So after hearing how great SuperAntiSpyware is I finally installed it for occasional

[ratchet]

scans, which is what I assumed you could only do with the free version. It looks like I was mistaken and it can also run and protect, not that I intend to do that with all my other apps. So other than auto updating, what is the difference between the free versus paid? Thank You!

[Toby75]

The Professional (paid) version offers real-time protection...the free version does not.

See here:
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

Hope this helps,
Toby

[the Tester]

If it runs real-time it's probably a trial of the pro version.
I have used the free version and it was always on-demand scanner only.

[SammyJack]

Unless you set it to do otherwise,the free version will start with Windows,
and the icon will appear in the tray.
I thank this has something to do with self protection to prevent malware from blocking the program start,in order to scan.
It does not mean that it offers detection.
It also runs a process.
I un-check start with Windows myself.

[JoeBlack40]

As the previous posters said,SAS free version is only an on demand scanner,even if you set it to start with windows...no real time protection,no automatic updates,etc...see the link from Toby75.(I have a lifetime subscription,and it worth every penny..)