Spyware isn’t just annoying; it violates privacy and may even lead to expensive identity theft. Here are three strong antispying tools.
Aluria’s Spyware Eliminator, $30
ASSETS: Scans fast and color-codes results according to threat level
LIABILITIES: Steep price vis-à-vis rivals
BOTTOM LINE: Better at detecting spyware than blocking it, but largely effective
MORE INFO:www.aluriasoftware.com
Webroot’s Spy Sweeper 2.6, free or $29.95 per year for live updates
ASSETS: Voluminous database stays abreast of the latest threats.
LIABILITIES:Some scans can take a half-hour or more to nab the intruders.
BOTTOM LINE: One of the best
defender-detectives on the market
MORE INFO:www.webroot.com
PepiMK Software’s Spybot Search & Destroy 1.2, free
ASSETS: Superior blocking ability; decent disinfectant speeds
LIABILITIES: “Advanced” mode can bewilder; nongeeks should stick with “easy” mode.
BOTTOM LINE: Trumps all but the most insidious spyware
MORE INFO:www.safer-networking.org