PC Tools Spyware Doctor 2009 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Positive points regarding Spyware Doctor.
This software removed extra spyware that CA securities, adware, and Spybot missed. It actually found a good amount of additional spyware.
The software was easy to load and operate.
The spyware detection runs through its cycle relatively fast.
Negative points
The option to use active protection causes conflicts and near crashes apparently.
At different times at least 50% of my processing power was being dedicated to running the software.
I have a modern up-to-date computer with Intel dual processors 2.5 gigs of RAM. Therefore the computer should easily be able to run this software without bogging down.
Overall I like the idea of removing extra spyware I just wish the program was fully functional and could prevent spyware form entering my system.


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PC Tools Spyware Doctor is award-winning and trusted protection against unwanted spyware, malware and other privacy threats. Protect yourself with the best. (3 User)

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PC Tools Spyware Doctor 2007 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have used Spyware Doctor since version 3 -- almost three years now. I liked the interface and simplicity -- and the power. But as others have pointed out, including industry reviews, version 4.x was a HUGE drain on system resources. My PC's would take anywhere from 5-9 minutes to completely boot up, with Spyware Doctor using almost 100% CPU the whole time. Also, my computers would frequently "freeze," which turned out to be Spyware Doctor randomly zooming to 95-100% CPU for no reason at all.
But with version 5, things are so much worse. About 3 weeks ago, my PC's lost their ability to connect to the Internet. Browsing slowed to a crawl, with frequent timeouts and "server not found". I spent days on the phone with my cable company, and my router's manufacturer, trying to troubleshoot. I re-configured my entire home network over and over. I never made the connection between the onset of problems and my updating to SD5. It was only after finding the PCTools support forums that I realized the problem was Spyware Doctor.
I removed the program from my PC's -- and the problems were gone. I had full Internet connection and full speed again.
Spyware Doctor 5 is causing massive problems for users. PCTools rewrote the program from the ground up, the company says, to improve the resource drain caused by version 4. But apparently it was rushed to market even though beta testers reported many of these same problems for weeks.
I've uninstalled this software and am basically wasting my subscription and losing money. Other users are right -- PCTools does indeed "auto-renew" and charge your credit card without warning. This is a huge red flag. I lost hours, DAYS, dealing with the problems caused by this program. Many users have had to reinstall Windows completely.
It's easy to get caught up in the hyperbole and negative reviews. But don't just take these at face value -- read the Spyware Doctor forum at PCTools' website. These problems are real. And it doesn't look like they're going to be addressable anytime soon. They've issued a couple of version updates, even removed several of the program's protection "Guards", but these haven't fixed the problems. And they're not giving any kind of timeline or explanations to users.
My advice -- stay away for now. But keep up with the forums at PCTools' website. When they finally get the issues resolved, this should be a really strong spyware program.
* PCTools has also been criticized for offering a "Free spyware scan" on their website (actually a download of SD), which will find spyware on your system but refuse to remove it until you buy a subscription to Spyware Doctor. This kind of sleazy bullying isn't normally characteristic of reputable companies -- most will give you an actual free trial with functioning software.

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PC Tools Spyware Doctor is the award-winning and trusted protection against unwanted spyware and other privacy threats.Protect yourself with the best.

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PC Tools Spyware Doctor + Antivirus 2009 Version 6.0 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased Spy Doctor after having discovered my browser was hijacked, that is, when I use it, a new copy pops up with unwanted ads. I ran Spy doctor, but it did not remove the problem. I emailed tech support, and they sent me some explicit instructions, including building a log and sending it to them. I did so. Finally they sent me an email saying my complaint was "closed" and that the problem had been referred to their research group. That was 2 months ago, and they will not respond back and have not fixed the problem. Basically I wasted the purchase price, because I bought it to solve this problem. I don't fault them for not having an immediate fix, but quitting on the problem? Wow!

