BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Webroot Software, a producer of award-winning privacy, protection and performance software, announces the immediate availability of Window Washer 5.0. Like its predecessor, Window Washer 5.0 protects users' privacy and maximizes system performance by deleting unnecessary files. The newest version of Window Washer cleans popular Instant Messaging (IM) files, Web browsers including AOL, Internet Explorer and Netscape, and automatically installs plug-ins to wash popular applications like Adobe Acrobat and Windows Media Player. The program also offers two user-interfaces - one for beginners and one for advanced users.
One of Window Washer 5.0's most significant enhancements is the File Shredder function, which extends the product's "Bleach" capability. Bleach, the over-write of deleted files, permanently removes and overwrites the selected file with random characters, rendering it unrecoverable by undelete or unerase programs. File Shredder provides secure over-write algorithms exceeding Department of Defense and NSA security requirements, and gives users the ability to shred files simply by right-clicking on them.
"Many people don't realize their online activities can be traced through their browser's cache, cookies, history and forms files, leaving them vulnerable to privacy invasions. What's more, these stored files can significantly slow down their system," said Steve Thomas, Webroot founder. "In addition to providing Window Washer 5.0 to address this issue, we've also developed a unique, free Web tool that quickly scans a users system and returns a 'privacy diagnosis.' This tool will help educate both beginning and advanced users about the privacy risks and potential system performance issues currently present on their own PC." The tool is available at http://www.webrootdisp.net/audit/sysaudit.htm , and takes only seconds to run.
In keeping with the educational approach, Window Washer 5.0 lets users select which user interface -- basic or advanced -- best meets their needs. The Basic option provides users with an easy to navigate interface, limiting options and ensuring a safe wash immediately after installation (no option changes are necessary). The Advanced screen is for the more experienced user, giving them the option of customizing how Window Washer 5.0 handles cookies, plug-ins and other custom wash options.
Window Washer 5.0 also addresses user fears of unintentionally deleting critical files. From Webroot's Steve Thomas, "our support desk fields a number of consumer questions every year, asking how to avoid removal of system files, or files they want to make sure are safe. Window Washer 5.0 addresses these concerns by adding several layers of protection to make sure that important user files are protected, while simultaneously removing more unnecessary files than ever before."
Lastly, little known "data hideouts" are also cleaned by Window Washer 5.0. For example, Window Washer 5.0 cleans slack space on a hard drive. Space for files is reserved in blocks of bytes. When a document doesn't need all the space in a certain block, the remaining space is called slack space. Slack space presents a security danger as it contains content from previously saved and deleted files -- even though the file appears to be deleted. Window Washer 5.0 permanently deletes the leftover data in these areas.
For a limited time, Window Washer 5.0 will ship with a free companion program, My Personal Favorites, normally a stand-alone product from Webroot that sells for $29.95. My Personal Favorites acts as a password manager, allowing users to manage all their user names and passwords from a hidden, encrypted location. My Personal Favorites runs in the background and prevents unauthorized access to users' bookmarks, user names, passwords and subscription web sites.
Pricing and Availability
Window Washer 5.0 supports the following operating systems: Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP. The software is priced at $39.95 and is available through the Webroot web site at: http://www.webroot.com/ , and in retail stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, Office Depot and others.
Window Washer 5.0 Enhancements Inclusion of My Personal Favorites
My Personal Favorites, a stand-alone product from Webroot regularly retailing for $29.95, is included at no cost for a limited time as a companion to Window Washer 5.0.
File Shredder
File Shredder is integrated into the Windows right-click menu, giving users the ability to instantly shred a document with the click of the mouse. Once Shred is selected, a confirmation appears, confirming that the file should be deleted. Additional detail is provided if the selected file is in a system folder.
Instant Messaging Cleaning
Window Washer 5.0 cleans all popular Instant Messaging (IM) files (e.g. ICQ, AIM, Yahoo Instant Messenger, etc.), deleting IM tracks in the same way it deletes web tracks -- quickly and permanently.
Enhanced File Protection
Window Washer 5.0 includes safety precautions to prevent users from accidentally removing important files. When a user attempts to wash files located in special folders (including system folders, My Documents, My Photos, etc.), Window Washer 5.0 will alert the user to any potential danger and prompt them for a confirmation before proceeding with the wash.
Integrated Plug-ins
Popular plug-ins such as Adobe Acrobat and Windows Media Player are now integrated into the software, automatically discovering and installing appropriate plug-ins on installation.
Customized User Interface
Users can select the interface that best matches their comfort and experience level. The beginner screen is intuitive and immediately allows for a safe wash experience. The advanced screen gives users additional options such as keeping cookies from a specific domain or skipping plug-ins during a wash.
Slack Space and Stream Cleaning
Window Washer 5.0 cleans hard to find data "hideouts" such as slack space and streams. Slack space presents a security danger as it contains content from previously saved and deleted files -- even though the file appears to be deleted.
Page/Swap File Cleaning
Window Washer 5.0 cleans the Pagefile (Windows 2000 or XP) and/or the Swapfile (Windows 98) upon a cold or warm reboot and resets the contents.
About Webroot Software
Webroot, a privately held company based in Boulder, Colorado, creates innovative privacy, protection and performance solutions for active Internet users. The company provides a suite of high-quality, easy-to-use software that guides and empowers customers as they surf the web, giving them peace of mind that their personal information is private and protected. Webroot's software consistently receives top ratings and recommendations by respected third-party media and product reviewers. To find out more about Webroot, visit http://www.webroot.com/ or call 1-800-772-9383.
CONTACT: Christine Stevenson of Webroot Software, +1-303-218-2690, or cstevenson@webroot.com ; or Jennefer Traeger of Metzger Associates, +1-303-786-7000, ext. 203, or jent@metzger.com , for Webroot Software
Web site: http://www.webrootdisp.net/audit/sysaudit.htm
Web site: http://www.webroot.com/
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