If It Aint Broke..... (Trend PC-cillin offline Virus Scan)

Member Name: aefra

Product:	Trend PC-cillin offline Virus Scan
Date:	28/01/02 (533 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: none

Disadvantages: slows and then freezes the computer

Although I have had my Hewlett Packard M50 for over 2 years now, I still tend to coddle it. Therefore invitations to download exciting software, often free of charge, are generally ignored. As are the discs given away free in newspapers and magazines or popped through my letter box.

However, with viruses apparently rampant during 2001, I viewed with great interest the offer from Trend PC-cillin of 90 days free trial. After this period I could install the virus protection for $29.95. I duly downloaded the PC-cillin, and sure enough, my computer appeared to be scanned with unfailing regularity. In fact the box which sprang onto my screen as I worked, informing me that my 'puter was being scanned for viruses became a little tedious. It also popped up when offline.

It was because the problems began whilst offline, that I did not recognise their source. Now, although not a fan of computer games, I am addicted to Microsoft Freecell. In fact I am quite good at it now. I should be! Until I recently discovered Dooyoo, Freecell would keep me up at all hours. Gradually I found that that the little arrow directed by my mouse was moving more and more slowly. Eventually it stopped altogether. Anxiety set in as I believed that there may be something wrong with my computer. The problem ceased if I shut down the computer and started again. Then began similar troubles online. At this stage worse was to come. My computer regularly "froze". Not just the freezing which necessitated use of Ctrl/Alt/Delete and End Task. This was permafrost! I was left on more than one occasion with no option but to pull the plug; leaving me with lost work and an angry rebuke from my machine when it was switched on again. It didn`t take long for me to recognise that the symptoms began shortly after PC-cillin`s reassuring box appeared on my screen. The 56MB RAM of my HP has always been more than adequate for my needs, so I was not prepared to easily accept that downl
oading the virus protection system had overloaded the memory. Since Trend invites one to contact their customer services with queries, I promptly did so. In fact I gave up this idea when they had ignored my request for advice for the third time.

I subsequently discovered that I could have disconnected the virus protection from my computer myself. But I am still finding my way around these things. So, I patiently waited for the end of the 90 day period and, Hey Presto! All was well again. Since this time some months ago, I have been free of problems.

I have since been informed by email friends that they have experienced a variety of problems with virus protection systems. While prepared to accept that this software may work for some, I shall in future take care opening my mail and keep my fingers crossed.

Summary: