I have used Spybot for over 10 years. It is a great tool to have in my arsenal. It offers passive and active spyware protection for FREE. They ask for donations, but the donation is worth it. They also produce other types of software.
AWESOME program.
I have been using a paid edition of Spybot for several years. Within the last couple of years they have become very user unfriendly. Some aspects of the program are difficult to install (and this is not just me, I have seen complaints from other users.) I contacted them once or twice when I first started using it and they were very helpful. No more. They do not respond to emails, they do not respond to messages on their website, they couldn't care less. I will not be renewing.
I have been working with version 1. 6. 2 of this program for 7 years along with the same legendary program as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Both programs work in my "on demand" mode, ie. I run them as needed (suspicious situation or prevention). During all this time, the filth that got into the computer was captured and effectively destroyed. At least, no matter how serious the work of the computer, she did not have time to hurt (this is practically around the clock computer). In the last year, he even refused the firewall. Thinking about giving up an antivirus. All settings of both programs are only those that are set by default.
I believe that neither Avira, Nod, nor Kaspersky, nor other famous (and not very) antiviruses, on the effectiveness of the work can not be compared with these two programs. This is my personal opinion that has evolved over the years. But, unfortunatelly, it has weak file scanner. Here https :// thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-anti-spyware/ it is mentioned, that is suits only advanced users, but I would not say so.
Thanks a lot for your review and for being a loyal customer for so long :)