Thanks to everyone for the comments. Yes, I have chosen AdvanceCare Personal, and this is why I have posted the original posting.

I can also add to the antispyware/etc list:

SpywareBlaster: http://javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Myself, I am using Spybot S&D, SpywareBlaster, now - Advanced WindowsCare Personal (just to conclude the picture: Sygate Personal Firewall and ClamAV antivirus).

Also free (including the AntiSpyware updates) is

Advanced WindowsCare Personal http://www.iobit.com/AdvancedWindowsCarePersonal/index.html

You may find that this is an adequate (and updatable) replacement for the Professional version that you had.

According to information links on this site they are open to terms beyond the usual but whether or not to allow updates is up to developers. You're right of course, an antispyware program becomes useless without regularly updated definitions but this site doesn't have control if the developer says no. That's why it's not a good idea for them to bother offering security programs even though people keep asking. Few think about the update question until it's pointed out, or they find out accidently like trying to update spyware definitions in Advanced Windows Care Pro.

Any of the following programs are free without restrictions on updated definitions.

Spybot Search & Destroy http://www.spybot.info/en/index.html
Super Antispyware Free Edition http://www.superantispyware.com/
Spyware Terminator http://www.spywareterminator.com/
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

I think that is already stated that the program does not include updates or technical support.

Hi,

All hail GaotD, thanks for your good work.

A suggestion: when you pick an application that has updatable resources (antispyware etc), perhaps the wiser way is NOT to prohibit updates?

Example: Advanced WindowsCare. Its core service is protection against malware - the list of malware grows constantly. However, when I tried to update the program's database, I was told my license has expired and I should buy 'real' version.

In this and similar cases, the restriction on updating resources nullifies the value of the gift.

Thanks again and all the best.