PC Tools AntiVirus just isn’t worth it - it is very far from being close to the best antivirus software available. There is a free version (and a registered “trial-pay” free version), and a paid version. To be honest, we can’t recommend any version of the software, because there are much better free antivirus programs available, and there are certainly several full functioning antivirus solutions that blow it out of the water.
At first glance, PC Tools AntiVirus seems like a decent antivirus software; it protects worms, viruses, and Trojans. But the software makes no mention of unearthing rootkits, or protecting from the newest threats that continue to evolve.
PC Tools AntiVirus isn’t terrible, but it certainly doesn’t offer a high enough level of protection. To their credit, the software has been approved by the West Coast Labs, receiving checkmark certifications for effective desktop protection from viruses, spyware, Trojans, and malware.
On the other hand, PC Tools has failed both of the latest tests from Virus Bulletin (for Windows XP and Windows Vista).
Installing and setting up PC Tools AntiVirus isn’t really difficult at all. The installation follows the traditional Windows installer method, and didn’t require us to restart our computer.
Overall, PC Tools AntiVirus is decent, but they just don’t even compare to the other antivirus software we reviewed. If you’re looking for an advanced antivirus software, you’re going to want to look elsewhere. Even if you’re looking for a free antivirus, we definitely recommend looking at a better solution.
