As computer users and internet surfers, we cannot stand spyware and we keep ourselves protected with various anti-spyware apps. So this week I am featuring SpywareBlaster v3.5.1. This is yet another addition to my arsenal of spyware combating applications. It is important to note that SpywareBlaster does not scan and remove spyware like AdAware or Spybot, but rather tweaks your system to prevent spyware from finding its way into the computer.
Installation was quick and easy. An information box explains that SB prevents spyware instead of removing it and the installation process asks, not assumes if you want a desktop shortcut. SB runs a short tutorial when you first open it. This introduction shows how to enable protection, tells the importance of updates and shows where to find help.
SB uses tabs on the left to switch between features, as well as buttons within each tab to access different areas. The Protection tab includes four areas for Status, Internet Explorer, Restricted Sites and Mozilla/Firefox. The Status shows which protections are enabled and your last update. You can also quickly turn all protections on and off. The IE button lets you customize your browser to prevent ActiveX installations and/or ad and tracking cookies. You can also customize the blocked list in case a certain ActiveX control or cookie is necessary for your browsing habits. The Restricted Sites area lets you restrict the actions of ad, tracking and potentially unwanted sites in IE. Here again you can disable protection for certain sites if you need them. Lastly, the Mozilla/Firefox tab works the same as the IE tab if you have those alternative browsers installed. If not, the area is grayed out.
The next tab is System Snapshot. If you guessed this is a clone of Windows System Restore, you’re correct. In only a few seconds, SpywareBlaster creates a snapshot of your system settings, and saves it with a name, date and time. While it is handy to be able to restore a system after a spyware infection, Windows users will not need SB for this feature.
The third tab contains some extra Tools under five separate areas. Browser Pages lets you change various browser page settings, such as your search assistant, homepage, and blank page. There is also a description of each one to help you edit the correct page. Hosts Safe lets you create a backup of your hosts file incase your original is deleted or infected. Miscellaneous IE Settings allows you to disable the home page settings in the browser’s Internet Tools Control Panel. This prevents spyware from hijacking your homepage. You can also change the title bar text from “Microsoft Internet Explorer” to “Alaron is awesome” or anything else you would like. Flash Killer does just what it sounds, turning off Macromedia Flash entirely to prevent annoying online ads. And finally Custom Blocking lets you add any ActiveX you’d like to a blocked list. You merely need the Class Identifier (CLSID) number.
The last tab is Updates. Manual updates are fast, one-click affairs. SB sent me five months worth of updates in only a few seconds. Automatic Updates are only available if you purchase a license. While this would have been a great, free feature, the program authors need the money for bandwidth costs.
The final area I looked at was Help. The included Help files are simple but adequately explain the program’s features and how to use them. There is also on online knowledge base if you need any additional support.
To sum up, SpywareBlaster is a useful tool in the everlasting fight against spyware. Combining SB’s ability to prevent infections and programs like Spybot to remove them, you can keep your computer relatively safe from harm. Be sure to update and scan frequently and practice safe browsing habits as well. You can pick up SpywareBlaster here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
