anon
08.04.09, 18:39
For years, Spybot Search & Destroy has been one of Fileforum's single most installed pieces of software, with nearly 67 million downloads since 2000 on our sister site alone. It's one of the Web's original anti-spyware packages, independently distributed by Safer Networking Ltd., based in Ireland and developed in Germany.
Despite a user base in the dozens of millions (if not more; Safer Networking doesn't track its users), Spybot S&D hasn't had an easy time establishing itself in the competitive anti-malware field. Because it is freeware (commercial users must purchase licenses), the application is seen as a thorn in the side of larger companies who sell security software with the same functionality.
But now, the principals of Safer Networking are stepping up their rhetoric a bit. Speaking with Betanews last week, the developers of Spybot S&D demonstrated how some of its larger competitors are actively using their anti-virus tools to keep Spybot off customers' systems.
Safer Networking names three manufacturers in particular: Trend Micro, Kaspersky Labs, and McAfee Software. Though their anti-virus products are, Safer Networking says, compatible with Spybot S&D, their setup routines claim a conflict with one of Spybot's optional components: a memory-resident live anti-malware signature checker called TeaTimer. Even if TeaTimer is not active, the setups first ask or even require the user to uninstall Spybot before proceeding.
Spybot Search & Destroy competitors are trying to force its removal | Security News - Betanews (http://www.betanews.com/article/Spybot-Search-Destroy-competitors-are-trying-to-force-its-removal/1237840882)
Despite a user base in the dozens of millions (if not more; Safer Networking doesn't track its users), Spybot S&D hasn't had an easy time establishing itself in the competitive anti-malware field. Because it is freeware (commercial users must purchase licenses), the application is seen as a thorn in the side of larger companies who sell security software with the same functionality.
But now, the principals of Safer Networking are stepping up their rhetoric a bit. Speaking with Betanews last week, the developers of Spybot S&D demonstrated how some of its larger competitors are actively using their anti-virus tools to keep Spybot off customers' systems.
Safer Networking names three manufacturers in particular: Trend Micro, Kaspersky Labs, and McAfee Software. Though their anti-virus products are, Safer Networking says, compatible with Spybot S&D, their setup routines claim a conflict with one of Spybot's optional components: a memory-resident live anti-malware signature checker called TeaTimer. Even if TeaTimer is not active, the setups first ask or even require the user to uninstall Spybot before proceeding.
Spybot Search & Destroy competitors are trying to force its removal | Security News - Betanews (http://www.betanews.com/article/Spybot-Search-Destroy-competitors-are-trying-to-force-its-removal/1237840882)