Rating: 
Summary: For those on a Budget, this is all you need!
Review: Almost every essential utility program is packed into this low priced software cd-rom. It includes NetDefense which is a version of Sygate Personal Firewall and it has a Trend Micro Antivirus. Both were the main reason for me to get this. The other utilities were also very handy. Though I'm not too keen about the defragmenter. Seems rather slow compared to the defragger of WinXP. I recommend this for those looking for a all-in-one utility software.
Rating:
Summary: V-Com Systemsuite 5.0
Review: I am a previous user of Norton System works and have found this product to be far better and less expensive. System Suite 5 found viruses that my updated Norton System Works did not find. All of the tools run faster and more efficiently than Norton.I have also used V-com's DriveWorks and Autosave, these are also excellent products at a more affordable price.I will continue to use V-com products in the future.Goodbye Norton!
Rating: 
Summary: False sense of security.
Review: I bought this suite mainly because I was looking for an alternative to Symantec and McAfee anti virus, and I liked the idea it came with a firewall too.
I had nothing but problems with the anti virus. When it found viruses, it couldn't remove them (4 out of 4), and instead pointed me to trend micro's web site for information on how to manually delete the affected files and fix the registry. Not a huge deal, because I'm pretty comfortable with this kind of stuff, but many wouldn't be. Also, as someone else mentioned whenever there is an update in virus definitions, you have to reload the whole set. Over dial up this usually meant in excess of 20 minutes. Lastly, I was infected by a keylogging trojan which was trying to send my data to a computer in St Petersburg Russia! The scanner didn't recognize it and all tech support repeatedly told me was not to worry, even though I had unmistakable signs of a break-in. When I asked for a manager, including a copy of the trojan along with the name/description Mcafee had for the trojan (used free online scan), the manager's reply was that they really weren't an anti virus company (they just package it), and I should buy anti virus software from someone else to solve my problem (I wish I was kidding)! I asked again for help, but they just closed my case without responding.
In fairness, the firewall in the suite is very good. In fact, this is what first alerted me to the keylogger. However, I recently learned that it is a tuned down version of what Sygate gives away for free on their web site (non business use). I tried the free Sygate version, and found I like it just a little better (more features). I also learned that you can get a better version of the trend anti virus sw for free from trend's site (The free version actually cleans viruses).
After my fiasco with VCOM and the keylogger, I rebuilt the system and tried the Symantec and McAfee anti virus packages. Symantec froze my system forcing me to reinstall windows (common complaint), and McAfee made me lower my internet security settings in order for it to run. I ended up buying Panda Titanium Antivirus, and couldn't be happier. After all of this, my advice is to download the free Sygate (or if you prefer Zone Alarm) firewall software and back it up with Panda AV. If you aren't comfortable with a free firewall, both will sell you a pro version (I'd try both free ones before buying one). Also, I switched browsers from IE to Mozilla Firefox, and that stopped the viruses and spyware/adware very nicely. The great thing is, it was free, painless to install and start using, and has features I didn't realize IE was missing until I used it.
Rating: 
Summary: V-COM's new SystemSuite5 feels a bit like rip-off...
Review: I decided to purchase this software because I have long time good experience with the older Ontrack products SystemSuite 3.0 & 4.0. This successful software was acquired by V-COM about a year ago or so - this move finally resulted in no more support for the older versions; since I couldn't get any more fresh anti-virus definitions for until today fine running SS4, I decided to buy/upgrade the new version in order to keep my PC (running Win2kPro OS) virus free.The SS5 works about the same as SS4 did (so quite good), except that the installer threw bunch of freeware & trialware garbage on my HDD (such as GhostSurf, MailWasher and possibly some more junk ). I overlooked the marketing trick, and uninstalled nicely working "full" PowerDesk Pro 4 before installing the new software; I ended up with free (crippled) version of PowerDesk5 with no ftp support (full version available for extra $$$). I can most like uninstall the new PowerDesk5 and reinstall the original PowerDesk-Pro4, but it's an extra hassle; if V-COM would've been honest, they'd mention that all the included "perks" are plain freeware and you get bare minimum in the nicely looking "new" suite, actually downgrading some of the components. So the only advantage I really got with this purchase is the possibility to get new anti-virus signatures; now, for how long? Until V-COM decides that time is ripe for SystemSuite 6 (7, 8, etc.), and anti-virus portion of SS5 will have no more support again? The good thing is that this software doesn't need mandatory activation (in order to be bound to single PC, as other software makers started to favor recently), so I can install it on my laptop as well... I don't say that the software is bad - but I don't think it's improvement for owners of older System Suite versions. Also, V-COM could at least offer the continued "paid" AV signature files subscriptions to the owners of the previous version(s).
