The software does have some drawbacks. Uninstalling the software brings up a dialog box informing you that some of the components of the program can't be uninstalled. Moreover, there is no helpful message listing which components needed to be uninstalled. More importantly, the software doesn't offer much beyond detecting and removing key loggers. It doesn't, for instance, leave the offending program on your computer at the same time that it disables its features. The only option is to delete it, a function that's available only to registered users. The software also won't check for other types of spyware, such as "free" programs or plug-ins that are designed to track your Web movements.

Another downside is that the software only works with Windows 95/98/Me. Windows NT -- and NT-based operating systems such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP -- are incompatible with the software. In addition, the software costs $59.95 for one user license. Prices drop when the number of licenses is increased: $17.97 a license for 101-plus licenses.

Do you need the software? Unless you place yourself among the paranoid or have reason to suspect someone might be spying on you, we don't recommend it, since it's unlikely you're actually being monitored. The company has plans for a follow-up version, which could include the ability to ferret out other types of spyware in addition to key loggers.

Meanwhile, a cheaper alternative, Anti-Keylogger 2002 from Centurian Software, is scheduled for release soon. According to a company representative, its price will be $39.95. You can hack the registry, but that's not an option for most people. Firewall software (we recommend Zone Alarm 2.6, which is free) will also add another form of protection.

Summary: Anti-keylogger 1.12 hunts down key-logging software so that you can delete it from your computer. You could try just the trial version to see if you have any programs that monitor your computer use. Aside from its being a one-trick pony, it's expensive and at times brings back results for software you might not want to delete.

Pros: Finds and allows removal of key-logging software.

Cons: Expensive; not compatible with Windows NT or XP.

Company: Raytown Corporation
Price: Trial version available: $59.95 to register (for individual license)
Available: Now
Category: Security software
Platform: Windows
Requirements: Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me