Sunbelt CounterSpy Review
Sunbelt Software's CounterSpy V2 is an excellent tool for spyware removal and better at keeping your system clean from spyware. It offers a bunch of customization, plus extra tools for advance users. However, due to the file setup file size, and the long update, this program seems to focus more on broadband users, so if you're still using 56K modem, you may want to try other choices like SpySweeper.
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SunBelt CounterSpy
Installation
The installation is a bit slow, but no problem at all. After the installation, you'll be asked, whether to turn on the Active Protection, the license key and also turn off Windows Defender. Before you can use CounterSpy for the first time, it will run an update.
CounterSpy comes with a configuration wizard after installation.
Update
CounterSpy runs automatic update - once per day. So, this program is just better than some antispyware out there - updating the definition once per week , even once per month. Just one thing; the update is too slow, even for my DSL modem. For some users, it takes forever.
The interface / Ease of use
Even though not as cute as Spyware Doctor, but still the interface is very neat and easy to navigate. That's just enough. You can access all functions either from the main menu or the three options; system scan, active protection and system tools. There is always a back button each time you select a function.
Scan
The scan process comes with animation. If you find out that this is boring you can simply turn it off in the settings option. The scan speed is not the fastest. However, it is not too slow either. It can scan memory, registry, drivers, remove spyware on reboot. CounterSpy can detect spyware, adware, trojan Horse, keylogger, dialer, hijacker, rootkit, rogue antispyware. You can customize the scan settings.
Effective
CounterSpy is among the most effective antispyware in the internet. This program detect lots of spyware in PC Magazine's test. Although SpySweeper perform better in the same sample, it doesn't mean that SpySweeper is more effective, since the result might be different on your system.
Customization
Beside the scan, you can also customize and changes the settings for this program. Different from others, CounterSpy can be adjusted whether for beginner users or advanced users.
Protection
CounterSpy comes with Active Protection - it protects your computer to Kernel level. In test by PC Magazines, it successfully block sixteen of nineteen malware samples. You can adjust whether the protection level is paranoid, cautious or trusting. In the beginning, CounterSpy needs training - pop-ups appears and you have to teach it, which apps are good and which one are not. How frequent the pop up appears, depending on the protection threat.
Trusting level - least pop-ups, cautious - more pop-ups and paranoid - lots of pop-ups.
Protected areas : Memory processes, IE browser, startup objects, hosts files and activeX.
If you turn on the active protection, lots of pop-ups might appear in the beginning. CounterSpy need to be trained on your computer environment.
Resources
CounterSpy doesn't use lots of resources and memories. It won't slows down your computer. Hence, you can enjoy working in a safe, fast computer.
Support
Sunbelt CounterSpy has a very good support. I already contact them, regarding of this program, and their staff answered in an instant. You can contact them via website, and toll-free number. Help is also included.
Additional features:
Join ThreatNet community: You too can help in fighting spyware. The ThreatNet is a community created by CounterSpy users to share and identify potentially dangerous application.
My PC Checkup: This one will scan your computer and check the security settings. Then, it will prompt for further actions.
History cleaner: Delete all traces of your internet activity. This includes history, cookies, Windows FTP accounts.
My PC Explorers: This one lets you manage all key elements of your computer. You can view and stop malicious running process, remove manually IE addons and toolbars, adjust Windows Host File and more.