This latest version of PC Tools’ Spyware Doctor makes removing spyware a cinch thanks to an easy-to-use interface and choice of different scans.

You can choose from a quick scan, full system scan or a custom scan. We tried the full system scan and were surprised how fast it was – taking just over five minutes on our review machine. For everyday checks the ‘quick scan’ option is lightning fast too.

Once the scan is done, you’re provided with an easy-to-understand list of results showing the file or registry location, level of threat and a detailed description of the threat. Luckily it only picked up some low-level cookies on our machine, and these soon met a messy end using the “Fix checked” button.

Despite not having a number of advanced features enabled in this free version of Spyware Doctor 3.2 [real-time protection, pop-up blocker, browser monitor, keylogger guard and a scheduler], we think that the spyware detection tool is a gem on its own.

• Click here to download it.