Norton's Answer For A Novice Computer User (Norton PC Tune-Up Service)

Member Name: boredindunoon

Product:	Norton PC Tune-Up Service
Date:	19/02/09 (203 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Maybe Useful For Novices.

Disadvantages: Expensive, Other Similar Software Suites Are Cheaper & Can Be Used Many Times.

Going by the title of this product "Norton PC Tune-Up Service" you may think that this software is some sort of maintenance utility for your computer along the same lines of Tune-Up utilities or Registry Mechanic.

However it is not, instead it is 'software' that you install that allows the user to talk directly with an on-call advisor in order to help repair any problems with your computer, as well as providing tune-up services and tweaks to improve both stability and speed of your system. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To access the service provided by Norton, you must first buy this "Norton PC Tune-Up Service" software that isn't exactly cheap. The cost of such is for only one use and it's phone call.

Sadly the software wasn't for me. Firstly considering how easy it is to maintain your own computer, a defrag here, and a clean up there, and the massive range of optional software packages available, the cost of this Tune Up suite seems a bit extreme. Also I don't like the idea of giving a complete stranger (trustworthy or not) complete access to my computer. I take a lot of precautions' to ensure that my computer is a secure as possible, the idea of opening a backdoor seems counterproductive, however I always like my computer running at its best, so I decided to give this a ago.

The software works by allowing the adviser to have remote access to your computer via the internet to investigate any problems, which they will then troubleshoot. The whole thing took less than half an hour, and the adviser I spoke to was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. But more to the point, does my computer run any faster or more stable - sadly not as far as I can tell.

The software seems to be designed with novice users in mind, those who don't know their ISP from their USB. Those who either lack the technical skills or confidence to do it themselves, for that it may be worthwhile as it will ensure their computer runs smoothly.

Unfortunately considering its usefulness for the average use, the high price tag seems rather high. This doesn't seem like a very cost effective method of computer maintenance. A far simpler solution would be to learn how to do it yourself, or use a search engine such as Google to provide use with the necessary knowledge.

There is a variety of software out there such as Tune-Up utilities and Registry Mechanic which are cheaper but more importantly can be used as many times as the user desires. At the end of the day, I feel that only novices would really benefit from the software.

(I'm a reviewer on Amazon, and some my reviews are copied from there to dooyoo. Please feel free to check out my Amazon profile under my real name of Mr Andrew M Kerr.)

Summary: Thanks For Reading

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