ManyCam Virtual Webcam 2.4.39

From ManyCam:

Manycam allows you to use your Webcam with multiple programs at the same time. Broadcast your Webcam video simultaneously on MSN Messenger, Yahoo, Skype, AIM, PalTalk, and CamFrog. Manycam also lets you to add cool live computer generated special effects and graphics to your video. Make it appear as if your face or hand is on fire with our "fire" effect. Pretend you are underwater, or make it look as if it's snowing inside your house. Add text, graphics, or your country's flag to your video window.

Version 2.4.39 adds system reboot detection and enhanced driver installation.

PaltalkScene 9.8

From A.V.M. Software: From A.V.M. Software:

Paltalk allows you to video chat, send IMs and join chat rooms with anyone in the world for free. Browse or search thousands of free chat rooms, or create your own. Paltalk works with AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ and MSN so you can chat with all your buddies using a single program. And with SuperIM from Paltalk, you can webcam chat - up to 10 people at once with rich video, audio and text. Now any PC or Mac user with internet access and a web browser can join Paltalk -- even if they have never downloaded video chat software of any kind before. Paltalk's rich feature set includes: *Free SuperIM - voice and video chat for up to 10 people simultaneously. *Free chat room - Every member within Paltalk is able to create their own chat room and invite anyone to join them. Top room categories include politics, karaoke, sports and religion. *A Bot-Free and Friendly Environment - Paltalk is a place for real people to connect in a friendly, trusted environment. Utilizing proprietary technology, Paltalk has created a "no-bot zone," free of chatterbots or virtual chat partners. *PC-To-Phone - Call phones and cell phones for low rates via Paltalk.

Version 9.8 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

mIRC 6.35

From mIRC:

mIRC is a full featured Internet Relay Chat client for Windows that can be used to communicate, share, play or work with others on IRC networks around the world, either in multi-user group conferences or in one-to-one private discussions. It has a clean, practical interface that is highly configurable and supports features such as buddy lists, file transfers, multi-server connections, SSL encryption, proxy support, UTF-8 display, customizable sounds, spoken messages, tray notifications, and message logging. Version 6.35 enhances security.

SpywareBlaster 4.2

Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on December 05, 2008

SpywareBlaster started out as a malicious software blocker focused on ActiveX-based attacks. It has kept that component and expanded, and now can block all kinds of spyware that gets delivered through your Web browser, although its defenses are most useful for Internet Explorer users.

The dedicated IE tools are useful. Users can block all Flash content, create encrypted backups of the Hosts file, manage browser page settings, block cookies, and create customized ActiveX blocks. Firefox and Netscape-specific protection only offers cookie blocking, but you can create a customized blacklist that will function across multiple browsers. Users can also create a system snapshot for PC recovery in case of a devastating attack. The interface is designed well, uncluttered and easy to navigate. For $10 a year users can get automatic definition file updates and tech support, otherwise those must be done manually.

It's a little surprising that there's no support for Opera, and there's a noticeable lack of spyware removal capabilities. Although we appreciate the good job that SpywareBlaster has done in the past, this current version doesn't hold up very well against other security products that prevent attacks and remove infections.

AntiLogger 1.9.2.117

Reviewed by: CNET staff on April 22, 2009

AntiLogger attempts to provide your computer with a different layer of security from other similar products. By operating as an active defense, as opposed to a reactive one, this program thinks it could be the answer to your problems.

This program has a simple interface that is very easy to understand. While AntiLogger takes care of complicated tasks such as detecting and isolating keystroke monitoring bugs, screen-capture-making viruses, and other unwanted attackers, users are given simple choices that make defense easy. You can run only certain defenses or choose from a brief list of customizations. And, when new programs are downloaded, AntiLogger goes to work assessing its danger and giving users the option to disallow its download. This is a fantastic addition that makes the potentially dangerous world of downloads slightly less risky.

Overall, the limited flexibility makes this an ideal program for all level of users. Those used to the look of traditional security programs, which show how many files have been scanned and how long you have until completion, may not like the static look of AntiLogger, but users who just want to know things are being taken care of without too much effort on their part will like what this 21-day trial program puts on the table.

Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.

The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.

Unfortunately, the program has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors. The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn't, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.