Bearing in mind the intensity of spyware threats these days coming from the web, free antispyware software is the first step to prevent a major system crash.

1. The most numerous group consists of fake antispyware. This type of programs are promoted by webcriminals as free antispyware software to get the attention of as many web surfers as possible, because the more people install these fake programs, the more computers will be included into the chain of zombie stations and botnets. Infected computers are used to conduct different types of illegal activities, from relaying spam to carrying DDOS-attacks, from establishing proxy traffic transfers to gathering sensitive private data. There are hundreds, if not thousands free antispyware software tools masquerading safe applications, while in reality they include nothing but a bunch of Trojans and other types of malware. An example of such fake free antispyware software is SpyGuarder and Antispyware Master. I warn you: these are highly dangerous programs meant to assault your privacy!

2. The second group is much smaller than the first one, and includes legitimate and trusted antispyware software that has virtually no time limits, but features reduced functionality. Usually this type of free antispyware software offers no real-time protection, no automatic updates and sometimes no scheduled scans, but otherwise they're good on-demand scanners, and can be updated manually. A-squared anti-malware and Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware are examples of such free antispyware software.

3. The third group of free antispyware software is limited to a small bunch of programs that include real-time protection and automatic updates. SpyBot Search & Destroy, AVG Antispyware are most popular among them. However, their functionality is reduced by a limited number of detectable malware threats.

4. Finally, there are free antispyware software programs with trial mode, that is, they're fully functional (just like full-featured commercial editions), but for a limited period of time, usually two weeks or a month. After the trial exprires, the program stops functioning. Evan manual updates are not possible. These programs are meant to offer a way of getting to know the software closely, running in full mode with all features activated. This antispyware software may not be really free because of the time limit, but it is a very good way to get rid of spyware infections and see how the software is good at removing the malware. SUPERAntiSpyware is an example of such free abtispyware software – it offers a 1 month of trial.

Of course only the 3d group of programs deserve to be called really free antispyware software. However, they usually suit those surfers who are careful about which websites they visit, and what applications run. The number of threats these programs are able to detect is artificially limited by the manufacturer. Updates may be irregular, too. So as a protection against spyware they're not best of breed. But considering the price, they're definitely best in the category of free antispyware software.

Next: Antispyware Shield