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Spybot - Search & Destroy (often Spybot-S&D) is a malware, spyware and adware removal program which works on Microsoft Windows 95 and later. Like most malware scanners, Spybot-S&D scans the computer hard disk and/or RAM for malicious software.
Spybot was written by German software engineer Patrick Michael Kolla, and is distributed by Kolla's company Safer Networking Limited. Development began in 2000 when Kolla, still a student, wrote a small program to deal with the Aureate/Radiate and Conducent TimeSink programs, two of the earliest examples of adware.
Spybot - Search & Destroy is currently released as freeware.
Spybot features
Spybot is able to fix problems with tracking cookies, system internals (Registry), Winsock LSPs, ActiveX objects, browser hijackers, and is able to protect a user's privacy, to some extent, by deleting usage tracks. Spybot also includes an "Immunize" feature which can be used to block the installation of spyware before it occurs. Another tool included in Spybot is a file shredder, for the secure deletion of files. Spybot is not intended to replace anti-virus programs, but it does detect some common trojans and keyloggers.
As some programs which ship with attached spyware or adware will refuse to run should the unwelcome co-programs be removed, later versions of Spybot allow it to replace the spyware binaries with inert dummies (designed to fool those programs which insist on the spyware's presence).
In order to efficiently detect recently created programs, Kolla regularly releases detection updates along with help improvements, new languages and better heuristics algorithms. These updates are downloaded from within the software from a variety of mirrors and are then automatically installed.
Spybot is available for all versions of Windows from Windows 95, and offers several different languages and skins to users. Instructions are available on the website so users can design their own skins.
Support is currently supplied by means of internet forums and support emails (with a response time of usually no more than 24 hours).
Support and awards
Spybot has been applauded for its ease of use and installation, free support and updates, ability to undo every step, and its excellent featureset. Spybot is one of the most recommended free anti-spyware programs on the Internet, and has won numerous awards, including the PC World Best Buy and World Class 2003 Awards, the PC Magazine Editors Choice and PC User Top Buy #1. Spybot has also been recommended by CNet, ZDNet, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, MSNBC, CNN and other reviewers.
Miscellaneous
In the Spybot license, Kolla dedicates Spybot to "the most wonderful girl on earth." Many believe that she is Kolla's girlfriend, but the title actually goes to one of his closest friends, who does not return Kolla's love. (a case of unrequited love)
External links
Spyware removal | Windows-only software
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"Spybot - Search & Destroy"