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Best anti-spyware software
- Effective spyware removal
- Free phone support
- Gaming mode
- Easy-to-use interface
- Free trial isn't fully functional
- Some users report computer freezes and slowdowns
Feb. 2012: A new version of this software is available. Please see our review of PC Tools Spyware Doctor 9 (*Est. $30).
Reviewers say Spyware Doctor 2011 (also known as Spyware Doctor 8.0) is the best choice among stand-alone anti-spyware software. Developed by PC Tools, Spyware Doctor uses both proactive and reactive protection to block spyware and adware from infecting your computer. The Web Guard feature alerts you to suspicious files and links from the web, email or chat networks. The software also prevents automatic downloads and blocks cookies. Reviewers say Spyware Doctor 2011 is very effective at blocking and removing spyware, and the intuitive interface is simple enough for even the most basic computer users. Experts also appreciate the gaming mode, which prevents interruptions during full-screen games or movies. While Spyware Doctor 2011 gets high marks from experts, some users complain of system slowdowns or frozen computers. In addition, the free trial version has some noteworthy limitations -- it doesn't remove spyware, for example -- so reviewers say it's not a good way to evaluate the paid software's performance. If you want a free anti-spyware solution, Ad-Aware Free Internet Security 9.0 gets high marks.
Stand-alone anti-spyware programs don't attract as much attention as their antivirus counterparts, but Spyware Doctor 2011 does receive editorial reviews from Download.com and TopTenReviews.com. Download.com's reviews, which are produced by the editors at CNET, are the most credible. Download sites like Softonic.com and Softpedia.com have test-based editorial reviews in addition to a good number of user ratings.
| Pc Tools Spyware Doctor/Antivirus 2011 - 1 User/3 Pc [Old Version] | |
(24 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. Download.com
Download.com awards Spyware Doctor 8.0 (the same version that's now being marketed as Spyware Doctor 2011) a 4-star rating. Seth Rosenblatt calls it a "solid spyware remover," and he appreciates options like start-up scans and a gaming mode, which limits interruptions.
Review: Spyware Doctor 8.0, Seth Rosenblatt, Nov. 11, 2009
Spyware Doctor is one of the top-rated anti-spyware programs in a comparative evaluation at TopTenReviews.com. Editors say it is "one of the best antispyware programs out there," and they report no noticeable slowdown in their computer's performance. However, they recommend scheduling full-system scans for when the computer is not in use.
Review: Spyware Doctor 2011, Editors of TopTenReviews.com
3. Softonic
The editors at Softonic.com, a download site, give Spyware Doctor 2011 a 7 (out of 10) rating. Niamh Lynch says the software effectively removes spyware, and does so quickly. The software is also easy to use, although she wishes the free trial version had more functionality. In over 50 user ratings, Spyware Doctor earns a 9 (out of 10) rating.
Review: Spyware Doctor 2011 8.0, Niamh Lynch
Softpedia.com is a download site that allows users to rate and review the software they download. Spyware Doctor 2011 earns a 4-star rating from more than 1,000 users. Only about 30 reviewers leave text reviews, and it appears that mainly those who are unhappy with the software bother to leave a review in addition to a rating.
Review: Spyware Doctor 2011 8.0.0.623, Contributors to Softpedia.com
5. Download.com
Download.com also reviews Spyware Doctor with antivirus software, which earns a 4-star rating. However, Seth Rosenblatt notes a large impact on system performance. "PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2011 will give you strong security, but a not-insignificant performance hit."
Review: Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 8.0, Seth Rosenblatt, Dec. 21, 2010
6. PCMag.com
PCMag.com evaluates the version of Spyware Doctor that comes bundled with antivirus software, but it's still worth a read. Neil Rubenking gives the software a very good rating, although he has some difficulty installing it on a malware-infected computer.
Review: PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2011, Neil J. Rubenking, Sept. 16, 2010