PC Tools AntiVirus Free
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Full user review
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"If this is the best, the others must really suck!"
Pros
When it's just doing its job, fighting viruses, it's automatic, proactive and problems with viruses seem to vanish. For free!
Cons
Problems with viruses are replaced with various hassles with PC Tools. Some are just a nuisance (like regular updates every 2 hours which frequently fail), some are debilitating (like the gradual accumulation of failed updates and possibly viral infestations that requires complete re-installation.) And then there are the constant reminders when conducting duties from the dashboard that the free version is low class and totally inadequate compared to all the wondrous utilities available to paying customers. This anti-virus is not discreet, it's obnoxious. And does not get along with other computer bug fighters touted as compatible, at all.
Summary
Perhaps viruses go after Anti-Virus programs first, and that's why they seem so troublesome. I don't know, that's an Anti-Virus Programer/Developer's problem and job, not mine. My job is getting work done on my computer, and I can't do that when it's under siege by viruses, Trojans, worms... BUGS! PC Tools has, as far as I can tell, kept my computer "BUG" free. Unfortunately, I get regular update interruptions and major overhaul episodes, but no lost files or terminal corruptions so far after a year. In this economy, that's the only price I can afford. I'd like to hear if the paid version is any better. If you leave your computer on and forget about it, PC Tools will run a scan and bark at you (with very loud "beeping" alarms) to remind you that, while you may be on a break, it's still working. Very annoying AND reassuring.