Block malicious software and back up important files with WinPatrol

A common technique used by malicious software is to edit important files on a computer in order to either carry out their attacks or hide their very presence. WinPatrol doesn't remove the need for anti-virus software but it provides an added layer of protection. It keeps an eye on important files and settings.

Installation is very simple as is the interface. There are 14 tabs covering the different parts of Windows that are being monitored.

It lists the programs that start with Windows and can be used to stop programs from doing this. There is also a delayed start tool that can improve the computer performance by telling Windows to wait before starting those programs.

Helper programs installed in Internet Explorer are listed along with cookies, the small snippets of information that websites can leave behind on computers.

There are also tabs for running programs and services as well as scheduled tasks.

Much of the information provided by WinPatrol can be found elsewhere but the value of WinPatrol is that it brings all of this information together into one place.

This is the free version of Winpatrol. The Plus version has extra tools including showing ActiveX controls registered with Internet Explorer and monitoring specific locations in the Registry. This Plus version costs US$30.