Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is the perfect virus/spyware combo. The software is easy to use, and features effective protection and performance. AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper combines all the right components to deliver one of the best antivirus software available.

Even everyday computer users need advanced protection from the prevalent computer threats. From viruses to rootkits, to malicious hacking tools and vulnerability exploits; a multi-layered approach is almost essential for everyday protection. Webroot’s antivirus/antispyware software has all the right features and more.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a very comprehensive desktop antivirus package. The software protects from threats from several sources, and the several layers of protection keep your computer safe. Webroot protects PC’s from viruses in all forms, as well as worms, Trojans, malware, and rootkits.

Webroot monitors and detects all sorts of malicious files and just plain unwanted programs like adware, dialers, cookies, and keyloggers. The integrated Spy Sweeper is an amazing standalone anti-spyware software that in itself protects from a variety of computer threats.

The software is completely armed to not only detect, but effectively remove malicious files, even ending running processes and removing associated registry entries. Webroot’s defensive technologies help keep your information protected from hackers and identity thieves.

But more than just being on the defense, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper also features proactive technology to find malware before it even has the chance to hit your computer. With today’s newest threats being designed to bypass traditional signature-based scanning, advanced protection is so important. Webroot’s “zero-hour” protection analyzes files for malicious behavior and other incriminating behavior, and blocks files that might prove to be a virus in disguise.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper revolves around 16 protective “shields” that cover your network, web browsing, Widows, startup programs, and email.

The web browser shields keep you safe online, blocking from Internet Explorer hijacks, exploits, and even unwanted browser “helper” objects. The email shield works for both emails you receive (Pop3 port 110) and messages you send (SMTP port 25), so you won’t accidentally forward along a threat to your friends, family, or coworkers.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is comprised of two powerful components (antivirus and antispyware, obviously). The desktop antivirus component is powered by business security experts Sophos. The antispyware element is managed by Webroot’s own Spy Sweeper.

Sophos’ antivirus protection is certainly up to par, earning several recent Virus Bulletin VB 100% awards. These certify that the antivirus engine is completely capable of protecting from 100% of known in-the-wild viruses. The reactive and proactive rates were similarly impressive, finding 81.8% (significantly higher than almost all other antivirus software tested).

The software is also ICSA approved, and certified from the West Coast Labs as an effective solution for desktop antivirus, anti-trojan, anti-malware, and antispyware.

The antispyware software included is second to none. Webroot Spy Sweeper provides an impressively high level of protection from spyware and other identity-compromising malware. Combined with antispyware protection from Sophos, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is certainly effective.

Webroot AntVirus with Spy Sweeper is easy to install and implement. In fact, the software walks you through some initial setup while you’re installing the software. While this does add a few minutes to the install process, it gives you control to setup the software exactly how you want it, and makes it so you can essentially leave the software completely unattended after.

The installation process introduces the WARN (Webroot Automated Research Network), the proactive network approach that (if you give permission), allows Webroot to gather anonymous information that helps them keep on top of new threats. Installation also lets users set when they’d like a weekly sweep to perform, and configure the online backup. Users can also take advantage of the Webroot partnership with Ask.com (or not), by installing the browser toolbar and setting Ask.com to be the default search engine.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper features an intuitive interface and simple tools to accommodate any user level. The clean user interface is organized with tabs for simple navigation and quick access to all the major components of the software. Webroot’s scanning engine includes over 1.5 million (and constantly growing) virus definitions. After the sweep is finished, you can easily place the found threats in a quarantine area while you decide what to do with them.

The antivirus/antispyware scans (or “sweeps”) are straightforward. You can choose between a full sweep (complete and thorough scan of the whole computer) or a quick sweep (optimized to search the most commonly threatened files). The full sweep scans all drives (including external media), the Windows registry, memory, compressed archive files, and executable programs.

Of course you can also set a custom sweep to scan exactly what you want. You can also easily set sweeps to run on a specific schedule.

The sweeps can run in the background while you use the computer for other tasks, and most of the common commands (start sweep, check for updates, turn on gamer mode) can be accessed directly from the windows taskbar notification area (bottom right).

You can also easily scan a single file from anywhere on your computer by simply right clicking on it and sending it the software to check for viruses.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper has several integrated features that add security benefits as well as convenience. One nice feature is the included local and online backup. The software comes with 1GB of storage space for free, and additional storage space can be purchased separately. As the software is installing, Webroot automatically analyzes your files and lets you choose what to backup. You can securely backup files from your desktop, favorites, my documents or my pictures.

The backup solution is actually fairly robust, allowing you to not only securely store important files and restore them at a moment’s notice, but also lets you access them anywhere. Stop emailing files to yourself, and simply back them up online. You can even send a secure link in an email to friends/family to share files, and don’t have to worry about them getting access to any other files than the one(s) you send.

Another nice feature is the gamer mode. You can turn this feature on with the click of a button, and it will let you enjoy full-screen computer games, videos, presentations and more without annoying interruptions from the software. And while this mode isn’t as secure as having the full system enabled, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to toggle back to full protection, the software will do it by default after 4 hours.

Keeping your security up-to-date is easy with Webroot. The software is setup to automatically check for updates regularly (every hour if you want) and even initiates updates delivered immediately to your system if needs be, with Webroot’s VersionGuard technology.

And even better than constant updates, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper includes real-time proactive protection, analyzing files and keeping an eye out for malicious behaviors that “tip-off” the software that the file is a virus.

Webroot’s antivirus software is very easy to use, but you can also get extra help if needed. In-program help is available, as well as additional resources online. Free phone support is available for on weekdays, or you can send a request via email at any time. The online support center also has product-specific user guides and a FAQs section. There is also a helpful video for product installation.

Premium support is also available for security optimization, virus removal, and even PC tune-ups, but cost extra (prices vary per type of assistance).

Combining a good antivirus scanning engine (from Sophos) and the best antispyware protection available, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a great security solution. The software combines all the essential features and includes added value with beneficial tools and simple usability. Overall, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is one of the best antivirus programs, and a valuable security solution.