PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.0 Review

What the reviewers like:
Spyware protection is the highlight of Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus. Many reviews rate the antispyware component as the best in the business.

What the reviewers don't like:
Most reviewers say Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus is a bit buggy and not well integrated. It scans slowly. Software conflicts, crashes, and system drag are big issues with users. Reviewers say to wait until PC Tools fixes the bugs and the program is tested by independent labs.

PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.0 review highlights

Most reviews say that PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.0 is buggy. The antivirus software is original and mostly untested by independent labs. The program solves the problem of conflicts between the standalone Spyware Doctor and third-party antivirus programs, and reviews imply the solution is inelegant, but promising. Reviews say the program scans very slowly. If you are interested in a combo antivirus/antispyware program, we found better reviews for Weboot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus (*est. $25).

PC Magazine has the best review of Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus, a hybrid antivirus/antispyware software package. PC Magazine's testing is practical and thorough. WebUser.co.uk's evaluation is more theoretical than practical, but the review is augmented with subcategory ratings. PC Pro's short review is concluded with practical buying advice. PC Tools hosts a forum that has more information than what you will typically find in user reviews.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. PC Magazine
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Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.0 Review
Neil J. Rubenking
Mar. 21, 2007

PC Magazine doesn't make many direct comparisons, but selects the directly competing Spy Sweeper 5.2 with Antivirus as highest rated. This review for Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus is detailed and covers many issues, including perceivable slowing. The program is called buggy.

2. WebUser.co.uk
PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus
Andy Shaw
May 24, 2007

Andy Shaw compares four semi-suites here. All but Windows Live OneCare have the same overall rating. Performance evaluation of Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus is limited to mentioning that only one third-party lab has tested the program. The review doesn't address differences with the most direct competitor, Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus 5.3, but subcategory ratings differ.

3. PCPro.co.uk
PC Tools Spyware Doctor 5 with AntiVirus
Davey Winder
July 2007

PCPro.co.uk's short review of Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus is concise and reaches a helpful conclusion. However, the review doesn't cite specific performance results and fails to mention affect on system resources or compatibility with other software. It does say that scanning is slow.

4. PC Tools
Spyware Doctor User Forum

PC Tools hosts a forum in which users can post problems, search for answers, or ask for help. The manufacturer deserves kudos for having the courage to display its customer's problems. Many customers have issues with Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus. Software conflicts, crashes, and system slowing are big issues.

5. Australian IT
Security without alarms
Roland Tellzen
May 1, 2007

This article vaguely compares the intrusiveness of Spyware Doctor, Norton 360, and McAfee Total Protection 2007. We can't figure out if the reviewer is trying to determine the best product or the least intrusive product. Regardless, the review offers little help to prospective buyers.

Also see full report: Antivirus Software