Many times you might have experienced loss of data , Windows hanging, slow processing or other problems and your antivirus shows that your computer is clean. It’s difficult to pick up a virus unless you make a conscious decision to open a file that is infected with a virus. On the other hand, spyware is a very real problem that infects your computer each and every day. Spyware can be picked up by simply logging onto your favorite Internet site. What someone can be looking at is a spyware blocker or an anti-spyware. Unlike Anti Viruses, Top Anti Spywares include virus & trojan stopping capabilities which makes them a better option including wider range of operations. Some of the tools are free spyware removal softwares and some on the other hand provide limited capability in free versions. Here are some of the top anti-spywares currently available in the market :


Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

It is one of the lightest anit-malwares available in the market. It is amazingly light and fast. It detects almost all the malwares and spywares which might have been missed by anti-virus softwares. This tool is very effective in basic task of removing spywares along with that it is also capable of determining the difference between false positives and dangerous apps. It supports multiple drive scanning including networked drives, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files.

Only negative which may be associated with it is that real time protection is restricted to paid version

Key Features :

  • Support for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit).
  • Light speed quick scanning.
  • Ability to perform full scans for all drives.
  • Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware Protection Module. (requires registration)
  • Database updates released daily.
  • Quarantine to hold threats and restore them at your convenience.
  • Ignore list for both the scanner and Protection Module.
  • Settings to enhance your Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware performance.
  • A small list of extra utilities to help remove malware manually.
  • Multi-lingual support.
  • Works together with other anti-malware utilities.
  • Command line support for quick scanning.
  • Context menu integration to scan files on demand.

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Spybot Search and Destroy

Spybot has been a popular choice for a long time and provides almost all the features expected in a good anti-spyware software. It is a renowned spyware sweeper.  The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. There have been multiple improvements in the software over period of time which are basically in the appearance and front end interface of the software rather than back end working. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. This spyware bot also has the Immunize feature which blocks numerous malicious apps targeting your system from the web before it reaches your computer. There are also other tools with the software which help to complement the task of the tool and prevent your system in a better way. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program’s basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.

The minus point of the software is that it locks up sometimes. Apart from that it is a decent spyware and is fast and is ideal for a quick scan.

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Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware

It is one of the first softwares to be designed to search and destroy malware and spyware and is one of the most popular security tools over the web for spyware free protection. The new version is vastly improved over previous versions. Due to these new improvements it is proving to be a tough competition for other free anit-spywares. Ad-Aware Pro AE integrates Ad-Watch Live so it does not have to be manually started separately. It also explicitly calls out in the scan windows what the scan looks for.

Key features :

  • Cleans and removes all traces of infections
  • Right-click access to initiate pin-point scanning of specific files or folders
  • Behavior-based Heuristic Detection
  • Database of over 2 million known threats
  • Continuous pulse updates keep software current
  • Create and save customized scan profiles
  • Major improvements in use of system resources
  • integrated Ad-Watch Live protection provides real-time protection

Ad-Aware Free performs faster than integrated antivirus and antimalware programs in part because only the paid version of Ad-Aware comes with an antivirus engine. Other important features are disabled in the free version. While rootkit detection is present, behavior-based heuristics and real-time registry protection are not. Ad-Aware Free cannot scan networked drives, and even a basic feature like the scheduler remains off-limits to nonpaying customers.

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Spyware Blaster

Spybot started as a malicious software blocker but has grown over time into  a full spyware removal utility which can block all kinds of spyware that gets delivered through your Web browser, although its defenses are most useful for Internet Explorer users.

You can block all Flash content, create encrypted backups of the Hosts file, manage browser page settings, block cookies, and create customized ActiveX blocks. Also you can create a customized blacklist which will work across different browsers. You can also create a system snapshot for PC recovery in case there is a fatal attack on your computer. The interface is simple to use and clutter free.

The negative it has that it does not support Opera and probably it is a bit lax in spyware removal capabilities as compared to other removal softwares.

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Counter Spy

Counter Spy offers powerful protection for Windows to guard against all of the various forms of spyware and rootkits. Counter Spy is an effective safeguard against spyware threats. 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.

In addition to the standard Quick Scan and the full computer Deep Scan, CounterSpy has a fully customizable option that lets you specify which areas of your machine are scanned and what the scan is looking for. There are also some extra tools such as a file eraser, a history cleaner, and a useful process exploring tool that provides quick access to system information like running processes, hosts file, LSPs, Downloaded ActiveX controls, start-up programs, and browser helper objects.

The scan time is a bit more than comparable programs.

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Webroot Spy Sweeper

Webroot Spy Sweeper’s advanced detection and removal capabilities are effective at fully removing even the most malicious spyware programs in a single sweep. It is an upcoming spyware detector and has gained significant popularity. You won’t have to scan and restart your PC a number of times with Spy Sweeper – one sweep and your PC is clean. The Quarantine section will let you restore any components accidentally altered after a system scan. The Sweep option includes a flexible scheduler, the ability to change the default scanning method level, and other options to customize the program

Key Features :

  • Most comprehensive antispyware solution available – 360 degrees of protection
  • Continuous monitoring stops spyware before it can attack
  • Advanced detection and removal capabilities for stubborn spyware
  • Automatic defense updates keep you protected from the latest threats
  • FREE customer support

Spy Sweeper maintains its detection-only trial limitation, making it impossible to test how well it actually removes malware.

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Trend Micro HijackThis

HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive–areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.

The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate.

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