SpywareBlaster Review - Prevent and Eliminate Unwanted Programs

very good
key review info
application features
  • Real-time guard against spyware
  • (8 more, see all...)

Made as a security application against spyware and other PUPs, SpywareBlaster is an approachable piece of kit that runs alongside your antivirus solution, in order to successfully fend off any dangerous or unwanted web-based components.

The tool is free to use and wrapped in a clean and intuitive interface, which permits experienced users to tinker with some options. Security is ensured not only for Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, but also for other less popular browsers, like Netscape, Seamonkey and Flock.

Types of nuisance covered by the program include adware, dialers and hijackers, and protection is ensured via a real-time guard. Your installed web browsers are automatically detected by SpywareBlaster, and the supported ones are taken into account for the security status.

Simple setup and clear-cut interface

After a speedy setup operation that requires minimal user intervention, you are welcomed by a wizard with a basic tutorial, which gives you the possibility to enable either automatic or manual software updates. These ensure that SpywareBlaster has access to the latest spyware definitions added by the developers to their database online.

SpywareBlaster: Activate protection of all components
SpywareBlaster: Activate protection of all components

The main app window has a clear-cut structure and is split into four main areas, dedicated to the protection status, system snapshot, tools, and updates.

Browser protection with block lists

By default, protection is disabled for Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and restricted websites. However, it can be seamlessly enabled when it comes to ActiveX, cookies, scripts, and restricted websites. Predefined block lists are available for each of these groups, and you can customize them by excluding any items.

Create OS snapshots as a backup measure

The system snapshot feature is capable of creating backups with essential browser and system settings. This way, they can be later restored in case of a severe Windows infection with spyware, in order to revert the configuration to the original state. Unfortunately, the app's not very explicit when it comes to the exact settings it copies in the backups.

Tweak and optimize browser settings

Regarding the toolbox powered by SpywareBlaster, you can view and change various browser page settings in Internet Explorer, namely the start, search and local pages for any selected user, in addition to the default and search page URLs for the whole local machine. Extra IE components can be configured, like disabling the home page settings area in the Internet Tools control panel, or editing the text displayed in the title bar.

Explore other security features

Moreover, you can encrypt, back up and restore the Hosts files, which contain the computer's IP configuration, deactivate Flash animations, downloads and other such content in IE, as well as create and enable a custom list with ActiveX controls to block, such as search engine toolbars or browser plugins, by simply entering the item name and class ID.

SpywareBlaster: Explore the toolbox with additional security features
SpywareBlaster: Explore the toolbox with additional security features

The Good

The application worked smoothly in our tests, without triggering the operating system to hang, crash or prompt error dialogs. It had minimal impact on computer performance, running on low CPU and RAM.

It protects your computer from cookies and other spyware when navigating the web using Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and other web browsers.

Protection can be enabled for all components or just specific ones, while block lists can be managed for each module.

It can capture system snapshots as backups that can be later restored if Windows enters critical state.

Extra tools are available for tinkering with IE settings, backing up the Hosts file, disabling Flash, and creating custom lists with ActiveX controls to block.

It is free and simple to use. Help documentation is available.

The Bad

We expected richer options and configuration settings, especially for experts.

The Truth

Taking into account its intuitive interface and powerful security features, SpywareBlaster should please a lot of PC users looking to eliminate and prevent spyware programs.

user interface 4
features 4
ease of use 5
pricing / value 5


final rating 4
Editor's review
very good
 
NEXT REVIEW: SmartCapture

SpywareBlaster (13 Images)

SpywareBlaster: Activate protection of all componentsSpywareBlaster: Activate protection for Internet ExplorerSpywareBlaster: Activate protection for restricted websitesSpywareBlaster: Activate protection for Mozilla FirefoxSpywareBlaster: Activate protection for Google Chrome
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