Software:Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper

Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper

Developer(s)	Webroot Software
Stable release	7.0.6.38 / 12/15/2010
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Type	Antivirus
License	Proprietary
Website	http://www.webroot.com/En_US/consumer-products-antivirus.html

Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper, previously known as Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware, is an antimalware utility developed by Webroot Software. The product added an antivirus detection engine to the company’s previous standalone antispyware product Spy Sweeper.

History

The product was originally launched on October 30, 2006 with the name Spy Sweeper with Antivirus. The product was re-launched a year later on October 24, 2007 as Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall. This enhanced and rebranded version of the product included a new two-way firewall built into it and various other changes including Windows Vista Compatibility.

The most recent version of the product is Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper 7.0 which was launched on July 27, 2010

Version history

All versions of the product have had antivirus and antispyware malware detection within them but various changes to user interfaces, system shields, additional features added and compatibilities with new Microsoft Windows operating systems have changed.

Version 5.0

Version 5.2 received an editor’s choice award for the integration and effectiveness of combining antispyware and antivirus utilities into one product. Some shield names changed with this version including the Spy Communication Shield being renamed the Internet Communication Shield, and the Spy Installation Shield was changed to the Installation Shield. This product update included a quick Sweep option that allowed users to rapidly scan the computer to not use many system resources as the full sweep option would. Various Smart Shields that protect the PC from changes in ActiveX controls or other common browser threats. This update also included daily definition Flex Defs (flexible definitions) updates.

Version 5.3 added Windows Vista compatibility to the product.

Version 5.5 added several changes to the real-time protection shields within the product. The Execution Shield and File System Shield have replaced the old Spy Installation Shield but still work together to block malicious programs from executing and from reading or changing files. “System Services shield” has been added to prevent unauthorized changes to the numerous system services of Microsoft Windows. The Email Attachments Shield was also added and allows for scanning of email attachments for malware. Behavioral based detection was also added in this release allowing for zero-day threats to be dealt before they hit the system.

Version 5.8 added compatibility for 64-bit Vista and a “Gamer Mode” that allows you to play online games uninterrupted with notifications while background shields run in the background.

Version 6.0

Product included 1GB of online storage space at time of release. The firewall component found in earlier versions of the product was removed from this release.

Version 7.0

Significant user interface changes have been made to the 7.0 version of the software as well as an optimized scanning feature. The new UI has been commented on by reviewers as being simplistic and easier to use than previous versions. Tray icons have been added to notify the user what state the program is currently in. The three icons that are used include;

1. Green - “Protected” state - Your computer is secure
2. Yellow - “Warning” state - One or more messages require your attention (Examples include; “Your subscription has expired.”, “Your file storage space is running low.”, “You have not activated your software.”)
3. Red - “Critical” state - One or more critical items require your intervention (Examples include; “One or more critical shields are disabled.”, “Threats have been detected.”, “Firewall is allowing all traffic.”)

A “fix it now” feature has been added to the 7.0 versions that allows users to opt to have the Webroot software resolve the situation without any user interaction.

This version added automatic periodic scans of the computer which has eliminated the option for Quick Sweeps or Full Sweeps as seen in previous versions. By default, the 7.0 version has eliminated the option to run off virus-scanning. There is now access to a web portal accessible from any computer with web access that includes account information such as your software license status and keycode as well as access to certain tasks, such as upgrading your software and installing it on other computers. The 7.0 version of this product does not require a reboot after installation as with previous versions.

Certifications and awards

Webroot Antivirus with SpySweeper has received Virus Bulletin certifications four times including April 2010 on Windows EX, December 2009 on Windows 7, August 2008 for Windows XP and February 2003 for Windows Server XP.

Webroot Antivirus with SpySweeper has been ICSA labs certified for Desktop/Server Anti-Virus Detection and Anti-Virus Cleaning on both Windows 7 32 and 64 bit.

Numerous certifications dating from 2008 have been received from West Coast Labs for this product including; Anti-Spyware Desktop, Anti-Trojan, Anti-Virus Desktop, Anti-Virus Disinfection and Desktop Firewall.

See also

• Webroot Software
• Spy Sweeper
• Antivirus software