ZDNet has done a comprehensive reviews on various anti-spyware utilities and spyware removal tools. Spyware, adware and other unwanted malicious software have become increasingly serious thread to computers, where spyware violating privacy by collecting private information and computer data and send to outsiders or person who plants the spyware without user consent. Worse, there are increasing attempts to collect information such as banking details, credit card details, usernames, passwords, or even personal details are gathered.

To prevent and block spyware from been installed in your computer, a right anti-spyware application has to be used. Anti-spyware tool will also be handy if any spyware is found in the PC and need to be removed. ZDNet reviews several anti-spyware applications that best suit a company with 150 staff. The products are from eight vendors, namely Computer Associates eTrust Pest Patrol Anti-Spyware Corporate Edition, Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Enterprise 2005, McAfee VirusScan Enterprise + Anti-Spyware Module 8.0, Microsoft Windows Defender, PC Tools Spyware Doctor 3.2, Symantec Client Security 3.0, Trend Micro Anti-Spyware for SMB 3.0, and Webroot Enterprise Server, plus a free anti-spyware software Spybot’s Search & Destroy.

After various tests, ZDnet summarizes the results as below:

Clean performance (Check for false positive, where anti-spyware application are used to scan newly installed, clean from spyware and patched computer)

1. Lavasoft (smart system scan)
2. Computer Associates
3. Symantec (quick scan)

Infected performance (System infected with spyware applications and some adware applications)

1. Computer Associates
2. Lavasoft (smart system scan)
3. Trend Micro

Accuracy in detection (out of 10)

1. Symantec (full scan) 9
2. Computer Associates 6
3. PC Tools (quick and full scans) 6 each

With the test results, ZDNet picks Symantec Client Security 3.0 as editor’s choice. However, for different scenario such as for larger (over 150 users) company that is seeking dedicated anti-spyware solution that can detect and clean up a range of malware on its machines, Computer Associates eTrust Pest Patrol and Symantec Client Security are the winner because of the ability of centralized management command and control capabilities. For scenario such as smaller (less than 150 users) company that is seeking dedicated anti-spyware solution that can detect and clean up a range of malware on its machines, PC Tools Spyware Doctor 3.0 wins for its ease of use, accuracy, and performance.

Full Review (dead link)