PC Tools' Spyware Doctor is a product that likes to keep its changes away from your eyes. Since we met the program last, its interface has remained pretty much intact, and the main idea - that it can be left to sort out your spyware worries without you having to do much - is a principle it's keen to adhere to.

It's a fairly quick program to install and, tellingly, the box comes with a registration code stuck inside. Fail to input this and the program will alert you to the fact quickly enough, reminding you that you don't qualify for full product updates until it's activated. Furthermore, on the opening screen you get a system status alert reminding you to activate. The program also asks you your name and e-mail address as part of the process, sadly.

Still, once you're over these hurdles, it's a quick and effective anti-spyware tool, without too heavy a system footprint. We kicked off by doing a full system scan and this came in at just over seven minutes in total, in which time it scanned through just short of 150,000 files.

Get the latest Dell Coupons and other computer coupons at CheapStingyBargains.com.

Our computer had no spyware on it, although in further tests on different machines, we did manage to find plenty, which Spyware Doctor was only to happy to eliminate. It also, crucially, features on-the-fly spyware combating, and this is surely a modern day requirement for such a piece of software. Traditionally, it was okay to simply run a scan every now and then, but given the virulent nature of modern day spyware, that simply isn't enough.

Spyware Doctor uses two further tools to keep your PC safe, once the scanning is done. Firstly, there's the Computer Immunisation which, as the name indicates, will keep any known nasties at bay before they've had a chance to settle in (that's, of course, assuming that they're known to the program in the first place, but it seems to have a comprehensive list of suspects).

The second is the Intelliguard, and this gives you quite comprehensive cover through a series of individual 'guards'. These include browser guard, cookie guard, keylogger guard and process guard, and these - with the others - can be individually customised or turned off entirely. And for us, it's the peace of mind and efficiency of these guards that are the highlight of the program.

We enabled them all and went off on some shadier than usual Internet travels (it also gave us an excuse, should the boss come asking), and found Spyware Doctor a handy to friend to have. It kept out of our way but subtly kept foes at bay, only bothering us when it absolutely had to. We liked the fact that it picked suitable defaults out of the box, and while this is frustrating for those who like to get under the bonnet, it's nonetheless a good idea for the product's target market.

Against tough competition and more comprehensive tools, Spyware Doctor may struggle to garner much of a niche in the market, and may not enjoy quite the popularity it once did. But don't overlook it. This is fine software, easy to use and good at its job. Good value, too.

Buy Direct from The PC Tools Website

A good, solid soldier to have on your side in the fight against spyware, even if a more comprehensive Internet security suite may work out as better value. Buy Direct from The PC Tools Website