Spyware Blaster

Spyware Blaster is a popular software program designed to protect your computer from invasion by spyware. The most recent edition, SpywareBlaster 3.2 , is available for free download from its publisher, Javacool Software, at www.javacoolsoftware.com .

Javacool calls SpywareBlaster 3.2 "the most powerful protection program available." It prevents and blocks spyware and cookies from being deposited in Internet browsers such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. SpywareBlaster 3.2 also stops ActiveX, an infamous spyware company, from installing harmful components such as dialers and browser hijackers. It can even limit your ability to browse through Web sites that it recognizes as 'dangerous,' or that contains known spyware and other harmful elements.

Users gave the Spyware Blaster program four and a half stars on a scale of five, reports CNET, an online consumer reports site for the tech-savvy. CNET editors gave it four stars, saying that because the program focuses predominantly on keeping ActiveX away from Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox, it doesn't provide quite as much help for browsers like Netscape and Opera. SpywareBlaster 3.2 also "offers little help for PCs already infected with adware."

Users unanimously recommend it for spyware protection, but suggest downloading a separate spyware removal program in order to clean up any existing spyware on your computer. SpywareBlaster 3.2 does a respectable job for a free download.