STOPzilla is an anti-spyware computer program

Computer program

A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...

 for Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...

 that detects and removes adware

Adware

Adware, or advertising-supported software, is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer. These advertisements can be in the form of a pop-up. They may also be in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during...

 and spyware

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that can be installed on computers, and which collects small pieces of information about users without their knowledge. The presence of spyware is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. Typically, spyware is secretly installed on the user's...

 threats on personal computers. It features on-demand scanning and real-time protection

Real-time protection

Real-time protection, on-access scanning, background guard, resident shield, autoprotect, and other synonyms refer to the automatic protection provided by most antivirus, antispyware, and other antimalware programs, which is arguably their most important feature...

.

STOPzilla is trialware: Users may download, install and use its limited version for an indefinite period of time, although the free version is incapable of removing threats.

Critical reception

STOPzilla has received mixed reviews. On 30 January 2005, Laptop Magazine praised STOPzilla for its ability to handle spyware and adware. It mentioned the lack of support for web browsers other than Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer

Windows Internet Explorer is a series of graphical web browsers developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, starting in 1995. It was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 that year...

 as the product's only drawback. It did not specify exactly which version of the product it has reviewed.

On 26 July 2007, PC Magazine

PC Magazine

PC Magazine is a computer magazine published by Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. A print edition was published from 1982 to January 2009...

reviewed STOPzilla 5.0, giving it a score of 3.5 out of 5. PC Magazine said “STOPzilla has a cute name, but it costs more than the best standalone antispyware programs and does less.” It took note of STOPzilla's mediocre malware removal capabilities and its lack of sufficient support for web browsers other than Internet Explorer.

STOPzilla 5.0 has thrice received West Coast Labs Checkmark Certification in the field of Anti-spyware (Installed).