Antispyware Tools for Windows

Spy Sweeper 2011

Spy Sweeper uses a simplified interface that employs large icons and color coding to indicate varying levels of security status. This combined with an automatic upgrade feature that downloads the latest software updates without requiring user input make Sweeper a very user-friendly application. The program also features a scanning option that searches for spyware automatically whenever the computer is idle.

Spyware Doctor is designed to perform antispyware actions without slowing down computer performance. To this end, it automatically downloads and installs updates without interrupting user activity online. It also detects when the computer is running power-hungry or processor-intensive applications and adjusts its activity to avoid draining the battery or affecting performance.

Stopzilla's spyware-countering measures occur in real-time. This means that rather than waiting until it performs a scheduled scan to address threats, the program works to eliminate spyware before it infects the user's system, making it an especially preventative program. It also means that the software takes action with minimal input from the user.

Norton 365 features an alert that signals when a program is slowing down performance. It does this whether or not the program is technically considered spyware. The program also scans the user's social media sites for links that lead to spyware. Norton includes PC tune-ups that remove unnecessary files and that speed up performance. It also performs backups that keep data safe in the event of a crash whether or not it's the result of a spyware attack.

Ad-Aware Pro has two distinct modes, one for advanced users and one for basic users. The advanced mode allows users a host of adjustable settings, allowing users to specify exactly how they want the program to perform. The basic setting sets the software to work on its own with minimal direction from the user. In addition to protecting the hard drive, Ad-Aware Pro can also scan and remove spyware from peripheral devices such as USB drives and external hard drives.