When Zero Spyware landed in my inbox for review I googled "spyware definition" and this is what came up. "Spyware: A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon." Frowned upon indeed ... the general feeling in the corporate software sector is that its okay to add in a little spyware program to keep track of target audiences. Just the other day I heard that a major record company had included a piece of spyware on a music CD to prevent copying and to monitor music downloads of its victim. Yes ... victim. I can understand the music industry's concerns about pirated music but spyware is not the answer and spyware should not be condoned ... in my humble opinion of course. George Orwell was just twenty years too early with his prediction, I guess, if big industry is allowed to continue using these tactics to gain information from unsuspecting consumers ... But as usual I digress ... I'm here to review Zero Spyware 2004 and that is what I'm going to do.

The first thing that appealed to me about Zero Spyware 2004 was the installation. Wow! Talk about slick and professional. The installation routine took care of everything, including searching for the latest updates in their spyware database. All I had to do was sit there and watch and in just a few minutes it was done. This professionalism instilled great confidence in the product for me at least.

There are a load of spyware products out there ... but I like the way the fbmsoftware people explain whats good about their product. Basically they portray 3 lines of defense 1) To block spyware before it gets into your computer; 2) To block spyware when it tries to operate and 3) Scan everyday (in the background) to detect spyware. If you are used to your virus scanner then Zero Spyware works in the same fashion.

There are a couple of mixed reviews out in cyber space on this package but I was left wondering why because the product impressed me no end. The interface is extremely user friendly and if you forget upgrades you are prompted to download the latest versions by the package. Whats not to like about software that reminds you to protect your computer!

 

Zero Spyware 2004 sells for around $US29.99 so its not free but its not expensive either. You can buy it online and I found the whole download and install process just great. I give the product a thumbs up and recommend it heartily.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Since reviewing this product it has undergone a MAJOR revamp (Zero Spyware 2005) .... with the end result being a software program that feels very invasive, seems to constantly be updating itself, suffers from numerous errors (hence the updates we assume) and one that we cannot recommend until such time as it is stable.