- Quick specs
- Price:
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: August 27, 2008
- Total Downloads: 3,011,984
- Downloads last week: 7,760
- See full specifications
A newer version of PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 390 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
This novice-friendly freeware antivirus tool still expects a certain level of sophistication from its users. PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition's interface presents a minimum amount of buttons to control the application.
Checking your PC status, scanning for viruses, and switching on or off real-time protection are all a matter of clicking a single button. Scan speed and memory requirements are average for applications in this genre. Basic full-scan scheduling is easy to set. The virus database appears comprehensive, and the program automatically downloads updates.
This is the freeware version of the publisher's antivirus tool, but the differences are minor. Updates are downloaded from a slower server with this version, but not so slow as to cause user irritation. E-mail message tagging options are not configurable. E-mail and phone support isn't available.
Our big concern is the very basic Help function. Novice users will find it tough to navigate. Intermediate users will wish for better information before tackling any configuration changes. Nonetheless, users looking for an antivirus tool that can be set with default protection and that updates silently will be happy with this freeware.
Publisher's description
From PC Tools :PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition protects you against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal details. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading viruses, worms and Trojans can result in infections within minutes. Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your e-mail contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and Websites or to send mass spam email. That's why PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition provides protection, with rapid database updates, IntelliGuard real-time file, Internet & e-mail protection and comprehensive system scanning to ensure your system remains safe and virus free.
What's new in this version:
Version 5 features new improved scan engine, smaller memory footprint, and much improved system performance.
More popular Antivirus Software downloads
- 2,765,821 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- 957,128 downloads 2. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus
- 757,403 downloads 3. Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus
- 94,050 downloads 4. Avast Professional Edition
- 50,761 downloads 5. AVG Anti-Virus
- See all Antivirus Software downloads
User reviews of PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
- Average user rating: 3.1 stars out of 390 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 74 user reviewsSee all 74 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
"Just as bad as an actual virus"
Pros: Decent interface.
Cons: Routinely locks up computer, fails to find hidden stuff that other software handles just fine, always panics over legitimate coding (software for external HD, for example), crappy pricing policy
Summary: Seriously. This thing froze up my pc as badly as any malware I've had.
-
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
Pros: No comment.
Cons: Way overly protective. It finds risks where there are none. This is the worst AntiVirus I have ever used.
Summary: You'll regret getting this one.
-
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
"I think it actually creates viruses!!!"
Pros: NONE. It is a piece of crap!
Cons: Makes computer slow, got one of those annoying fake antivirus programs all the time, and a full scan took 8 hours!! It found no infections but Spybot found 62!
Summary: I had it for less than a day and I can't wait to get it off my computer!! What a piece of crap! WORST ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM EVER!
-
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
"Terrible app - see specifics"
Pros: No comment.
Cons: Doesn't work w/ Mozilla Thunderbird. It deletes the entire body of most incoming msgs which then can only be viewed in 'View Source'. Techs have no explanation for this. Did this with XP SP3, Vista HE and Vista Ultimate - 3 different machines.
Summary: Doesn't seem to have a problem w/ OE but certainly has one with Thunderbird!
-
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 5
Pros: Well..... it's free?
Cons: This caused 2 pc's to crash after we updated it. My PC I was able to fix with a system restore. My dad's however had to be reformatted because it would bluescreen when you tried to boot it up. I used to really respect PC tools. Not anymore.
Summary: Use this at your own risk.
- See all 74 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
