There was a time during the Windows XP days, that after installing antivirus software, one just had to install an anti-spyware software too. The two anti-spyware which almost everyone respected were AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Over a period of time, the antivirus companies started including anti-spyware definitions and capabilities. Moreover, starting with Windows Vista, the operating system simply hardened its security, as a result of which it was not easy to install spyware or adware on Windows. As a result, people no longer needed to install separate anti-spyware software. As time passed, AdAware reportedly went on to become bloatware, and SpyBot, well, it just faded away from the memory of most people – but there were still many SpyBot fans who continued to use the freeware.
Spybot Anti-malware for Windows PC
Spybot 2 sports a new modern user interface. Apart from the regular scanning solution, Spybot now includes many new tools that can help you manage or clean up your operating system. These tools can be seen grouped in the Start Center. There are the Basic Tools and there are the Advanced Tools for experienced users. They include Startup Tools, Registry Backup & Repair Tool, Secure Shredder, OpenBSI, etc.
You can choose which tools to install during installation – but possibly because of all these tools, the size of the setup file is now 52MB!
Spybot is now more customizable and you can change its look and feel via the Settings link. It offers tons of settings that you want to have a look at, once after you have installed this software.
When the tool scans for malware, you can actually see the name of the malware for which it is currently scanning. The scan took 45 minutes in my case. The freeware now also includes a Rootkit Scan. It offers a Quick Scan and a Deep Scan too.
Once the scan is completed, you will be presented with the results.
Clicking on Fix selected will fix the identified problems. If a reboot is required, you will be asked for one.
Read: Best free Adware Removal Tools for Windows PC.
SpyBot was, and still is a very reliable and dependable security tool you want to have around on your Windows computer, as a fallback security solution. Even if you use a good security program, the security-conscious among you may like to have a second tool installed on your PC – just in case your main security software misses the malware. SpyBot will easily fit into that role.
SpyBot Free download
You can download Spybot Free from this page.
Uninstall Spybot Search and Destroy
If you wish to uninstall Spybot Search and Destroy 2 you can do so via the Control Panel easily.
Read: Spybot Identity Monitor lets you find breached online accounts
Are there any SpyBot users here? Would love to hear what you have to say about this good-old anti-malware!
