MS Antispyware & CounterSpy

[curt]

I just downloaded a trial of CounterSpy because it got great marks in PC
World:
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=410

After installing it, I noticed that is virtually identical to MS's
AntiSpyware. Anyone know what the deal is? MS bought Giant AntiSpyware
(http://www.giantcompany.com/p_antiSpyware.htm), so why is CounterSpy
almost the exact same product (only it's not freeware)?

Just curious...

 

[JoeA]

I just downloaded a trial of CounterSpy because it got great marks in PC
World:
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=410

After installing it, I noticed that is virtually identical to MS's
AntiSpyware. Anyone know what the deal is? MS bought Giant AntiSpyware
(http://www.giantcompany.com/p_antiSpyware.htm), so why is CounterSpy
almost the exact same product (only it's not freeware)?

Just curious...

The answer is on the page you linked to, also at the bottom of the page
is a free spyware scan button.

 

[curt]

The answer is on the page you linked to, also at the bottom of the page
is a free spyware scan button.

That explains why they have the same signatures, not why they have
virtually identical interfaces. And if they have the same signatures,
why would anyone pay for Sunbelt Software's version?

 

[JoeA]

Both are built off an older version of the same program. Like Firefox
and Netscape browsers are similar, but not the same. I am happy with
the free programs that I use, but if the free online scan finds
something than the freeware wont remove and their 15 day free trial does
remove it, then I would send them the $20. Now put on your aluminum
foil hat...Microsoft might put something sneaky in their version! and
that would not be in the CounterSpy version. or would it?

 

[Daze N. Knights]

Both are built off an older version of the same program. Like Firefox
and Netscape browsers are similar, but not the same. I am happy with
the free programs that I use, but if the free online scan finds
something than the freeware wont remove and their 15 day free trial does
remove it, then I would send them the $20. Now put on your aluminum
foil hat...Microsoft might put something sneaky in their version! and
that would not be in the CounterSpy version. or would it?

I also notice that Counterspy is for Win98SE through XP, whereas, as I
recall the M$ program is only for 2K and XP.

Daze

 

[curt]

I also notice that Counterspy is for Win98SE through XP, whereas, as I
recall the M$ program is only for 2K and XP.

Thanks for this piece of info. I know for a fact that MS's won't work on
9x since I tried to install it on 98 the other day.