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PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus protects up to 3 PCs against spyware and other privacy threats through scanning, detection, blocking and removal. (3 User)

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Pc Tools Spyware Doctor/Antivirus 2011 - 1 User/3 Pc Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been a customer of this product for over a year now and was completely
satisfied until I upgraded to the 2011 version 8.0.0.623. When I upgraded my
computer went downhill fast. My browsers started becoming sluggish and going to
not responding. Other programs would go unresponsive as well causing my system
to hang numerous times. My sleep mode would constantly be interrupted due to
slow responses of servicing hardware. I could not update my browsers or other
software when needed without getting download errors and when it did download
and I had to restart my computer it would not shutdown properly. I have had to
use the power button numerous times just to shut down my system and restart.
When Spyware Doctor would update automatically and the notification message
would appear my product had been updated the message would not go away. When I
clicked on the message it would hang up my system. I tried updating manually but
when I did it would give me error messages and cause another system hang up.
Thinking I had a virus on my system I contacted HP and had them scan my computer
with there intensive scanner for virus, worms, Trojans spyware and malware and
etc. HP did not find anything but however they did notice that Spyware Doctor was
eating my system resources alive. Now I have no run of the mill computer. I have
a Intel Quad Core processor at 3.00Ghz with 16 Gigs of memory. I am no gamer and
I do not have any software installed except for what I need to do my office work
at home. I am a retired computer programmer and analyst from Duke Med Center so
I know computers. HP suggested I uninstall this product and that was a
nightmare. When I thought I had uninstalled this product and went to restart my
system to complete the uninstall process it locked up my system. After shutting
down my computer with the power button and rebooted I could not access Windows.
I had to use my Repair Disk and do a system restore to get into Windows. I then
reinstalled this product and uninstalled it again and then it finally worked. I
then used CCLEANER to get rid of all the junk registry this product left behind.
I also noticed that after I uninstalled Spyware Doctor it left my hard disk 12%
fragmented which I had to defragment. I then wrote a program to seek out and
delete any files left linked to your product. I have installed Norton Internet
Security 2011 and I am more than happy now. Norton uses very little system
resources and gives me complete protection and peace of mind. My computer is now
running better and faster than it ever has without your Spyware Doctor
installed. Your product needs to go back to the developers. I would suggest that
this company needs to read the reviews about this product at CNET, PC Mag and
other notable computer sites and you will be surprised how much trouble this
product is causing. I have stopped my automatic renewal of this product and
asked for a refund because this product has caused me so much trouble. Spyware Doctor
acts like a virus that it is suppose to protect my system from. Stay away from this software.


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Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus delivers powerful antivirus and antispyware protection without slowing down your PC. Defends your PC against malware attacks with multiple techniques using proactive, reactive and automated protection to stop threats at every entry point. State Awareness Modes intuitively detect how you are using your PC and adjust to minimize performance impact and reduce interruptions. Integrates ThreatFire Behavioral Intelligence to block new threats faster than traditional signature methods and utilizes multilayered browsing protection to secure your PC against web-based attacks, including phishing attempts, rogueware scare tactics and silent drive-by downloads. Uses reactive blacklists and proactive dynamic content analysis. Includes 24/7 phone, web and email support during your subscription period.
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus delivers powerful antivirus and antispyware protection without slowing down your PC.

