Advanced Spyware Remover 1.98

Advanced Spyware Remover, as shown in the title, is a spyware removing tool. However, that's not all. Beside scanning and removing spyware, you can use the program to protect your system against hijacking or you can use the various tools included for system management and protection.

The spyware removal tool can be used for a quick, custom, or full scan of your computer. The scan may include processes, registry, cookie, activity, and files. The malicious objects can be treated, quarantined, or deleted. A very nice feature is the 'Infection Defender'. Personally, I found this feature extremely useful because you can 'immunize' your computer against a list of known threats such as infections, malicious Websites, and cookies. Unfortunately, this version of the program will not immunize you computer against all known threats, but the Professional version does.

The 'System Anti-Highjacker' section of this program contains some administrative tools that you can use to manage system settings like Startup Manager, System service, and System Association. From here, you can directly access Internet Explorer settings and manage the browser's installed extensions.

In the 'Tools' section, the advanced users will find useful utilities. The 'Process Manager' can be used to terminate delete files or see files' properties processes. The 'Software Uninstaller' creates a list of every software installed and provides help info and version. You can use this feature to uninstall programs or remove entries from the list if programs have already been uninstalled. The program creates a list of 'Active Ports', so that you can get an accurate image of the port number, protocol, remote address, removed ports, and port state. In the 'Tools' section, you can also find a 'Net Sniffer', a 'Cookie Manager', and a pop-up blocker.

Another tool, which I found quite useful, was the 'Process Online Search'. I entered the name of a running program and the program automatically opened a new Internet Explorer page containing information related to the executable file.

Pluses: The 'Tools' section mentioned above which are of great help in identifying harmful running processes on your machine.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: An excellent spyware removal tool, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.

version reviewed: 1.94