Spyware Terminator is a rather misleading name for this excellent free software application, as it does much more than simply detect and remove spyware. It can also handle other malware efficiently, and additionally has the option of integration with an antivirus application.
Introduction
Spyware is the kind of malware that resides surreptitiously on a computer. It collects information about a user and their browsing habits, sometimes even login information and passwords. The information is then sent to an unauthorized viewer, who then proceeds to misuse it for their own ends.
Spyware Terminator does not focus exclusively on Spyware, it also detects other malware like Trojans and viruses. While it is not a complete antivirus application by itself, it certainly makes for a good companion to one.
Test Machine
• Compaq Presario CQ50 Notebook PC
• AMD Athlon Dual-Core QL 1.90 GHz
• 2.00 GB RAM
• 160 GB Hard Disk
• Microsoft Vista Home Basic
• Google Chrome/Mozilla Firefox Browsers
| Installation | Rating  |
Like many other applications, Spyware Terminator uses a small setup file to download its main program files. Once those files have been downloaded, installation is speedy and straightforward, taking only about 2 - 3 minutes.
| First impressions | Rating |
Once the application starts up, it first displays a system summary of all the various utilities and what their statuses happen to be.
There are two tabs in addition to the Spyware Scan tab: Real-time Protection and Internet Protection. These two modules need to be installed manually however, in that the user needs to click on the link when the program starts up. There was no option to download these particular modules during the general installation. Also, under the Settings tab, there is a button for the integration of Clam Antivirus, a free antivirus solution that uses the same scanning engine as ClamWin.
There are a number of detailed settings in each of the tabs, allowing the user great control over the entire application.
| Features of Spyware Scan | Rating |
The main feature of Spyware Terminator is of course the Spyware Scan. It has a list of functions at the side that rival those of any paid antimalware application.
1. Scan function – The base of Spyware Terminator is the scan mode. Initially there are three options available to the user, depending on the kind of scan they want. It is possible for the user to create a custom scan as well. In the pane that displays the options on the right side, there is a cross next to the Virus Scan, because Clam Antivirus has not been installed. It can be integrated at a later stage.
2. Scan Reports - Each scan that is conducted stores its results and recommended actions in the form of a scan report. All the reports are filed away under the Scan Reports tab for later perusal.
3. Ignore List – A user created list of files and applications that may show up as infected, but the user knows to be benign. A good tool since the scan marked a number of innocuous files as Trojans.
4. Quarantine – An area where files with suspected infection can be run to test out the possible consequences.
5. Utilities – In case the user decides to purge their system and later regrets it, the utilities function contains a Restore computer feature. This feature resets the computer back to a point before the purge was carried out. A new checkpoint is created every time a scan takes place.