STOPzilla is complete antispyware software that boasts protection against a wide range of malware, from adware and browser exploits to spyware and harmful viruses. The application itself is lean, lacking most of the features and low-impact resource management of our top 10 antispyware software applications. Instead, this software focuses on its detection and removal capabilities.
STOPzilla has not been tested in the AV-Test, an industry-standard test by the Independent IT-Security Institute that assesses the overall effectiveness of various antispyware and virus applications. However, the software has received Checkmark Certification from West Coast Labs, another well-known independent test facility. The certification attests that STOPzilla is effective at protecting PCs against an array of real-world threats. Additionally, in our tests the software identified potential threats that other antispyware tools we tested had missed.
Full scans in STOPzilla usually take about 25 minutes, and you should expect to sacrifice some speed in order for STOPzilla to run properly. While its resource management is decent, don’t be surprised to experience a noticeable slowdown with the software, primarily when you’re running a scan. To ensure the antispyware software doesn’t interfere with normal PC use, schedule scans to occur when you know you’ll be away from the computer.
STOPzilla lacks many of the features found on better antispyware applications. For instance, it doesn’t scan emails or removable media storage devices; it only protects against threats filtered through suspicious links and websites. The antispyware tool also lacks reporting options, which would be useful for advanced users who want to dig more deeply into scan results.
While most aspects of this antispyware tool prove mediocre, we are happy with its support options. In fact, there are a variety of options available for getting help with STOPzilla. The iS3 team is anxious to help and provide live assistance through email, over the phone or via online chat. You can also find help online with FAQs and instructional video tutorials. Help files are also integrated into the application itself and are just a click away when you’re using the software.
STOPzilla is a useful anti-spyware product, working as a protective shield and proactive real-time malware scanner for your PC. We would have liked to see better resource management from the application – it’s not feasible to run a scan and other applications simultaneously due to system slowdowns. However, if you’re fine with scheduling scans to occur when you’re not around, STOPzilla is worth a look.
