Spyware Doctor removes and provides real-time protection against just about any threat you can think of including spyware, adware, trojan horses, keyloggers, browser hijackers, phishing attacks and other malware threats. For Internet Explorer users, it also provides a built-in popup blocker and malicious site guard.

Scanning is quick and covers many areas of your PC including Windows registry, file system, processes and tasks, browser, network configuration and cookies. Since the scan is pretty quick, the most effective way to use it is to install it for use on Windows startup to ensure that your system is clean before every use. However, this will make your boot-up time longer and can sometimes be frustrating as you wait for Spyware Doctor to report that there's nothing new to remove since yesterday anyway. You may also find that it conflicts with other anti-virus or anti-spyware programs and you may be prompted to remove them or find that they have been effectively disabled by Spyware Doctor.

It's also important to ensure that Spyware Doctor has constant access to the internet as it is updated daily with the latest threats. However, these threats can sometimes be exaggerated out of proportion such as in the case of keyloggers which Spyware Doctor may warn you is a high threat but in reality, is benign.

Download Spyware Doctor 6.0.0.385 in Softonic

Malware Defender is what is known as an HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System) which basically means it protects you from all kinds of malware and spyware that may try to hijack your system.

The key advantage of Malware Defender, however, is that it is very low on resources despite featuring a realtime protection system, process manager, kernel module manager, hooks detector, autostart application manager, file explorer and a registry Editor. Combined, these protect your from viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, keyloggers and rootkits.

Malware Detector doesn't seem to be the most intuitive program to use. The reason it is so lightweight is that it's very stripped down, meaning that the results are reduced to nothing more than a crude list of its functions and status. It does however run incredibly discreetly which makes you wonder whether it's really having an effect but it seems to pick up everything that Adaware, etc. finds.

Malware Detector is probably not a great starting app for beginners but if you need a lightweight malware scanner, it's a decent option as long as you know what you're doing.

Download Malware Defender 1.1.2 in Softonic

Anti-Trojan Elite (ATE) is a malware remover. Malware is software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a trojan horse, spyware or a keylogger. Anti Trojan Elite contains a real-time Firewall, monitors system processes and cleans any malware immediately. It is also a system security tool, allowing you to view and control processes and TCP/IP network connections.

Anti Trojan Elite is a trojan/keylogger remover. When the trojan horse will run, Anti Trojan Elite can find out the trojan and stop it in time. Anti Trojan Elite is also a system security tool, it can view the informations of network and process. Anti Trojan Elite can monitor any change of important registry keys and values.

Download Anti Trojan Elite 4.1.3 in Softonic

Don't fall prey to keyloggers and snooping software that records your activities. Privacy Shield provides firewall-like protection for your keyboard, screen and open windows. You'll know right away and in real-time if anyone tries to spy on you. The application protects you at the lowest level of Windows XP and detects all known and unknown threats. Lengthy and unreliable file scans are a thing of the past with this exciting product. Try it free for 15 days and you won't be disappointed.

Download Privacy Shield 3.0.79 in Softonic

RemoveAny is a lightweight and simple anti-spyware utility that helps to ridentify dangerous processes on your PC.

If spyware or malware gets rooted on your system, then it can be an absolute nightmare to get it off. Some applications can do more damage than good while others don't seem to have any noticeable effect whatsoever. RemoveAny anti-spyware is not exactly a heavy duty solution but it can pick up malware pretty quickly and will delete it immediately. The program is extremely lightweight and is completely free to use. It works in real time monitoring executable files, drivers, modules and processes as well as displaying additional information about executables. When you start your PC, RemoveAny shows users what processes have started on their PC by seperating modules into three groups - suspicious, unknown and trusted. If you see suspicious modules or processes, you should not immediately delete those files. To decide whether the file is really suspicious or not, it's useful to do a Google search to find out what exactly it is but be careful what you remove!

Although it doesn't identify what each process does, for those in the know, RemoveAny will instantly alert you to illegal or strange processes on your system.

Download RemoveAny 2.13 in Softonic

When it comes to securing your PC nothing is enough. All right, you've already installed an antivirus tool, a firewall and a antispyware solution, but if you still feel unprotected, then maybe this app is for you.

Comodo BOClean is a security tool that prevents any kind of malware from infecting your computer. This includes Trojan horses, keyloggers, rootkits, hijackers and other nasty creatures. The program stays out of sight most of the time, asking for user intervention only in case it detects any threat.

Comod BOClean features pretty self-explanatory configuration settings. On the downside, it doesn't include the option to analyze the system in search of any malware that could have already infected your PC.

Download Comodo BOClean 4.27 in Softonic

While the developers claim that "Free 100% Real-Time Protection" is something that most similar programs charge for may be stretching the truth somewhat, Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard is very powerful spyware solution.

