Spybot - Search & Destroy Review: Completely Free Security Software for Your PC

The key feature of Spybot – Search & Destroy is to scan the system for spyware and adware. It will also offer removal for detected items. The scanner of Spybot – S&D can also detect for tracking cookies and potential unwanted software (aka PUPs).

If Windows Security Center is disabled by malware, Spybot – S&D’s scanner can detect it also and will offer a fix to re-enable it.

Other features of Spybot – S&D is available using Advanced Mode and only recommended to use by advanced users. The new version of Spybot – S&D allows user to scan a single file in a right-click.

Similar to other anti-malware programs, Spybot – S&D is also offering free real-time protection:

• Immunization . Although I want to see the option “Inform me again” because once the user mistakenly chooses that option, the malicious installer will succeed in doing what it has to do.

click to enlarge

No reboot is required after the installation and there’s an option for users immediately update the program during installation.

There is a separate updater application for Spybot – S&D. If you are on Vista, expect UAC prompt before you can run the updater. There are huge number of servers to choose to enjoy updating the definitions and the program. The installer can be customized to integrate itself to Windows Security Center in Vista but not in Windows XP.

click to enlarge

If you decide to use the TeaTimer - which provides real-time protection - expect a high usage of memory. During this test, TeaTimer on XP was using more than 20,000KB of memory. I find that too much from antispyware program only.

Spybot – Search & Destroy is free for personal use. The product has helped many users and continues to provide free scan and removal. They also offer support via forums for items that the program could not remove.