Next, we launched a SUPERAntiSpyware complete scan, and while it was running, again tried downloading EICAR. In all cases, SUPERAntiSpyware detected and alerted us to the threat. To check this, we started with SUPERAntiSpyware at its home page, and tried downloading the test EICAR virus (opens in new tab).

SUPERAntiSpyware can't run simultaneous scans, so if it thinks the scanning engine is busy, it won't launch a scheduled scan, and it seems that in some situations, this also effectively disables real-time protection. We had one big issue with the mechanics of scanning. And although, in one way, it's good to see a setting titled 'Scan inside ZIP archives', it also leaves us wondering if that's the only archive type SUPERAntiSpyware understands. By default, the program ignores files larger than 4MB, for instance: that will speed up scanning, but it seems a little low, to us. There are plenty of supposedly more 'advanced' options, although they didn't always convince us. We suspect there are likely to be more serious vulnerabilities here, but as long as you're running SUPERAntiSpyware alongside a quality antivirus, they're unlikely to be a major issue. We found the core process could be closed by anything with admin rights, for instance, but it restarted almost immediately. SUPERAntiSpyware isn't quite as able to protect itself against malware as the best of the competition, but that's normal for a second opinion tool, and it does have some defenses. SUPERAntiSpyware's core service typically requires under 10MB RAM, often less than 5MB, and its executables and data files barely used 100MB (full-scale security packages might use ten times that.) Our test installation was very lightweight. The trial download links are easy to spot, the setup process is quick, and although you're asked for your email address, providing it is optional, and you can try the program without providing any personal details at all. SUPERAntiSpyware makes it unusually easy to try out its software.

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