The program includes all the options you expect to find in such a product including options to manually carry out or schedule scans as well as options to deny or allow access to certain programs to your PC. The program is not just a spyware scanner however as it also includes an antivirus scanner. The developers have also seen fit to include a "Web Security Guard" which carries out the the job that most anti-phishing and pop up blockers in Internet Explorer and Firefox already carry out. This feature also features user generated website reviews along with warnings as to whether the site could be potentially harmful or not. Note that the developers warn that if you are using an unsupported operating system (such as Windows 98 or ME), you it may be better to use version 1.9 which offers the same protection but is much lighter on resources as the one drawback of this program is that it is rather slow to start and close and can hog your memory at peak scanning periods.

This is a comprehensive security solution that has all avenues of attack covered although if you're already using a virus scanner, you may be better to stick with it as it seems the weakest part of what is generally an excellent package.

Download Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard 2.2.3.444 in Softonic

Kaspersky® Internet Security 7.0 provides you with the same proven anti-virus protection as Kaspersky Anti-Virus together with additional features including Parental Control, a personal firewall, an anti-spam filter, Privacy Control and more.

Product Highlights

• Integrated protection from all Internet threats
• Integrated antivirus protection: 1) Hourly automated database updates, 2) Preliminary behavior analysis, 3) On-going behavior analysis. New!
• Real-time scanning for email, Internet traffic and files
• Personal firewall with an IDS / IPS system. Improved!
• Protection from leaks of confidential data. New!
• Parental Control. New!
• Protection from spam and phishing
• Automatic database updates

Additional Features

• Protection from viruses, Trojans and worms
• Protection from spyware and adware
• Protection from all types of keyloggers. Improved!
• Detection of all types of rootkits. Improved!
• Protection from viruses when using ICQ and other IM clients
• Rollback of malicious changes on your PC
• Self-defense of the antivirus program from being disabled or stopped
• Tools for creating a Rescue Disk
• Free technical support

Download Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 8.0.0.357 in Softonic

PC Tools Firewall Plus sits between your computer and your Internet connection, controlling both downloading and uploading traffic and warning you whenever it detects unexpected Internet access or traffic in either direction.

This firewall is surprisingly easy to use; you can start right away, without having to configure anything, something that beginners will be grateful for. These novice users will also be happy to see that the basic functionality of PC Tools Firewall Plus can be tweaked in terms of approved or blocked programs, in the Applications area. However, if you prefer to have more control over the program, you can always use the Advanced Rules section. There's also the possibility to switch between Normal user and Expert user, either during installation or in the program's configuration menu. In this way advanced users will get more detailed messages from the firewall and will also be able to tweak it further.

The program logs all network activities, as well as the number of packets and bytes blocked. But there's one thing I missed: the possibility of having several security levels (like in ZoneAlarm, for example) with which you can quickly change the program's settings.

All the functions in PC Tools Firewall Plus are easily accessible in the firewall's eye-catching interface, just by clicking on their correspondent buttons on the left side. The main window features direct access buttons to the most important areas in the program as well.

With PC Tools Firewall Plus both novice and advanced users can effectively protect their computers by choosing which apps should access the Internet and also blocking any unauthorized attemps to break into your PC.

Download PC Tools Firewall Plus 4.0.0.35 in Softonic

In the never ending battle against spyware and adware that infects Windows with alarming regularity, Spy Emergency is a comprehensive security option.

This program claims to cover just about anything - malware, spam, spyware, adware, virus, trojans, worms, homepage hijackers and much much more. In other words, it's just about the most all-round solution you can find for attacks and other nasties that try to attach themselves to your system. The program follows the regular format of most anti-spyware software but doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary options and dials. Clicking the "Start" button initiates scans and at the completion of a scan, you're asked to review the results and decide which items you want to remove. Items are ranked in order of potential threat so you can see at a glance which ones pose the biggest threat. Another plus to this system is that unlike many spyware checkers, it's remarkably light on system resources which makes it a good option for those on older machines.

Although I'm not convinced it's removing everything it should, it's still a very comprehensive product that has all possible angles of attack covered.

Download Spy Emergency 2008 5.0.305.0 in Softonic

The battle against trojans and spyware is a constantly ongoing one but there's no need to spend big money on expensive solutions.

a-Squared is a free anti-spyware/anti-malware scanner that can pick up just about anything that's illegally installed itself on your system. It frees your PC from malware after a simple and fairly quick scan to improve your PC performance and reduce any performance or internet related problems. However, this is one program that does so with caution which is a refreshing change. Instead of just wiping anything off your system, it places those components that are critical to system performance in quarantine meaning that there is less chance of your system becoming unstable after a scan. The program is regularly updated although unfortunately not automatically - you have to instruct it to perform an online update at periodic intervals. The program has clearly been designed with beginners in mind - there are no complicated scanning functions or strange components to deal with. It reminds me somewhat of CCleaner and in a way, performs a similar job but with a focus on malware instead of temporary files.

