CNET Editors' review
Free antivirus packages have evolved to the point where many of them protect your PC from threats as well as the premium tools. We looked at PC Tools AntiVirus Free, which offers good, basic protection from online threats,is regularly updated, and even includes some useful extras like phishing alerts, Web site ratings, and adware and malware protection.
PC Tools' installer essentially outlines the differences between the freeware and premium versions of its antivirus solution, such as zero-day threat updates, a firewall, ID theft protection, and anti-spam. One of the setup options allows automatic updates. We recommend keeping this box checked since your antivirus software can't be too current. During the setup process, PC Tools downloaded and installed updated antivirus definitions. The program's colorful interface is similar to other tools, but with its own sleek layout. PC Tools scanned our system and found a number of low-level threats like tracking cookies and adware. We could click to expand a tree view to see exactly what the program was targeting. Satisfied, we clicked Fix Checked, and PC Tools quickly cleared the house. Next we clicked the IntelliGuard tab, which offered nine Guards: Behavior, Browser, Cookie, Download, Email, File, Network, Rootkit, and Site. Each offered an explanation as well as View History and Manage Exclusions controls. The Settings tab also offered nine sections, everything from Global Action List to Scheduled Tasks and Quarantine. A Report Card tab brought up a quick-and-easy summary of our PC's security situation and PC Tools' recent activities. Of course, we could click a prominent Upgrade button any time we felt like trying the premium version.
We've tried many antivirus programs, free and pay, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. PC Tools' free solution offers a nice blend of good, basic protection and some useful extras. Many of the extras it omits are available as freeware, too, such as third-party firewalls and spamfighters. Now if it's a question of free or no antivirus, the answer is simple: Download a free antivirus solution right now. PC Tools AntiVirus Free should definitely be on your list.
Publisher's Description
From PC Tools:
PC Tools AntiVirus Free is a full antivirus and antispyware package designed to protect from known viruses, worms, Trojans and other threats while defending against spyware, adware, bots, keyloggers and other malware. Monitors for and blocks known malware in real-time. PC Tools AntiVirus Free uses spider scanning technology to identify and remove threats in minutes. Warns you about unsafe or phishing websites and displays website safety ratings in your search results. Frequent automatic updates and product upgrades ensure that you are always protected against the latest threats.
What's new in this version: Version 8.0 includes enhancements in protection, detection, and scanning.
More Popular Antivirus Software downloads
- AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2012
1,548,831 downloads
- Avast Free Antivirus
1,066,200 downloads
- Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +
250,313 downloads
- Avira Free Antivirus
109,765 downloads
- Microsoft Security Essentials
19,188 downloads
-
All versions:
3.1 starsout of 497 votes
-
Current version:
2.6 starsout of 69 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Can't hang with the hangs"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Easy to use. Free.
Cons
I couldn't figure out why my Win7 system kept hanging up. Then I remembered this was the last software I installed. I uninstalled this program, and the hangups stopped. Sorry, PC Tools, I don't have time to try to figure out why.
-
"SEEMS OK SO FAR."
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Quick boot up and Shutdown times.
Easy to install.
Low on CPU.
Nice easy interface.Cons
None so far.
Summary
Was easy to install and configure.Light on resources.I do feel safe with it.I will stick with it for a while.
Avast was locking up my system and 3 years of use.The last update killed Avast! -
"Not bad, it checks for threats"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
tells that there are threats and how many
Cons
doesn't tell what the threats are or quarantine them.
-
"not antivirus"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
none that I know.
Cons
does not work as an antivirus tool
Summary
no use for a home user looking for a free solution.
-
"Not Worth Free Trial"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Removes tracking cookies
Cons
Very week as an antivirus. Active protection kept making my computer crash everytime I opened a folder. Active protection kept making my browser crash. I had to continuously reboot my computer after every couple clicks. Thought I got trojan or virus and once I removed the program my computer was fine. Crappy antivirus and malware bytes can be used for cookies which is less ontrusive to your system.
Summary
Don't waste your time with it. Avast and AVG are much better. Heck, I don't even like Norton but even that is a superior choice to this.
-
"bogged down system and could not remove it."
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
I did not find anything but problems.
Cons
Basically attacked the machine the was no support for the trial version.
Summary
Better have a new system!
-
"I am extremely pleased."
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Easy install. Functions independently. Low to no care needed by me. Updates are simple. If an update goes wrong it deletes and retries later. Almost daily I have a window open with something that needs removed, and this program found it when AVG never found anything!!!
( I was avid AVG for many years, this system helped clean my computer up and get it running right again, no more sluggish like AVG left it, AVG missed a lot, they apparently got outdated...) ( I did run the full version of Advanced System Care prior to install and as a companion maintenance program, together they fixed a failing system!)(ASC Free available from cnet, thats where I got my free version first)Cons
Has a piggy-back upgrade window that drops down from the main program window, slightly annoying, but I can overlook this for what I'm getting.
Summary
All in all for a free system I couldnt ask for better. For a paid for service program I couldnt ask for better, but I have the free version. It doesnt interfere and lets me have peace of mind as well. This system has improved my computer since I installed it. Cleaned up junk AVG left behind, possibly for many months. No hassle and I feel safe again. THANK YOU PC TOOLS!!!!!!!
Also doesnt interfere with running programs, cant tell its even scanning, cleans and does all the good without bothering me a bit, AVG almost shut me out when it ran. And it(AVG) never found anything, PC Tools found a bunch on the first scan.
Updated on Nov 21, 2011 -
"terrible torturous"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
None to relate.
Cons
repeatedly tries to sell you upgrade. Reminds you that only a limited number of errprs are corrected with this version.
Summary
moved on
-
"Others do better without constant upgrade prompts"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Scans quickly and seems to catch everything
Cons
Sometimes scans at times other than when it is supposed to scan.
Constant prompts to upgrade interfere with actual working potential.Summary
Although this is a very thorough AV tool, it is not as functional as other AV kits without upgrading from the free download. Fully functional, it probably has a lot of potential and security, but that is not the case with the free download version.
-
"I need no other antivirus software!"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
I have been using this on my two desktop and 5 laptops at home for the past 3-4 years. Never a problem! Awesome software.
Cons
Sometimes, after an upgrade I got an error. In such cases, now I simply uninstall and turn of updates. Updates do not affect definitions.
Summary
Simply outstanding. I turned from Avira, AVG and Avast to this one and never regretted.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
