearly subscription renewals are only $10.
Stay away from SpySweeper!5 stars (Spy Sweeper: Updated and even more effective than before) - Many months ago I posted a review in the J&R Music and Computer World Spy Sweeper section, as that was how I first ordered. Since that time I've ordered a number of others (for other people, family, and friends), and have decided it deserves another, more updated review (and since I used this page for the orders, it belongs here - just to answer any questions).

Most people are unaware of spyware tremendously slowing down their computers. Through ignorance it is often claimed that it is only natural for a computer to degrade to mind-boggling conditions, and this claim is often backed by tech support and the internet. But on the contrary, you can do something about it. Spyware, viruses, and disorder often cause a computer problems - not aging, at least not at two or three years in.

For the most part, Spy Sweeper eliminates the first threat: Spyware. Spyware can single handedly cripple a computer's memory and internet connection. The programs range from ad services that not only clutter memory, but constantly send back information to their server, thereby slowing one's internet connection.

Spy Sweeper has a number of shields and scanning options. The current version, 4.0, can detect more than 90,000 different spyware programs (ranging from ad cookies to keyloggers to trojans) that currently exist on your computer and can actively prevent future occurrences. It does the former by the scans, and the latter by the shields.

Here's where complaints come in. Customers with older computers suffer because the shields can take up a lot of memory. However, I believe Webroot noticed this and made the latest version tax computers less. I saw a dramatic performance increase in the newer version; quite frankly, I was downright impressed. I thought Spy Sweeper was excellent beforehand, but they never cease to amaze me with updates. The problem still exists, though, and people tend to suffer needless memory loss (in the computer sense). Here's the solution: Turn off the memory shield; use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. If you use Firefox as your main browser, and use internet explorer only sparingly (for sites that are old, or ignorant of today), you'll eliminate the memory problems and potential exploitation problems (Microsoft's Internet Explorer has a lot of known bugs and security holes).

I've put together a bunch of tips to avoid such problems, and so non-savvy computer users can use Spy Sweeper effectively:
~ Download Firefox from [...]
~ Disable all Internet Explorer shields in Spy Sweeper now that you have Firefox *This will allow Spy Sweeper to ease up on system resources
~ Update Spy Sweeper frequently
~ In "Options" make an automatic schedule for when you usually aren't busy on your computer, but when your computer would normally be on
~ Read carefully the spyware/adware/trojans Spy Sweeper detects and pay attention; you can never be too safe.

*Note: Kazaa contains bundled spyware/adware. Spy Sweeper will detect it. If you want to keep Kazaa, I suggest you carefully read the programs it detects.

And last, there is the aspect of technical support. I only needed to consult Webroot Tech Support twice. The first time, I was having difficulty with a piece of spyware known as Client Man. It kept spawning over and over after Spy Sweeper eliminated it. Within an hour or two Webroot was able to lead me through steps to neutralize the threat, and it worked. I thanked them. The second time was for a common problem: my computer was slowing. Within two hours, they responded. The version of Spy Sweeper, at that time, consumed more memory than this version; however, their advice of toying with shields - the memory shield in particular - freed my system resources again. On both counts, I have to be honest, and say that Webroot has been more than helpful. Keep in mind, this was only my situation, but I'd be surprised if they didn't stick to such a responsive tech support team.

Overall, Spy Sweeper is a solid anti-spyware program that does its job well. No program is perfect, and more than one anti-spyware program is needed, but this is as close to perfect as it comes. An anti-spyware program isn't standalone protection for a computer; there needs to be anti-virus and firewall as well. I test security programs frequently, so make sure to check for other reviews every now and then. 5 stars (Great to defend against spyware) - Webroot is the best to stop spyware.

Yes, you have to pay. But you get what you pay for, and that is a good piece of software.
Webroot Spy Sweeper AntiSpyware Features:
Computer software (programs)
Internet security filter filtering
CD
Protects against identity theft, browser hijackers, hackers, and more
Webroot continues to improve Spy Sweeper, and provides subscribers with regular enhancements to the application
Detects, quarantines, and deletes harmful spyware
Simple one-click spyware search
Time-saving custom configuration options

Webroot Spy Sweeper AntiSpyware is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 26.99USD.