We live in a fast-paced world, where performance is often associated with saving time. We run after the bus (even if the next one passes in five minutes), eat our lunch on the corner of our desk and shamefully eat TV dinners as a quick solution to cooking.
Anti-Spyware Software giant CA is promoting its spyware detector as the fastest application on the market, where a computer scan takes less than a minute. But timing isn’t everything, as the true quality measurement of a anti-spyware software is in its efficiency and user-friendliness.
Find out how CA Anti-Spyware software did in our investigation by reading the following report produced by Star Reviews.
What’s new?
- Vista Ready
- Secure now: This new featureprovides extra-protection by overseeing critical program functions and settings, and reminding you to keep your security at an ideal level.
- Quick-Tips: This latest version comes with detailed help files, turning into your own customer support center.
- Threat Outbreak Warning System: provides real-time content feeds from the CA Security Advisor, giving you detailed, up-to-the-minute information on the most recent and most prevalent virus threats.
User Interface and Product Application
From the time we install the software to using it for the first time, the spyware detector was user-friendly and unpretentious, as the welcome screen gives you quick access on the essential features.
Star Reviews had no problems in setting scanning preferences and checking on the program’s status. The spyware detector’s scanning results shows a clear threat-level indicator for each found item, and even read a pop-up description before you remove the spyware.
Using CA's anti-spyware software proved effortless, and picked up most of spywares on our test computer. Although, we were notified about the same malware in two separate scans, making us wonder about the efficiency behind patching the system against recurring attacks..
Star Reviews FavoriteFeature: Protection for 3 PC:
Remove spyware from 3 computers with the same anti-spyware software license! You can protect your home computer, work laptop and even your kid’s private computer with the same license.
CA Anti-Spyware features:
- Low system overhead: The spyware detector needs 25 MB of disk space, and doesn’t overkill your computer’s memory. As an added plus, the spyware cleaner scans and removes spyware in less than a minute.
- Real-time detection and removal: The spyware detector stays active in the background, and provides complete protection as you surf the Internet, warning you against potentially dangerous websites.
- Automatic updates: the spyware cleaner is updated regularly, to ensure you're always protected against the latest threats.
- Scheduled scanning: Setting scheduled scans ensures the spyware detector won’t interfere with the rest of your applications when the time is critical. (If you’re an online gamer, you probably know what I mean.)
Pricing plan
CA Anti-spyware software doesn’t offer a trial version, so you will have to trust their word before buying the full version. Granted, their software is certified by an independent research lab, although many consumers love testing software before buying.
You have two choices when buying the software, under one-year subscription.
- $29.99 for protection on 3 computers
- $119.99 for protection on 10 computers (great for small businesses)
You can also buy an extended download service, where you pay $6.98 and get the permission to download the software anytime during your subscription.
Customer support
CA offers a 1-877 number, although is only provided for orders-related inquiries. You can buy telephone support at the hefty price of $29.99 for only one incident. E-Mail support is also available through an automated tool, although you will have to answer 16 questions before submitting. Our question was answered in close to 48 hours.
To their credit, the spyware cleaner offer a comprehensive website, including a live chat feature, a searchable online database and an online spyware encyclopedia (useful to find references when you remove spywares from your system).
CA Anti-Spyware software is a robust solution to remove spyware from your system, and offers a decent selection of features. Star Reviews didn’t like paying for telephone support, but recognized the reduced price for multiple licenses. (Great for the small business!)
Upside: Easy user interface – profitable licensing
Downside: Costly telephone support