PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus

PC Tools’ Spyware Doctor has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best commercial anti-spyware products for your PC. This latest version follows a trend first spotted in the latest version of arch rival Webroot’s Spy Sweeper, which is to offer fully integrated anti-virus software alongside the anti-spyware program, so you can clear your computer of all kinds of malicious software with one simple scan.

Features
PC Tools has chosen to create its anti-virus software using its own definitions, rather than joining forces with an existing virus-buster. This is something of a double-edged sword – although it gives PC Tools total control of its virus protection, it arguably puts the product a step or two behind the rest of the anti-virus industry in terms of virus-catching experience. The virus and spyware elements are integrated seamlessly, so a single scan is all you need to check your computer for malicious software. Regular scans are easy to set up – both quick scans for daily checks and fuller scans for a weekly blast through your entire system – and there’s a feature called OnGuard that tries to spot suspicious behaviour while it’s happening.

Performance
While Spyware Doctor’s ability to catch spyware is excellent, its record on standard viruses is unproven. It’s not a vast leap of faith to assume that these spyware experts ought to be able to get up to speed on viruses quickly, as there’s a clear correlation between virus catching and spyware blocking. However, at the time of writing, only one of the usual third-party testing companies had put PC Tools’ anti-virus element through its paces, so there’s minimal independently published history of its ability to protect.

Although this can never be used as a guarantee for future performance, it’s been a very reliable guide in the past – but it’s only a matter of time before the software gets fully tested. For this reason, its current status carries an element of risk and, if you’re not sure you want to put your faith in this relatively unproven virus protection but still want the excellent anti-spyware, the software’s also available without anti-virus for £19.95.

Ease of use
The interface has been kept to a minimum and it’s genuinely simple to configure and use. The default settings appeared sensible, with the detection of rootkits being the only setting that was turned off.

We’d probably advise turning it on – the program provides the option of setting up a restore point which should allay any fears of complications, such as blocking something like a cookie or other file that you suddenly realise you’d rather have kept.

You can also run a program that will scan your files and create a report that you can send directly to PC Tools’ technical support people, a bit like a Hijack This log.

Value for money
PC Tools has significantly undercut its rivals in the pricing stakes, offering great value for money to confident users who don’t want or need technical support on the telephone. Then again, you could argue that such people might be better equipped to get by with one of the free anti-spyware offerings and saving the £30 altogether. For the less confident, tech support is available but it’s done via email and chat software rather than the telephone access offered by other products.