Features
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License:
Free to try; $19.95 to buy (Buy it now)
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
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Downloads:
1,343,756
- Requirements:
Windows XP/Vista
- Limitations:
15-day trial
- Date Added:
September 03, 2008
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Previous Versions:
Publisher's description of CounterSpy
CounterSpy is a powerful spyware and malware remover that treads lightly on system resources. It's a powerful Antispyware tool that does not bog down your PC. Long, "heavy-CPU" spyware scans are a thing of the past. With CounterSpy's small memory footprint, you don't have to choose between PC security and PC performance.
Note: If you are running another security product with its own real-time protection, and see an impact on system performance, we recommend you disable CounterSpy Active Protection.
Version 3.1.2315 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Sunbelt Software,
- anti-spyware,
- malware,
- scan,
- spyware
Editor's review of CounterSpy
5.0 stars
- "Stop spyware in its tracks"
CounterSpy 3.1 continues the strong series of releases for this basic yet powerful antispwyare software. The program makes it simple to schedule and customize spyware scans or run scans on demand, while also offering an adjustable level of real-time protection.
Installation is quick and easy. A configuration wizard walks users through the basic settings options for the program, including necessary proxy info, the frequency of risk-definition update checks, the level of real-time protection, and the initial scan schedule. Oddly enough, the default scan is 1 a.m. and can't be edited in the wizard. It's easy to change scheduled scans from the program interface later, but why not offer an hour choice at setup? It should also be noted that CounterSpy strongly recommends that Windows Defender "should be disabled," in case you are a fan of that software.
In addition to the standard Quick Scan and Deep Scan (full computer), CounterSpy has a fully customizable option that lets you specify which areas of your machine are scanned and what the scan is looking for. CounterSpy also throws in a few extra tools, including a file eraser and a history cleaner, which are becoming more standard on security apps, and a PC Explorer tool, which is cooler. Click "Explore" and you'll see a drop-down menu and a display that provides quick access to system information like running processes, hosts file, LSPs, Downloaded ActiveX controls, start-up programs, and browser helper objects (when bad, they're called browser hijackers). Nifty.
CounterSpy claims that the latest release has faster scans and uses less system resources, so it's worth looking at both. Based on our limited testing, scan times seem a bit faster than comparable programs, but not the type of instant satisfaction. Quick scans, however, which examine specific vulnerable areas of your machine. Also, the endless options for customizing the area of your scan and how the scan works are impressive. As for resources, while deep scanning, the CounterSpy Service used about 30MB of internal memory, while the user interface took up about half that. The Service did occasionally jump up in RAM usage and CPU, but we managed to run (and use) Outlook, Photoshop, and Firefox with no snags while the full scan was running.
All in all, the feature set (a smooth, quick spyware scanner, comprehensive logging, helpful bonus apps like the aforementioned PC Explorer, well-organized settings, and intuitive interface); the fully functioning 15-day trial that gives users plenty of time to test, scan, and most importantly, remove threats from their PCs; the smart design; and the strong stability and performance are all major factors that contribute to the top rating for this antispyware app.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 524 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 13 user reviewsSee all 13 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2315
"Will Not Uninstall Completely, Tries to Reinstall!"
Pros: It did find some viruses/malware that AVG could not find.
Cons: Has a short trial period then won't update definitions unless u buy. Does not have Uninstall option under Program Files. Went to Control Panel, Uninstall Program and this did NOT uninstall the program.
Summary: Stay away from this. Unknown if the registered full version actually won't screw up your computer.
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Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2315
"CounterSpy infected my computer with malicious files."
Pros: CounterSpy and its cousin, Vipre, prove beyond any doubt that many antivirus programs are created by evil people with malicious intentions.
Cons: CounterSpy infected my Dell Vostro 1500 laptop (Windows XP) with malicious files which could not be erased using System Restore. It forced me to purchase a new computer to try to transfer some of the programs on my old computer to my new computer.
Summary: CounterSpy infected my Dell Vostro 1500 laptop (Windows XP) with malicious files which could not be erased using System Restore. You get one chance to use System Restore (in Safe Mode only) after the infection occurs. After your one attempt, you ... read more >>
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2315
Pros: Little impact on system resources.
Cons: Doesn't seem to do much.
Summary: I still don't know what advantage this software offers. When my Google searches were getting redirected to ad sites, a scan by Malwarebytes Anti-Malware found more than a dozen infections in the registry. None of these had been intercepted by Counte... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2315
Pros: I ran it with AVG8 and noticed no significant slowdowns (on fairly old laptop with cable internet). Easy to setup and learn. Provides real time protection. Good for all users.
Cons: none so far.
Summary: Very good value, easy to use, good for all levels of users.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: CounterSpy 3.1.2315
Pros: Spyware definitions are constantly updated
Malicious processes are blocked when they try to execute
Scheduled scan option
Secure file eraser tool
Haven't had one malware infestation since I installed CounterSpyCons: None, and I have been using it for about a year
Summary: CounterSpy works fine in conjunction with Avira AntiVir and PcTools Threatfire
- See all 13 user reviews Write review
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