The Gap Continues to Widen Between Paid and Free Spyware Removal Programs
Your Problem: You've been doing research on the best spyware removal programs and you want to know if free spyware removal programs are up-to-par with software you have to pay for.
The Answer: In short, no. In my experience free software is not up-to-par with paid software, and in some circumstances might even make your situation worse.
The Difference: Paid software is much more effective at removing spyware and malware. Better yet, paid software isn't spyware itself, masquerading as a "spyware removal" program
Many people ask "why pay when you could get something similar free?" The question itself is very good, but the answer given is usually not!
Fact of life:
There is a 98% chance that your computer is infected with spyware and you don't even know it!
There are many reasons against free spyware removal programs. Surely you've asked the question yourself. It's now time to find out the real answer regarding free spyware removal programs.
What's the Best Software to Use?
The best spyware software is always argued upon. There are many programs aimed at different types of users. But one thing is certain; the best spyware software is not free.
Why You Shouldn't Use Free Software
There are obvious reasons to not use free software:
- No one gives away good software for free
- Freeware programmers are not compensated and therefore have no reason to make their software user friendly, efficient or even reasonably acceptable at finding and removing spyware
- Freeware software is not guaranteed to work and many times misses much of the spyware on your system
- Many free spyware removal programs have no update features, or if they do, updates aren't available daily or weekly like they need to be
Did You Know?
There are over 300,000 forms of information stealing malware today, with hundreds of new, advanced, and stealthier forms being created monthly! It's simply impossible for anyone to stay protected without the right software. Get protected today!
What About Open-Source Software
It's true, open source software can be very good at times, but...
- It relies on a group of people to create it who, may, or may not be, in it for the long haul. This means the software will be created, but never updated
- As of right now, there is no open source software to combat spyware
- Spyware software requires a committed team to update the spyware definitions everyday. This can be very time consuming and extensive. No open source community has these resources
Other Free Alternatives
There are two other alternatives to paid spyware removal programs: free online scanners and freeware
Online Scanners
There are several major problems with free online spyware scanners
- They really aren't free
- They cannot access most of the 'hidden' areas of your computer like 'real' spyware removal software can
- You often do not know what is being scanned or whether the scan can be trusted
- They could actually steal your information while 'scanning'
Freeware
Freeware has many of the same problems as open source and online scanners. As far as a free spyware removal program is concerned, many times they are just not effective and worth the bother.
- They can actually be bundled with spyware. Companies need to make their money somehow, so they bundle the free software will information stealing code, then sell that information to other companies
- They do not actively protect your computer
- They're not updated very often; if at all
- They often do not offer a scan scheduler (a must-have for up-to-date protection)
Your Solution
If you truly want protection you need to buy from a company who is trustworthy and has the resources up update the software often.
Here's Why:
Warning!
Tests have shown that nearly half of the spyware removal software on the market today is actually spyware and adware masquerading as a "spyware removal" solution. Don't just purchase any program on the internet without doing your research first! Here, you can find software that has been tested and proven safe.
- Paid programs update daily or every few days. Keeping you well protected from the latest threats.
- Having to pay for it gives the company reason to make it the best it can be
- Most have scan schedulers which will can your computer when it's most convenient for you
- Most offer active protection which is very important for prevention
- Paid software has the abilities to remove other malware such as keyloggers, dialers, trojans, etc
My Final Thoughts
- In almost every case, whether we are talking about spyware or not, free software usually doesn't have the features, usability or effectiveness as a paid-for program does.
- It's simple economics and business principles... people and businesses will be more inclined to produce a better product if they are getting paid to do it!
- Free spyware removal programs are simply not effective, and in many cases represent threats themselves!
- There have been several reports of spyware and other threats hidden behind freeware, free online scans and other free offers. This is simply more reason not to use them!
- The only answer to your problem is to buy a spyware removal program you can trust.
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