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.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 493 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 65 votes
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My rating:
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"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!
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"For 2 years, Registry Mechanic has done a good job."
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Working with the registry is a scary endeavor; altering it just a little can cause great dysfunction. The last 2 years I paid for my Registry Mechanic and many annoying issues on my computer like; missing dlls, pop-ups regarding issues with programs and slower function cleared up.
Cons
Having learned that Symantec now owns Registry Mechanic gives me a little concern. For years, I had used their antivirus and it did a good job but with their installation came many extras that ran as well. Some that I didn't need would run at startup. Those that ran in the background were using a lot of my memory. It became so cumbersome that I had to remove it.
Summary
At this time, I definitely recommend Registry Mechanic as part of your computer maintenance.
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"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
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"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.
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"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.
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"problems once installed"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
There are none, since it has problems running
Cons
Seems to be a problem running in Windows XP and 7 (both 32 bit). The system is unresponsive. This seems to have been going on for a while, at least 6 months
Summary
There are plenty of really good antivirus programs for free. I don't understand why the editors give it such a high rating.
That being said, I am a fan of PCTools other security software called Threat Fire. Worth having, but requires careful setup. -
"DO NOT DOWNLOAD, NOT EVEN WORTH HALF OF A STAR"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
This is barely better than Malware.
Cons
Very Hard to Remove
Summary
absolutely worthless!!!!!!!!!
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"absolute garbage"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
it is free antivirus software
Cons
Made it so several programs i have would not start. web browsing felt like i was on dial up. major performance issues (i have a core i7 with 8 gigs of RAM!!!!!)
Summary
get something...anything else other than this trash.
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"pretty good"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
It seems to work pretty well.
Cons
Not as usable and user friendly as, say, Avast.
Summary
Good, but not my preferred free antivirus.
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