Spyware Doctor has been around for years, keeping PCs safe from browser hijackers, adware, keyloggers and more. But recently PC Tools have taken the program even further by adding a powerful antivirus engine, ensuring it can handle the full range of threats that you might find online. If you need a version without the antivirus module, we also have the full and current Spyware Doctor 6 Starter Edition available to download.

The protection starts with an on-demand scanning system that can examine your PC whenever you like. By default this will run an Intelli-Scan, which allows the program to examine running applications, startup files and other locations where infections are commonly found. It's a good start, and runs surprisingly quickly, taking only around five minutes to complete on our test PC.

It's also possible to run the more thorough Full Scan, though, or you might choose the Custom Scan to search specific locations only. These can take much longer, but there's always the Scheduler, which can be set up to run scans automatically when you're not around. You could set up the Scheduler to perform a full system scan at the end of every working week or weekend.

With the Starter Edition, you also get basic real-time protection against malware through a feature called OnGuard. There's a File Guard, for instance, that monitors your PC constantly and prevents any malicious files from being accessed. This includes attempts to open unsafe attachments in Outlook and other email clients. The program also includes Immunizer Guard, a module that blocks known dangerous ActiveX-based threats from running on your PC.

Best of all, though, the Starter Edition will never expire. PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Starter Edition 5.5 isn't going to die after three months, and then remind you it needs a new subscription to start working again. It's entirely free, updates too, and so you can go on using it for just as long as you need, along with free definition updates.

Note that PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.5 Starter Edition is exclusively licensed for download from vnunet.com. This is not freeware.

We also have the newer and more up-to-date Spyware Doctor 6 Starter Edition available to download for people who want the version without antivirus module.

Upgrade Offer – get 30% off the commercial Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.5

Move to the regular commercial edition of PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus and you'll gain an extensive range of real-time protection features. Like Browser Guard, which prevents malware from changing your favourites, toolbars, add-ons and more. Network Guard stops threats from hijacking your network connection, Process Guard blocks malicious hidden processes like rootkits, and Cookie Guard deletes tracking cookies automatically. Subscription prices start at £39.95 but, as a Starter Edition user, you can upgrade and save 30% from the standard retail price. Either upgrade within the software or, if you do not want to install the Starter Edition, simply click here to the upgrade page directly to purchase at 30% off the retail price. You can also get 30% off other PC Tools software, such as Registry Mechanic 8, on the same page.