Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET 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.
PC Tools Antivirus Free - Detect and remove all kinds of malware - Download Video Previews: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
- Avast Free Antivirus
1,001,853 downloads
- AVG AntiVirus Free 2013
791,167 downloads
- Avira Free Antivirus 2013
59,268 downloads
- AVG AntiVirus 2013
27,137 downloads
- Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +
24,764 downloads
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013
13,122 downloads
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus 6
11,873 downloads
- PC Tools AntiVirus Free
11,347 downloads
- Avast Pro Antivirus
10,556 downloads
-
All versions:
3.1 starsout of 509 votes
-
Current version:
2.5 starsout of 81 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Spectacular product"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
-Good detection rate
-Excellent new interface
-Does not slow down my computer as much as others doCons
-Some features are limited
Summary
Great
-
"Not a patch on what it used to be!"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Free... or is it?
Cons
I can't actually say much about how PC Tools AntiVirus Free actually works, because the smart update locks up, and won't allow access to the GUI. I have installed, uninstalled, & re-installed without success. I've wasted hours trying to get it running, but have given up. It's a shame really, PC Tools AntiVirus Free used to be top rated & easy to use... I don't know if it has anything to do with NOW being a Symantec product or not, but I suspect it has.... I've tried a few Symantec programs over the years (like Norton AV) and have been totally under-whelmed by their performance as I am now finding with PCTools. Now my challenge is to try and clear it off my computer!!!
Summary
It might work for some, but if it doesn't, be prepared for major hassles.
-
"Not for me: too confusing"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
None. My computer did not like this one.
Cons
My system did the hanging up routine as well as mentioned earlier. Also NOT a free software.
-
"misleading"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Very thorough scan
Cons
The scanning is free, but you have to pay to remove.
Summary
Why bother listing this as "free" if it won't complete its job without a fee. To me, that's not a free software. There should be a warning.
If you're looking for something totally free, don't waste your time (and it took a lot of time) to download and install this software. -
"A load on the system, like their Threat Fire"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
The scan seems to be correct
Cons
Creates its own LSPs, too heavy on the system, even with its service switched off.
Summary
NIS is much better
-
"Not for amateurs"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Good program, finds a lot of stuff
Cons
Often finds too much that requires advanced knowledge before following it's recommendations.
Summary
Good for experts, not so good for the average user. Reminds me of McAfees' days of thinking everything is a virus.
-
"Not for my computer"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
The software seemed to function will. The scans found many threats.
Cons
The file size in the specs is so wrong. The file size in the specs indicated 499.98k. Actual size after downloading is 470MB. This slowed my old Toshiba laptop to less than a crawl. I will uninstall this product as soon as I find a replacement.
Summary
If your computer has about 504 MB of RAM like mine, don't bother downloading this product.
-
"At least as good as other more popular free antiviruses"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
Unobtrusive, light on resources, doesn't nag with promotional messages, easy to use, install, and also to uninstall!
Cons
The Browser Defender add-on seemed to mess up Internet Explorer 8 UI, but disabling it was enough to fix the problem.
Summary
I'm very perplexed reading so many negative reviews of this product. I have to say that I use Windows XP, maybe other problems affect 7 or Vista, I don't know.
I've been using Avast for years, but after the latest program update, that is, after having to opt-out the ****ing Google Toolbar every time I turn on my pc, I just had to uninstall it.
I also use AVG on my netbook, and it works very well, but I wanted to try other products, and PC Tools is a very good one. It only caused a problem on IE8, as I wrote before, but I don't care so much for that, since I deem myself able enough to stay away from dangerous sites without the help of a browser add-on. I highly appreciate the fact that you can very easily turn off completely the software, and then uninstall it without any problem. -
"You get what you pay for"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
None. This program wouldn't even successfully launch on a computer less than a week old.
Cons
Product wouldn't successfully load on a brand new computer. Made computer freeze repeatedly attempting to complete set up. Now I'm trying to remove the program and I'm getting an error message. The company sent instructions to start in safe mode, which still didn't work. Stupid, non-functioning program is now stuck in limbo on my computer with no hope of getting it off permanently.
Summary
It's a bigger waste of time than any other antivirus is a waste of money. Just stay away from the hassle.
-
"Fake software; does only harm"
Version: PC Tools AntiVirus Free 8.0
Pros
nothing; this is a fake software
Cons
- does not do what it's supposed to do
- slowed down my computer
- hard to uninstall (had to use Revo Uninstall)Summary
I'm very surprised that CNET editors gave them a maximum rating with 'Spectacular' note. I paid them for the full-blown version, it did not work, so I asked for refund. They gave me a refund, but the next year charged my credit card for $64.98. When I complained, the returned only half of this amount and never paid the whole amount. I had to block them through my credit card company from charging my account ever again. If you make a search on Google with the words "PC Tools scam" (without the quote signs) you'll get many hits. These guys are crooks and the fact that CNET supports them does not add to its credibility.
