PC World has recently updated their top anti-spyware applications.  PC Tools PC Doctor 5.0 comes out on top with a very impressive 95 rating.  PC Doctor 5.0 will set you back $30 but a starter version is available from Google in the Google Pack.  I've tried the starter version of PC Doctor and found it easy to use but no different than the other anti-spyware free-ware options. 

Windows Defender 1.1 was the top free application but scored poorly in the tests.  Windows Defender scored best in detecting Behavior-based protection.  Paul Thurrott is a big supporter of Windows Defender.  I wouldn't go so far as to say Defender is the best anti-spyware app out there, but it is an older review.  I recommend installing defender if you do not have an anti-spyware app on your PC, but, you should also use another anti-spyware app like Ad-Aware or Spybot Search & Destroy, both of which are free.

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