Spy Sweeper
Encyclopedia
Spy Sweeper is a software product that detects and removes spyware
and viruses (if the optional anti-virus component is installed) on personal computer
s that run Microsoft Windows
. It is sold by Webroot Software
.
and cookies, and quarantines any suspicious objects it finds. It is normally purchased as a yearly subscription; some broadband services, such as MSN Premium
, also offer rebranded versions of Spy Sweeper as part of their subscription.
from spyware, and a full version that allows for the removal of spyware. Licenses for the full version cost around US$30 each, which can be used for one year on one computer, or $40 for two years. Webroot also sells multiple-license subscriptions, allowing users to install their product on multiple computers using a single subscription, by purchasing either single-user, three-machine, or enterprise
licenses.
Kevin Thomas, who was the identical twin brother of Steven Thomas
(the founder of Webroot Software
), invented the idea for Spy Sweeper. Behind the scenes, Kevin Thomas and Richard Koontz (Webroots ACE programmer) worked hard on developing Spy Sweeper, despite being at odds with the CEO at the time (David Moll). Richard, working from home on off hours, finished Spy Sweeper and the initial version was finally released in September 2004. At this time, neither Kevin Thomas or Richard Koontz have ever received credit for the invention of Spy Sweeper.
In October 2006, Webroot released Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, which includes removal of and protection against computer virus
es. The anti-virus component is based on an anti-virus product made by the software vendor Sophos
. In June 2007 version 5.5 was released, which included the ability to scan email attachments, and an improved user interface
. Windows 2000
users cannot upgrade from V5.5. In October 2008 version 6.0 was released.
The product has won many awards in the press, and was the first anti-spyware product to receive "Checkmark" certification from the testing company West Coast Labs. It has also received an Editor's Choice award from PC Magazine
and a Best Buy award from PC World
.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's...
and viruses (if the optional anti-virus component is installed) on personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
s that run Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
. It is sold by Webroot Software
Webroot Software
Webroot provides Internet security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium–sized businesses. Originally started in Boulder, CO the company is now headquartered in Broomfield, CO, the company has operations in Australia, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Japan and the United Kingdom.-...
.
Features
Spy Sweeper examines files on a computer's hard disk drive, as well as objects in memory, the Windows registryWindows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
and cookies, and quarantines any suspicious objects it finds. It is normally purchased as a yearly subscription; some broadband services, such as MSN Premium
MSN Premium
MSN Premium is a subscription service provided by MSN which combines a number of different internet services into a premium-service version of MSN 9....
, also offer rebranded versions of Spy Sweeper as part of their subscription.
Versions
Webroot offers two versions of Spy Sweeper: a zero-cost 'spy scan' offering real-time protectionReal-time protection
Real-time protection, on-access scanning, background guard, resident shield, autoprotect, and other synonyms refer to the automatic protection provided by most antivirus, antispyware, and other antimalware programs, which is arguably their most important feature...
from spyware, and a full version that allows for the removal of spyware. Licenses for the full version cost around US$30 each, which can be used for one year on one computer, or $40 for two years. Webroot also sells multiple-license subscriptions, allowing users to install their product on multiple computers using a single subscription, by purchasing either single-user, three-machine, or enterprise
Company
A company is a form of business organization. It is an association or collection of individual real persons and/or other companies, who each provide some form of capital. This group has a common purpose or focus and an aim of gaining profits. This collection, group or association of persons can be...
licenses.
Kevin Thomas, who was the identical twin brother of Steven Thomas
Steven Thomas
Steven Thomas may refer to:* Steven Thomas , Australian sailor* Steven Thomas , American entrepreneur* Steven Thomas , American convicted in Finland of infecting women with HIV- See also :...
(the founder of Webroot Software
Webroot Software
Webroot provides Internet security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium–sized businesses. Originally started in Boulder, CO the company is now headquartered in Broomfield, CO, the company has operations in Australia, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Japan and the United Kingdom.-...
), invented the idea for Spy Sweeper. Behind the scenes, Kevin Thomas and Richard Koontz (Webroots ACE programmer) worked hard on developing Spy Sweeper, despite being at odds with the CEO at the time (David Moll). Richard, working from home on off hours, finished Spy Sweeper and the initial version was finally released in September 2004. At this time, neither Kevin Thomas or Richard Koontz have ever received credit for the invention of Spy Sweeper.
In October 2006, Webroot released Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, which includes removal of and protection against computer virus
Computer virus
A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
es. The anti-virus component is based on an anti-virus product made by the software vendor Sophos
Sophos
Sophos is a developer and vendor of security software and hardware, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, network access control, encryption software and data loss prevention for desktops, servers, email systems and other network gateways....
. In June 2007 version 5.5 was released, which included the ability to scan email attachments, and an improved user interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
. Windows 2000
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, business desktops, laptops, and servers. Windows 2000 was released to manufacturing on 15 December 1999 and launched to retail on 17 February 2000. It is the successor to Windows NT 4.0, and is the...
users cannot upgrade from V5.5. In October 2008 version 6.0 was released.
The product has won many awards in the press, and was the first anti-spyware product to receive "Checkmark" certification from the testing company West Coast Labs. It has also received an Editor's Choice award from PC Magazine
PC Magazine
PC Magazine is a computer magazine published by Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. A print edition was published from 1982 to January 2009...
and a Best Buy award from PC World
PC World (magazine)
PC World is a global computer magazine published monthly by IDG. It offers advice on various aspects of PCs and related items, the Internet, and other personal-technology products and services...
.