Finally stable version 2.0 of Spybot – Search & Destroy has been released for Windows and available for download in both free and paid versions from its official website. Spybot got the version bump from 1.6.2 to 2.0. Spybot boast this version as major release with new interface, features and Windows Security Center integration.

Spybot 2 released with new features, free version now available for download

Using Spybot2: Start Center contains all the tools and functions to initiate scan, update, immunize and access other tools included in the program. In Start Center, click on Update button to download the latest updates. Once you’re done perform a quick system scan from ‘Basic tools’ section.

Apply Immunization for browsers and Windows to prevent threats from sites entering into your system, if you’re unsure select ‘full immunization’. Currently immunization supports Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Thunderbird client and Windows system components. You can always access Spybot 2 Start Center and other modules from its tray icon.

Advanced user mode allows to perform rootkit scan, repair system, offers Startup tools to manage startup and plethora of other tools for power user to dig into settings to know more what they can do.

Is Spybot 2 bloatware?

Yes and No. File download size has been increased from 15 MB in previous version to 52 MB in latest version. When the program is idle you can see SDTray.exe process only running and with both scan and Start Screen active those related processes also running makes Spybot processes to three. Scanning does consume system resources from 12 to 25%, varies on different configurations.

Cons

No custom install option

Not easy way for user to apply select & immunization

Too many features which common user doesn’t use

Closing Words

Lot of features and tools included in Spybot 2, if you use the program to scan and remove malware and rootkits then perform the scan and plus immunize the system. These two steps are enough for beginners where expert users can get more out of program by accessing tools offered in advanced user mode.