Dr.Web CureIt! vs Spybot – Search & Destroy

Dr.Web CureIt! is a Windows utility for scanning and curing malware on infected workstations. It is suited to on-demand checks rather than ongoing protection: the free version supports one-time scans, and the program does not provide real-time virus protection. A download includes current virus definitions, but there is no automatic update feature, so home users need to download it again for a current scan. The free version cannot select particular scan objects or use command-line parameters. Dr.Web CureIt! Pro adds selective scanning of files, folders, drives, virtual drives, network resources, and individual processes, plus command-line use in scripts and scheduled or automated IT systems. Pro also includes quarantine management with export, import, and cleaning. During free scans, the utility sends scanning statistics and system information to Doctor Web; the company says it does not transmit personal information that reveals identity. Sending statistics is optional in the paid version. The free plan is free for one-time scanning; the Pro plan is listed for five or ten days, with no price listed.

Spybot – Search & Destroy is Windows security software focused on finding and removing spyware, adware, tracking software, keyloggers and other unwanted software. Its Free Edition includes anti-spyware scanning and removal, a rootkit scan, System Immunization and Startup Tools, for private, non-commercial use; the private-use license does not cap device count. System Immunization blocks access to sites associated with malicious or unwanted software, tracking cookies and browser plugins identified as malware. The maker lists Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox and Chrome for that feature. Rootkit Scan checks the file system, registry and process-related lists. Paid editions list features including automatic signature downloads multiple times per day and task scheduling. Live Protection monitors newly created and running processes and blocks malicious processes before they start. Command-line tools cover scans, immunization, cleaning and updating, with use in scripts and scheduled tasks described by the maker. The product page also describes FileAlyzer for file analysis and RegAlyzer for browsing and changing the registry. Startup Tools can alter registry and other system settings, so the maker advises care.