SpywareBlaster – Still Worthwhile After All These Years

SpywareBlaster was one of the first free antimalware applications I installed on Windows 95; it’s been around that long. You might wonder if an application which was released when I was running a system with 6 MB of memory (versus 4 GB today), has value as an effective antimalware application – but it does. Perhaps less so if you’re a high level user, but for casual users, it can be an important addition to a layered security approach.

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on a system by disabling the CLSIDs (a method used by software applications to identify a file or other items), of spyware ActiveX controls.

SpywareBlaster, once installed, doesn’t use any services, or drivers, and does not use memory or processing time. You just open SpywareBlaster, set your protection, close it – you’re protected. SpywareBlaster continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

A secondary, but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for, or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with your active malware protection applications.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

A bonus feature included with SpywareBlaster is – System Snapshot. You can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state, and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature – just in case.

Fast facts:

Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware and other potentially unwanted programs.

Block spying / tracking via cookies.

Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted or dangerous web sites.

Unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background. It works alongside the programs you have to help secure your system.

System requirements: Windows XP, Vista, Win 7 (32 bit and 64 bit).

Browser compatibility: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock, K-Meleon, and browsers that use the IE engine.

Download at: Javacool Software

Need answers? Visit the SpywareBlaster Forum

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Download SpywareBlaster – It’s Old But Still Gold!

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on your system by disabling the CLSIDs (a system used by software applications to identify a file or other item), of spyware ActiveX controls.

SpywareBlaster, once installed, does not run in the background and yet continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

A secondary but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster, is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for, or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with your active malware protection applications.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature with which you can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state, and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature.

This is an important security protection tool to install on your system; particularly if your browser uses Active-X.

SpywareBlaster provides protection for your favorite web browser(s):

Internet Explorer

Mozilla Firefox

Netscape

Seamonkey

Flock

K-Meleon

and browsers that use the IE engine, including:

AOL web browser

Avant Browser

Slim Browser

Maxthon (formerly MyIE2)

Crazy Browser

GreenBrowser

System requirements: Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7.

Latest release: April 13, 2010

Download at: Javacool Software

Need answers? Visit the SpywareBlaster Forum

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

SpywareBlaster – Blast Spyware for Free

SpywareBlaster, once installed, does not run in the background and yet continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on your system by disabling the CLSIDs (a system used by software applications to identify a file or other item), of spyware ActiveX controls.

A secondary but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster, is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for, or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with your active malware protection applications.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature with which you can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state, and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature.

This is an important security protection tool to install on your system; particularly if your browser uses Active-X.

Latest release: April 9, 2009

Download at: Javacool Software

Need answers? Visit the SpywareBlaster Forum

Spyware Terminator – Best Free Spyware/Malware Protection

Having tested virtually all of the major anti-spyware applications over the past year or more, I’ve settled, for now, on Spyware Terminator primarily due to its strong real-time protection against spyware, adware, Trojans, key-loggers, home page hijackers and other malware threats.

In addition to Spyware Terminator, my home system is running: Zone Alarm (Firewall), WinPatrol (System Monitor), Avira AntiVir Personal, ThreatFire 3 (Blocks zero-day attacks heuristically), SnoopFree Privacy Shield (Anti-keylogger). This is my minimum safety configuration; depending on circumstances, in addition, I will also use Sandboxie (a free sand box application).

A simple to use interface makes this program easy to setup, customize and run, for both less experienced and expert users alike.

Spyware Terminator excels in strong active protection against know and unknown threats. If anything, I find it perhaps a little overly aggressive. On the other hand, better this than the alternative.

The program rates very highly in offering protection against spyware, adware, Trojans, key-loggers, home page hijackers and other malware threats. The scan behavior can be customized based on your level of experience; ranging from automatic interception for the less experienced user, to potential threat control for the more experienced user.

A definite plus is the program’s ability to schedule spyware scans on a daily or a weekly basis to ensure your computer’s continuing integrity. When set to download updates automatically, Spyware Terminator will check for, download and install new updates, keeping all files current with minimal user input. Optionally, you can choose to update manually.

Included with Spyware Terminator is Open Source ClamWin anti-virus, a reasonably effective anti-virus solution. My personal choice however, has been to disengage this side of the package and to run Avira AntiVir Personal instead.

In the time I have been using Spyware Terminator as my principal line of spyware protection, I have not had to deal with a single instance of spyware infection. This application does what it says it will do in an efficient and effective manner.

Spyware Terminator is free for both home and business use.

Quick Facts:

Real-time protection

Spyware removal

Automatic updates

Scheduled scans

On demand fast scan

On demand full scan

On demand customized scan

On Boot file remover

Context menu scan option

AntiVirus integration

Free support

Multilanguage support

System Requirements: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP

Download at: Download.com

SpywareBlaster – Updated for FireFox 3.0

It’s not very often that I forget about security protection software installed on my computer. But I must admit to having forgotten about the fact, that for years, I have had SpywareBlaster installed on my system.

I allow myself to feel better about this when I consider that unlike other security programs SpywareBlaster, once installed, does not run in the background and continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on your system by disabling the CLSIDs (a system used by software applications to identify a file or other item), of spyware ActiveX controls. A secondary but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster, is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with Spybot Search & Destroy and/or Ad-Aware, in addition to your normal anti-malware security applications to gain the maximum amount of protection.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember (the very thing that I had forgotten) is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature with which you can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature.

This is an important security protection tool to install on your system, particularly if your browser uses Active-X.

Version 4.1 adds full Firefox 3 support, (if you’re not using FireFox 3.0 yet, you need to consider doing so), and various feature and protection enhancements, tweaks, and optimizations.

Download at: Javacool Software

More Spyware/Adware Protection – Get SpywareBlaster Free

It’s not very often that I forget about security protection software installed on my computer. But I must admit to having forgotten about the fact, that for years, I have had SpywareBlaster installed on my system. I help myself to feel better about this when I consider that unlike other security programs SpywareBlaster, once installed, does not run in the background and continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on your system by disabling the CLSIDs (a system used by software applications to identify a file or other item), of spyware ActiveX controls. A secondary but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster, is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with Spybot Search & Destroy and/or Ad-Aware to gain the maximum amount of protection.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember (the very thing that I had forgotten) is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature with which you can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature.

This is an important security protection tool to install on your system, particularly if your browser uses Active-X.

Download at: Javacool Software

SpywareBlaster Forum