Spyware Doctor is a spyware removal product for Microsoft Windows developed by PC Tools.
Features
Spyware Doctor scans a PC for spyware, examining files on the hard drive, objects in memory, the Windows registry and cookies, and then attempts to quarantine or remove recognized threats. It also includes real-time protection which attempts to block threats from being saved to the disk, set to startup automatically, suspicious programs running and other detection including new toolbars and add-ons for web browsers.
Spyware Doctor is designed for Windows 2000 and XP. Spyware Doctor also supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7.
License
It is normally purchased as a yearly subscription which includes new versions and updates, and is available online as well as in retail stores. PC Tools, like other security companies such as McAfee, Symantec and recently Microsoft with OneCare, has now implemented an automatic renewal system whereby customer's subscriptions are renewed every year automatically until canceled.
Spyware Doctor is not free, but a free scan version is offered, providing real-time protection and scans for spyware. Only the full version is capable of removing spyware (though a user can use the free version to locate where the spyware is and then manually remove the files and registry entries themselves). Spyware often includes both files located on the hard drive and entries in the Windows registry.
Spyware Doctor Starter Edition was included in the Google Pack in March 2007, this version allows scan and removal of threats using an older version of the program, limited real-time protection, but a database with only 60% of the definition files, which does not include some viral threats.
Awards and reviews
Spyware Doctor received the PC World Best Buy award in the October 2007 issue of the magazine saying "PC Tools' Spyware Doctor 5.0 was the clear winner, outperforming the competition at detecting and removing our test set of adware and spyware samples."
Spyware Doctor has received several Editors' Choice awards from PC Magazine, including one for Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.5 in 2008. The product has also received numerous other awards from around the globe.
Not all reviews have been positive and early versions of Spyware Doctor 5.0, which the company rewrote from scratch, received some negative commentary. CNET's Download.com reviews, justifies the 3-star rating by saying, "in our trial scans, Spyware Doctor repeatedly flagged several dozen harmless cookies as potential threats, more than any other antispyware product we tested. We were also unable to learn more about each threat or why Spyware Doctor flagged each."
References
- ^ Spyware Doctor Full Version Information
- ^ McMillan, Robert. "Antivirus software now a subscription situation", Computerworld , November 21, 2006
- ^ Savage, Jesse. "Google Pack cures the PC blues", Official Google Blog , March 27, 2007
- ^ http://windowssecrets.com/support-alert/2008/02/21/12-Spyware-Doctor-Starter-Edition-has-smaller-signature-database
- ^ http://www.pctools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54885 Reply from PC Tools Forum Moderator
- ^ Naraine, Ryan. "PC Tools Spyware Doctor 5.0 Review", PC World , August 21, 2007
- ^ Rubenking, Neil. "Weeding out the spys - Editors' Choice: Spyware Doctor 3.2", PC Magazine', June 19, 2005
- ^ Rubenking, Neil. "Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.5 - Editors' Choice Review", PC Magazine', January 22, 2008
- ^ Vamosi, Robert. "Nettlesome glitches sink Spyware Doctor 5", CNN', March 29, 2007
External links
- Official Spyware Doctor website
- PCWorld.com "Best Vista Antispyware", PC World , August 21, 2007.
- Rubenking, Neil J. "You Need Antispyware - Spyware Doctor 4.0", PC Magazine , July 20, 2006.
- Rebbapragada, Narasu. "Spyware Doctor Review"
The best spyware removal software programs for Windows
AwareSucks.net Review of NoAdware "NoAdware is definitely the best spyware & adware removal software that we have tested. It scored a 5 out of 5 in our thoroughness, false-positive ...
PrivacyAnywhere Software - Spyware Removal, Privacy Defender and ...
Buy best Privacy Guard. Your privacy will be strongly protected with Privacy Guard named as Evidence Sweeper! Download Spyware Removal Software!
Best Spyware Removal Software - How To Remove Spyware - Reviews
Learn how to remove & delete 99% of spyware from your PC using the best spyware removal software on the market. Read our numerous spyware related articles to help protect your PC ...
Spyware Removal Software
Free Spyware Removal Software available for download. Read reviews, compare features and download free spyware removers including The Shield, Spy Sweeper and Spyware Doctor.
Adwaresucks.net - Spyware and Adware removal help
AwareSucks.net Review of NoAdware "NoAdware is definitely the best spyware & adware removal software that we have tested. It scored a 5 out of 5 in our thoroughness, false-positive ...
Best Spyware Removal Tools
We have reviewed many of the best spyware removal tools available online. ... Alert Spy is a very basic spyware scan and remove software. Reviewed by John
Best Spyware Removal | Download Spyware Software
Looking For The Best Spyware Removal? On this website we give the very top best spyware removal programs anywhere. We've written program reviews so you won't have to lose your ...
What is the Best Spyware Removal Software? - Remove Spyware For Good
No Holds Barred Review of the Best Spyware Removal Software on the Market Today - Plus Spyware Removal Guides for Rogue Progams and Fake Security Alert Popups...
Best Spyware Software | Best Rated Spyware | Free Spyware and Malware ...
Best Rated Spyware - how do i get rid of spyware. info on ... Best Spyware Software And The Best Rated Spyware Info! ... Anti Spyware Removal Spyware Detectors Adware Spyware ...
Top 5 Spyware Adware Removal Software - XoftSpySE Review
Last Update: Which Software Removed all Spyware Adware The Most Effectively & Quickly?