WinPatrol 15.5.2008

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Features

Editor's Rating:
5.0 stars
Average User Rating:
4.0 stars (out of 367 votes) Rate it!
Downloads:
1,372,471
Requirements:
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista
Limitations:
Limited access to PLUS database
Date Added:
July 18, 2008
Previous Versions:

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Publisher's description of WinPatrol 15.5.2008

From BillP Studios:

Clean up your Taskbar, ActiveX and Startup programs. WinPatrol monitors and exposes adware, keyloggers, spyware, worms, cookies, and other malicious software. This program puts you back in control of your computer with no need for constant updates. WinPatrol's goal is to help you better understand what programs are running on your computer and to alert you to any new programs added without your permission. Unlike traditional security programs, WinPatrol doesn't scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. Instead, it uses a heuristic behavioral approach, taking a snapshot of your critical system resources, then alerting you to any changes that occur without your knowledge. New versions alert users to new ActiveX installations and provides a way to disable existing ActiveX controls when vulnerabilities are discovered.

Version 15.5.2008 features enhanced support for X64 versions of Windows and reporting features for corporate users.

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Editor's review of WinPatrol 15.5.2008

5.0 stars
"Antispyware watchdog"

This program uses a simple yet effective method of fighting all kinds of malicious programs. It inspects several Windows system spots that malware is most likely to alter, including programs launched at start-up, browser helper objects, scheduled tasks, services, and cookies.

The latest version includes two new logs: one emulates the popular HijackThis log style, while the other is a CSV-exportable format. There are also more tweaks for Vista users, as well as the usual bug fixing. The app consumes few resources, doesn't slow your PC, and is highly customizable. You can set the interval between checkups; the default is every three minutes. If something new installs on your PC, the program notifies you and asks whether you want the newcomer. This won't cure serious infections, but it will save you from annoying adware and malicious sites that hijack your browser's home page. You can view full reports in HTML format, and the app even lets you manage which programs launch on system start-up, including a "delayed" start-up.

Improved cookie handling is taken care of by Pinky the Squirrel, who eats "cookies with nuts"--that is, cookies that contain user-defined nuggets of text, such as ads. Users who install a lot of new software will find the program invaluable.

User reviews of WinPatrol 15.5.2008

Average user rating: 4.4 stars out of 367 votes
My rating: 0 stars Write review

Showing 5 of 19 user reviewsSee all 19 user reviews
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5 stars

Version: WinPatrol 15.5.2008

"NEVER SURF WITHOUT IT!"

by DR .No on August 15, 2008

Pros: It misses nothing! Whatever tries to install this beauty stops it dead in it's tracks! If it's a change in a program or to a website trying to be sneaky this ALWAYS asks for your permission to allow etc! I use it on both my XP and Vista Desktops without any grief! It's a bit like the UAC in vista! Also folks check out the website, you can get a 100% FREE VERSION also of which i use, an all round class bit of software!

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5 stars

Version: WinPatrol 15.5.2008

"it's A great program"

by mikalucho on August 16, 2008

Pros: easy to use. a good start-up manager and a great watchdog. way to go Scotty

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-1 stars

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

Version: WinPatrol 15.5.2008

"im told of every addition to programs with an option to regect them"

by mad-munk14 on July 27, 2008

Pros: no complaints

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5 stars

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

Version: WinPatrol 15.5.2008

"Great simple program"

by boonalong on August 11, 2008

Pros: Unlike HIPS programs that use the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach and bog down your system, or conflict with other security apps, Winpatrol runs light (9-10 MB on my system. YMMV) and plays well with other programs (I have it running with Online Armor and NOD32, no problems). It's especially great for older or less powerful systems.
As a system monitor it protects your PC efficiently and does not inundate you with a million ambiguous pop-ups.
WP offers a user-friendly interface and gives solid registry and process monitoring. It will alert you to any unauthorized start up programs and basic keyloggers as well. The paid version, which offers real time protection vs polling (once a minute, half minute, etc) is worth the price! This program has been a trusty watchdog for years.
Also please read my response to the incredibly incorrect, and ridiculous review "Beware of this program". Doing just a bit of Googling can prevent you from sounding like Chicken Little.

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5 stars

Version: WinPatrol 15.5.2008

"My Explorer seems more stable than it ever been"

by zip1240 on August 24, 2008

Pros: It stops a lot of the pop ups that happen in explorer

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WinPatrol 15.5.2008

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