CNET Editors' review
Returnil System Safe Free 2011 is a free PC security suite based on a premium software package. It includes the basics, including virus and malware protection and its Virtual Mode feature, a virtualization technology that isolates your PC from threats. In addition to the reduced-function free version, Returnil is also available as a fully functional 30-day trial version. The free version lacks features such as the automatic system rollback feature, remote online management, and free technical support. More significantly, it disables the File Manager that lets users save files and make changes to their main system from inside Returnil's virtual system. That means you can surf the Internet and use your PC safely, but you can't save any work you do in Virtual Mode.
We needed to reboot our system to finish installing Returnil's setup process. The program does most of what it does in the background, but there are several access points, including an optional floating desktop bar and a system-tray icon, which we right-clicked to call up Returnil's menu. The blue-hued user interface bears a generic resemblance to other security applications and system utilities, with large fonts and plenty of opportunities to upgrade to the paid version. After checking for updates, Returnil scanned our system for threats when we clicked the Start Scan button. The scan was thorough but turned up no major issues, we're glad to say (speaking on behalf of our system). We were most interested in the Virtual Mode, though. We activated Returnil's Virtual Mode, which had no obvious adverse effects in our system or its performance, apart from a slightly longer load time. Inside the VM, we browsed to a Web site normally and saved an image to our desktop in the usual way. We exited the VM, which required a reboot and purges all changes made while in a virtualized environment. Sure enough, after rebooting, our saved image file was gone.
The functional security tools Returnil includes with the free version are certainly valuable, and most of the features it omits can be replaced with other freeware, such as antispam utilities. Of course, you don't need Returnil to create Virtual Machines on a Windows PC; its chief advantage is in making virtualization easy to use. The only real sticking point is the disabled File Manager. Without it, Returnil's Virtual Mode works but is of limited utility.
Publisher's Description
From Returnil:
Returnil's unique combination of anti-malware, system restore and virtualization technologies will keep your computers protected. When an infection is found, our system restore feature will automatically find an earlier version of your infected file which is clean, so your data loss is minimized. Returnil virtualization technology clones a computer's System Partition and boots the PC into this system rather than native Windows, allowing you run your applications in a completely isolated and secure environment. All activity is then performed within the virtual environment, ensuring that the operating system itself cannot be compromised by viruses, other malicious software, bad installations or user error.
What's new in this version: Version 3.2.10303-REL3 adds Russian, Portuguese (Brazil), Polish translations.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 109 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 9 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-9 of 9
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"Good Virtual System Technology, but bad Antivirus."
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
-Creates a clone of your operating system.
-Allows you to customize your settings.
-Solid, smooth performance.
-Self Protection (very important)
-Easy to understand and install, good usability.
-Can choose to disable one, or both.Cons
-The Antivirus to put it simple, bites the farm.
-The file manager is not enabled in this version.
-Default settings are not optimal.
-Sometimes has a User Interface glitch where it shows both the virtual and real disks.Summary
If you're using this as your main line anti-virus, then give up. If you want to use this for it's virtual system technology, then you made a good choice. I've never had a virus before or after the installation of this program, but it gave me peace of mind whenever I would allow my family to use my computer.. because I knew that any changes made would be gone on the following boot. Make sure your system's processor supports virtual system technology though, or else it will pose a serious slowdown on your system.
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"Not worth as antivirus"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
only find the virus.
Cons
no solution. doesn't remove it.
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"A program that is worth looking into"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
Creates a virtual drive allowing you to browse the web,download programs for test use,etc and be secure while doing so
Cons
I liked the version a few years ago, was more stable.
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"Awesome!!!"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
It is a way to catch all malware threats, regardless of whether we know about them or not.
Cons
It is a somewhat limited version.
Summary
This is a must have product, and for those of you who are flagging these reviews down, you are apparently idiots who don't truly know how Returnil works, or you would understand that this is a very good product!
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"Not good for 64-Bit Operating Systems"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
I like an use Returnil as it protects my hard drive from any virus attacks and installs. I deliberately tested it, then rebooted my system and everything was well. No residual trace of the viruses existed.
Cons
As I recently discovered, this version does not run well on a 64-Bit operating system. I have Windows 7-64 bit, with an Pentium i7 1.6GHz Quad Core processor with 4GB RAM, and this program seriously hampered the speed and operation of my system.
Summary
The problems on the 64-bit included programs not loading on bootup, internet not connecting, executables not working, and overall general lagging of the system. The requirements for this does not show if it is compatible with 64-bit or not, and it does not show up in a search for 64-bit security or AV Software.
It works fine for 32-bit software without lagging or problems. -
"Very good idea"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
good platform to test new software
Cons
I like it very much
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"Perfect way for secure your system"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
1) It is not about blacklisting known viruses or malware (a thus not to be safe). It is about to be paranoic and be safe.
2) Works also with regular antivir software.
3) It does not slow the computer.Cons
In virtual (paranoic) regime you can access your real system only in PRO version (by using the special manager which is not working under FREE verison). In FREE verison you have to use flash disk...
Summary
Really "must to have" software.
Free version is sufficient - all you need is ability to work in virtual system in case of possibly dangerous web browsing (check a suspicious email) or application installing. Just turn on the "virtual mode" and do it. All changes (also installation of software, or downloaded files) will be removed after reboot. If you need to store something just copy it to your flash disk. -
"A MUST HAVE !!!!"
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
I will never get a virus again!
Cons
The whole thing is not free.
Summary
The free portion of this program is all you need.DOWNLOAD NOW !!!
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"Do not surf the net without this software."
Version: Returnil System Safe Free 2011 3.2.10303-REL3
Pros
SAVED my PC 16 times. It's easy to use ( the newer version is EXCELLENT!!!). No need to worry about virus attacks. I use Returnil and AVIRA Anti-Virus. Also protects you from infected USB's, CD's/DVD's and infected external hard drives.
Cons
NOTHING. ( And I'm using the free version ).
Results 1-9 of 9
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