CRAWLER, LLC Spyware Terminator

After being savaged by ZoneAlarm, I was desperate for a simpler, friendlier, smarter solution to the increasing threats growing unchecked on the Internet. I tried several programs, but none of them met my needs. Until Crawler (bad name) Spyware Terminator. I've been reluctant to say anything until the program has proved itself, but, man, has it PROVED itself. It has done everything I asked, and more. For the first time in years, I feel confident of my Internet Security.

Very user friendly and effective. Updates and quick scan (and internet protection cookie scan) incredibly quick. The full spyware and antivirus scan takes quite long but a small price to pay. Crawler Toolbar enables you to review the ratings of each website before you enter - whether you're going to get a pop-up blast; adware; spyware etc. So extra protection when you surf. Users are able to rate websites as they surf. I have used different packages for antispyware/virus but this one has found more baddies (and removed them) than any of the others. And it doesn't hog resources - wonderful!

Spyware Terminator is easily the most fully featured anti spyware freebie available at the moment, none of the competition approach the degree of install and forget functionality given by Spyware Terminator.

There are a variety of scan options from Fast to Full system that can be triggered manually or set to run automatically using the scheduler. Real time protection comes in three forms, Application Guard, System Guard and Internet Guard. With all the guard options activated it's near impossible for malware to hijack your settings. On the downside with all the boxes ticked, Spyware Terminator will be a little intrusive querying things until it's learned a rule set that fits your way of working, but that was a price I was willing to pay and on my system Spyware Terminator now only queries actions on the occasions when I add new software.

The update system is fully automated and the interval when it checks home for new signatures can be configured to suit you.

To sum up, a good anti-spyware product offering a full set of features that will offer excellent protection on newer variants of Windows. People with Windows ME or a 9X variant wanting live protection will need to look elsewhere http://www.wincleaneras.com/ WinCleaner AntiSpyware isn't as comprehensive a product, but the shield functions remain active on older copies of Windows.

Note of warning this review is specific to Spyware Terminator from Crawler LLC at http://www.spywareterminator.com/, there is a second product, also called Spyware Terminator from invendor.nl this one is classified as a rogue program by the Spyware Warrior team. DO NOT CONFUSE THE TWO !