An extremely simple and affective malware scanner, it should pick up any illegal software that's attached it self onto your system in a safe and secure way.

Download a-squared (a²) Free 3.5.0.25 in Softonic

SpyRemover detects and removes more than 34,600 types (more than 47,800 items and variants) of intrusive devices such as spyware, adware, hijackers, keyloggers, Trojans, tracking devices, hacker tools, and other spy devices on your PC. This spyware remover is powerful and easy to use.

Features of the utility:

• Detects and removes all types of intrusive devices such as spyware, adware, hijackers, keyloggers, Trojans, tracking devices, hacker tools and others
• Powerful, yet easy-to-use for even the casual PC user
• Offers the most comprehensive spyware definition database
• Built-in auto-updating engine makes updating of the database easy
• Real time protection automatically monitors PC for unwanted spyware
• Enhanced detection and removal engine improves on the thoroughness, accuracy, speed, and efficiency of detecting and removing spyware
• A must-have tool for your Internet security

Download SpyRemover 3.02 in Softonic

Words such as "backdoor", "spyware" "worm", "rootkit" or "keylogger" have become increasingly common, and its not pleasant to realise that you have one on your computer. Mamutu (a combination of the words Malware and Mutu together) is designed to stop the malware from spreading.

In effect this is simply a process killer. Thanks to the easy to use interface you can see what processes are running on your system and close those that seem suspicious. In addition, Mamutu controls real-time worms, Trojan horses, spyware, backdoors, dialers and handling programs and so on. The only obstacles are the need to register (you just need to give your email).

This is a useful choice for anyone concerned that their current malware protection system is not picking up harmful threats.

Download Emsisoft Mamutu 1.6.0.0 in Softonic

Ad-Aware is one of the most popular anti-spyware tools, with millions of downloads worldwide, and I bet this number will be increased with the release of Ad-Aware 2008.

Though the interface in itself hasn't changed that much, the new Ad-Aware 2008 includes a few interesting enhancements such as a noticeable improvement in stability and performance, which makes the program a lot lighter on system resources. The rootkit and threat detection tools have also been enhanced for a more efficient protection, together with an all new integrated anti-virus functionality.

Ad-Aware is very easy to install and use, especially if you've been using the previous version, because the program features a similar design. It's constantly updated with new definitions, so that you keep up with the latest online threats and also includes a system restoration point to help you recover your system from a virus or Trojan attack. I especially liked the fact that Ad-Aware supports multiple browsers, which enables you to manage web browsing traces and control your privacy online in Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera.

The program still keeps some functions as exclusive to the Pro and Plus versions (like the customizable scans or the real-time monitor) but still, Ad-Aware 2008 Free is a reliable, effective anti-malware tool that will keep your system safe and sound without disturbing your daily workflow.

Ad-Aware 2008 features an excellent package of security tools with which you can efficiently protect your PC from virus, Trojans, spyware and other undesirable elements.

Download Ad-Aware 2008 7.1.0.8 Free in Softonic

Free Online Armor detects and removes spyware, trojans and attacks Phishing threats. It works by studying the behaviour of programs running on your system and if it detects something suspicious, immediately blocks it from operating or warns you. The program then verifies this behaviour alongside its own database of threats to identify exactly what it is.

When Free Online Armor detects a potentially dangerous program it displays a warning message. However, it avoids overwhelming the user with a large number of alerts because on first use, it asks you to define a white list of safe programs. In addition to this basic function, Free Online Armor also includes a firewall and tools for detecting trojans, unauthorised executable files and protection for e-mail and browsing etc.

This is an all-in-one protection suite although don't be surprised if it doesn't detect all that it promises because it is free and as such, is not designed for those that need very high protection levels.

Download Online Armor Free 2.1.0.130 in Softonic

RoboForm2Go is a very convenient tool that not only takes care of all your login names and passwords for different sites, but also enables you to carry them around in your USB memory stick.

The program is installed in the USB memory device and then appears integrated as a toolbar in your web browser. From this moment on, every time you log into a given website, RoboForm2Go will offer you the possibility to save that information as a new entry in its database. Then, the next time you try to log into that website, a single click on the program's toolbar will be enough to get you through.

Besides the password management functionality, RoboForm2Go features a small notepad for private notes and a password generator. All the program's functions can be accessed either the aforementioned toolbar or a small icon in the system tray. As for security, there's no need to worry: the program uses the AES algorithm and a master password to protect all your stored data.

Despite being a really useful app, especially because you can take it with you anywhere, there are still some points I didn't like about RoboForm2Go. First, it's difficult to create new entries without visiting the actual website. I think it would have been much easier to let users add new entries on the fly, without having to visit every single webpage. Also, the password manager is quite limited, allowing you to create only one password at a time.

RoboForm2Go is a convenient, safe way to store all your passwords and have them with you at all times.

Download RoboForm2Go 6.9 in Softonic

We all know that spying on other people's activities is morally reprehensible. We won't judge your personal decision on this matter, but in case you need to know what's going on in your computer while you're away, you can use Family Keylogger.

This basic tool logs any keyboard input done on any Windows application, from a Word document to a Firefox Internet URL and saves it into a TXT file for later reviewing. The program doesn't actually record what apps you're using – that is, unless you write something on them.

Family Keylogger displays an icon on the system tray than can be conveniently hidden, so that nobody notices they're being observed. The program can be opened again with a customizable keyboard shortcut.

A basic logging app to keep track of all keyboard input on your system.

Download Family Keylogger 3.02 in Softonic

The best way to stop malware infecting your system is to catch it before it strikes. Yes, if George Bush has spyware or adware protection installed on his PC, you can bet it will be pre-emptive like STOPzilla. STOPzilla provides real-time protection, detects, blocks and removes spyware and adware, stops pop-ups, and erases cookies and history. It's constantly updated against the latest threats so you're guaranteed round the clock protection as long as you are connected to the net.

The thing I most appreciate about this program is that it's really easy to configure. The cartoon logo may give the impression that it's not a serious piece of software but it is actually very easy to use yet pretty solid. Although Firefox, and even IE, now have pretty good pop-up blockers, it's particularly effective in this area blocking almost everything that has not been assigned to your safe list.

STOPzilla is easy to use, powerful and requires little configuration - what more can you ask for from an anti-malware program.

Download STOPzilla 4.4.4.16 in Softonic

AVG Anti-Rootkit is a new program from the creators of AVG Antivirus that aims to get rid of pesky and stubborn rootkits. If you don't know what rootkits are, they're basically tools that come somewhere between viruses and Trojan horses. In effect, they leave your computer highly vulnerable to external attack

As you might expect from an AVG product, it's pretty simple and straightforward to use. In fact, it only has two main buttons - a general review (which runs much faster) or an in-depth examination of the drives you want (which is more through but takes longer). If there are any rootkits on your system, then this program will almost certainly get rid of them as it can find even the most hard to get NTFS-ADS objects. One nice touch is that the developers have included a special interface for visually impaired people that simplifies the process even further.

If you fear that your computer is vulnerable to external attack, and your anti virus has failed to help, then give AVG Anti-Rootkit a go and it will almost certainly reveal the culprit.

Download AVG Anti-Rootkit Free 1.1.0.42 in Softonic

Entering passwords and personal information on the web is a pain, not to say that it’s also very risky. Roboform is a password manager that will store sensitive data all in one place, protected by one master password. You’ll then be able to quickly access those passwords and notes every time you need them.

One of the first things you’ll have to do is set a master password. It’s very important to remember that password, because it allows you to unlock all the notes and information you store in Roboform. Make sure to set a secure password, because if anybody finds it out, they’ll have access to all the passwords you stored in Roboform. As an extra security feature, you can choose to have Roboform automatically log off after a certain amount of minutes or when you lock your workstation.

So how does Roboform work? The application, tucked into your system tray, can store web passwords, safe notes and identities. The first time you launch Roboform you should create multiple identities. Enter information like phone numbers, address, company, bank account details and Social Security Number. Once it’s all stored in Roboform, you’ll be able to fill in online forms in a click. We tested it out on a number of forms and were actually surprised at how well this function works.

When browsing the net, logins will probably be the item you use most. Every time you enter a user name and password for a website, Roboform will offer to store it. From then on, you won’t have to worry about entering those details when accessing the page, as Roboform will handle it automatically. To protect against phishing, Roboform will always compare a website url to the one corresponding to your password.

If you’re having troubles finding a proper password you can use the password generator found in tools. Not only can you choose the number and types of characters, but also exclude similar characters (like 1 and I or O and 0) or limit to hexadecimals. For any element you create, Roboform offers five known encryption algorithms to choose from for your entries: Blowfish, AES, RC6, 1DES and 3DES. We can only lament that the program does not explain the inherent differences between these algorithms. For most users we suggest AES or Blowfish, but all of these will prove decent cover.

Although you probably can’t beat Keychain for Mac, Roboform is by far the best password manager for PC. We appreciate how easy it is to add new passwords and form details, and instantly invoke theses elements every time you need them. Install Roboform on your PC and you’ll never have to enter your password or form details again.

Download RoboForm 6.9.82 in Softonic