Ease of Setup/Use:
We were able to download and install Spyware Doctor with ease. Once installed, the program walks you through a step-by-step installation guide. The instructions only take about two minutes to complete.
Spyware Doctor has a very good user interface, and it is easy to find options and settings. The notifications come up in a way quite similar to that used by MSN Messenger.
Spyware Doctor is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. That is one reason why it won the People's Choice Award in 2005 and 2006. It is automatically configured out of the box to give you optimal protection with limited interaction so all you need to do is install it for immediate and ongoing protection.
Features:
Spyware Doctor comes with some basic customization tools, including Run on Startup and Quick Scan/Full Scan, but felt that it could have included many more, like a memory scan or scan the hard drive only.
Spyware Doctor offers many good features. In addition to the expected spyware scanning, there's a host of system immunization and real-time monitoring features available in the OnGuard section. Spyware Doctor also now has a powerful scheduler that allows you to automate full system scans, quick scans, and even its live program updates.
When enabled the OnGuard will monitor different parts of the system and inform the user of any change, or block changes if needed. The OnGuard list includes Cookie Guard, Startup Guard, Browser, Immunizer, Keylogger, Network Guard, Popup Blocker, Process Guard, and Site Guard.
The cookies control is an interesting feature, and it constantly monitors the data folders used by the main browsers, removing cookie files. But I find it interesting that people want to remove these text files from their computers. Most websites rely on using these files to manage shopping carts for example, or automatic login. I actually turned this feature off, otherwise I could complete a purchase on a software store.
On the Browser Guard settings users can check a list of Browser Helper Object (BHO), programs that add functionality to web browser, and sometimes vectors of malware software. Spyware Doctor highlights the possible spyware on the list and the user can, as an option, unregister any unwanted program from the list.
I did try to install some programs and toolbars and the Spyware Doctor prevented this to happen, or found and successfully cleaned up the files from my test system during a manual scan.
Some users will be safe enough with this software, while others may want to add it to the collection of security tools in use. I think this software fits well in both situations.
Help/Support:
PC Tools offers a few different support options for Spyware Doctor including a built-in help application, email support and a FAQs page on their website.
Refund Policy:
This product comes with a full 30 days guarantee. If it's not suitable, you can get a full refund.
Summary:
We found Spyware Doctor extremely effective at rooting out spyware. It program detected most of the spyware and adware we used to challenge the program. It is intuitive and easy to use, and all of its features are clearly labeled and accessible.
Spyware Doctor is the most aggressive anti spyware programs we've tested, it offers very good value for money and we whole-heartedly recommend it to you. If you buy it you will not be disappointed. |
