ANTI-VIRUS TOOL
PC Tools AntiVirus Free 2012
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Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7
File size: 3.65MB
PC Tools AntiVirus Free 2012 provides a decent level of system protection, including real-time, on-demand and scheduled scanning. It lacks some features found in other free anti-malware programs, but it’s fast, reasonably thorough and can be set to sweep your system on start-up. There are three scanning methods: Full, Custom and Intelli-Scan, which checks for active malware. Adjust the scanning speed using the slider bar, and choose between Performance, Balanced or Protection mode. There are various other configuration options. You can help to improve PC Tools’ protection by agreeing to let suspicious files be forwarded to the Malware Research Centre, and the Global Action List lets you set up rules to automatically block or allow particular files, cookies and websites. The Report Card button at the bottom of the screen provides details of recent activity, including the number of database updates and scans performed in the last seven days, or since installation. It also shows the total number of items scanned and protected, along with information about infections and suspicious items. When installing the software, be sure to select the Custom option so you can choose between a large or small database (large provides better protection but slower download and scan times), and disable the bundled toolbar. If you have an existing anti-virus program on your system, the software will detect it and disable IntelliGuard real-time protection to avoid any conflicts. You can still run on-demand scans though, which makes it a useful second line of defence.