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Webroot Spy Sweeper - Windows Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This version of Spysweeper is somewhat improved over version 5.X. In particular, the availability of a "no extra charge" firewall, i.e., the Webroot Desktop Firewall, is a nice advance. It means that the chances of incompatibility between your anti-malware, anti-virus, and software firewall are now significantly reduced.
As noted in my earlier review of version 5.x, Spysweeper was one of the first quality anti-malware programs available. Although there are now a number of free products with similar or, arguably, enhanced capabilities. So an important question is how does this version stack up.
The software has not changed greatly. The interface is essentially identical. Full sweeps are still quite long, even on a quad core system with four gigabytes of RAM. Although one reviewer for an earlier version mentioned sweeps completed in 5-6 minutes, I've never had sweep times even approach those results for the earlier version or this later one. With this version my sweep times have been reduced below an hour, while they exceeded an hour with the earlier 5.X version. It's uncertain if inherent sweep speed has actually gone down or not, as my CPU, memory, and disk speeds are better than with the original system. Of course, it's also not clear if the relatively long sweep times are due to thoroughness or to inefficient algorithm designs. Faster sweeps can be achieved using the "quick sweep" option. However, if you're going to check you system for malware, it seems a "full sweep" is most appropriate.
Spysweeper continues to have implementation deficiencies. It still specifies the number of cookies it finds. However, unless it determines a cookie is a problem, e.g., a tracking cookie, it provides no further information. A clearly better approach would be for Spysweeper to list all cookies it finds with their location and allow users to decide which, if any, cookies to keep. However, Spysweeper has not advanced in this area from their previous versions.
Some of my disappointment with Spysweeper relates to the company's intrusive sales "nags" after purchase, while making it difficult to avoid or eliminate them. For example, when you select "Check for Updates" manually from the Spysweeper "Home" page, your browser is opened and you are taken to one of the company's web pages (nag screens) -- even if your product is up-to-date. There you'll find the option to add (buy) "Webroot Internet Security Essentials". This is an unnecessary, and time-wasting annoyance. Other competitor's products, some available for free, simply download program updates automatically if needed, without requiring your browser to be opened, and presenting you with nag ads each time you request a manual update. Spysweeper should certainly consider removing this "feature" in the near future.
During a Spysweeper installation, Spysweeper may not be the only software you will be installing. The default during the Spysweeper installation process is to also install the "Ask" search bar in your browser without requiring your specific approval. If you are not alert this will be done automatically. Clearly an "op-in" for a possibly undesired feature would be more appropriate than Webroot's "op-out" requirement. As the Ask toolbar is available for free download from Ask at anytime, the current default installation is not a service to Webroot customers. If you do not want the Ask toolbar added to your browser, carefully check your options as you install Spysweeper
Spysweeper is still a quite competent product, at least at the time of this review, although with some technical issues. However, in rating it I considered not only its technical features, but also how user-friendly I felt it was for a purchased product. In this comparison, Spysweeper's unnecessary sales pitch each time you manually check for an update, and its ill-advised tactic of opting you in for the installation of a browser toolbar without your explicit approval, were significant negatives. Hopefully, the decrease in user friendliness from early versions will not continue, but the future may prove otherwise. The value difference and user-friendliness between Spysweeper and free competitors appears to be diminishing.


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The #1 best-selling protection against spyware.Spyware is not just a threat to personal privacy it s also a leading cause of fraud and identity theft. Webroot® Spy Sweeper® gives you 360 degrees of protection. Powerful Smart Shields block known and emerging threats to ensure that your system and personal information remains safe as you browse the Internet. If your PC is already infected Webroot s advanced discovery methods will find and destroy malicious spyware hiding within your system including spyware that hides using advanced rootkit technology. With multiple awards and millions of users Webroot Spy Sweeper is the best-selling and most effective antispyware protection on the market. Award-winning technology trusted by over 7 million customers FREE U.S.-based phone support Smart Shields stop spyware before it attacks Automatic daily defense updates ensure safety from the latest threats Gamer Mode provides continuous protection without interrupting games and movies Compatible with Windows® XP and Vista® 64-bit SP1 operating systemsSystem Requirements:Windows 2000 Vista (32 bit versions of Home Basic Premium Business or Ultimate) or XP (32 bit versions of Professional Home Media Center or XP Tablet)300 Mhz processor100 MB hard drive space256 MB RAMInternet Explorer 5.5 or higher or FireFox 2.0 or higher for connecting to the Webroot web site.Download Size: 12.4 MBFormat: WIN XPVISTA Genre:UTILITIES Age:667208434107 UPC:667208434107 Manufacturer No:43410

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