Customer Reviews

Webroot Desktop Firewall/Spy Sweeper Bundle

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This version of Webroot Desktop Firewall has a very simple interface compared to other similar programs. For the novice PC user, there are very few operational screens and the instructions are very simple. The program does most of the work and is supposed to "learn" the necessary level of security as you respond to messages. Unfortunately, since it has so few controls, it is impossible to change settings manually if too many items are being blocked. This makes it impractical for most users as compared to programs like Norton Personal Firewall or Zone Alarm.

Also, be aware that this listing is currently showing an older version (ver. 1.5, year 2005) for Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP. This version is no longer upgradeable on the Webroot website (with the included update feature) if you are using Windows 98 or Windows Me. As of 2011, you may still be able to use the upgrade feature if you are running Windows 2000 or XP, though I am not certain of that. However, the program is still functional without the upgrade as a very basic firewall as I described.

If you happen to still be using dial-up service rather than high-speed access, this firewall slows your browser down to a crawl and it may stop completely - especially if you are using a newer browser. So it is not usuable at all for dial-up.

The separate Windows Spy Sweeper software software also has a nice simple interface. I installed it so that it doesn't run constantly to try to block spyware, but just to scan the drive to identify and remove spyware. For this it worked very well, and the instructions and menus are easier to understand than other spyware programs. However, reviews are mixed if you have the program load at start-up and run while-on line. You can do a "custom installation" when installing to check which components you want to have active, or I think you can also select them all (on/off) after installation.

Even if you buy the software new, the 1-year subscription that comes with it to update the spyware files may not apply any more since this sofware is old (especially if you are not running Windows XP or 2000). You would have to check with Webroot. However, it will still find some old spyware and other suspicious files based on their characteristics.

Be aware that if you run the software continuously at start-up you may get periodic nagging pop-ups telling you that your spyware file is too old - even if you can't update it any more.

You can read extensive reviews for variouis versions of Spy Sweeper at it's individual sale listing.

By the way just to be clear, you don't have to install Spy Sweeper and the firewall together. They are on separate CDs.