Rating:
Summary: V-COM's new SystemSuite5 feels a bit like rip-off...
Review: I decided to purchase this software because I have long time good experience with the older Ontrack products SystemSuite 3.0 & 4.0. This successful software was acquired by V-COM about a year ago or so - this move finally resulted in no more support for the older versions; since I couldn't get any more fresh anti-virus definitions for until today fine running SS4, I decided to buy/upgrade the new version in order to keep my PC (running Win2kPro OS) virus free. The SS5 works about the same as SS4 did (so quite good), except that the installer threw bunch of freeware & trialware garbage on my HDD (such as GhostSurf, MailWasher and possibly some more junk ). I overlooked the marketing trick, and uninstalled nicely working "full" PowerDesk Pro 4 before installing the new software; I ended up with free (crippled) version of PowerDesk5 with no ftp support (full version available for extra $$$). I can most like uninstall the new PowerDesk5 and reinstall the original PowerDesk-Pro4, but it's an extra hassle; if V-COM would've been honest, they'd mention that all the included "perks" are plain freeware and you get bare minimum in the nicely looking "new" suite, actually downgrading some of the components. So the only advantage I really got with this purchase is the possibility to get new anti-virus signatures; now, for how long? Until V-COM decides that time is ripe for SystemSuite 6 (7, 8, etc.), and anti-virus portion of SS5 will have no more support again? The good thing is that this software doesn't need mandatory activation (in order to be bound to single PC, as other software makers started to favor recently), so I can install it on my laptop as well... I don't say that the software is bad - but I don't think it's improvement for owners of older System Suite versions. Also, V-COM could at least offer the continued "paid" AV signature files subscriptions to the owners of the previous version(s).
Rating:
Summary: Much better than Norton SystemWorks
Review: I had been using Norton SystemWorks for the past 8 years. But, when the antivirus subscription ran out in March, I decided against renewing it. Instead, I purchased and installed SystemSuite 5.0. I think it was the best software purchase I'd made in years! On the first scan, it found and deleted over 19,000 unnecessary files and a virus undetected by Norton SystemWorks.
Recently, I convinced a friend who was having problems with his computer to switch from Norton Antivirus 2004 to SystemSuite 5.0. On his first scan, he found and deleted eight viruses!
Three caveats -- First, I didn't like any of the trial programs that came with SystemSuite 5.0, so eventually uninstalled all of them. Secondly, I think ZoneAlarm is a better firewall program than the one provided with SystemSuite 5.0. But SystemSuite allows you to choose the utilities / programs you want installed, so I've had no problems changing firewalls. Third, SystemSuite does not scan for or detect spyware or adware. You'll need to install a "spy-killer," like Ad-Aware 6.0, on your own.
Overall, since installing SystemSuite 5.0 four months ago, I've come to the conclusion that Norton SystemWorks is overrated. If you want an anti-virus / utility package that really works, try SystemSuite 5.0. I think you'll be glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: This product does work !!
Review: I have been running system suite 5 in my computer for 3 months now and in my opinion it's a very good product. Most people have trouble installing new software because they don't delete the existing programs that can interfere with your new install. I have windows xp and this product works fine. The anti-virus and firewall are a little generic looking but they are powered by Trend-Micro and Sygate, two of today's best in the business. The utility tools also work very well even if not better than Norton System Works. The real key here is when you install the disc it will ask you either to do a complete or custom install. Coose the custom install and DO NOT insall the 4 free bonus programs as they can cause a problem.
Rating:
Summary: V-Com's System Suite 5.0 Bundle
Review: I Have used System suite 3.0 & 4.0 from ontrack But over a year ago V-Communications Inc. Purchased all of the utilities division from Ontrack, they have since Released a Upgrade to System suite 5.0 ..is simular in looks with a few minor improvements but is still Much better than norton system works...less problems....The registry fixer is much better, not as fancy as system works but reliable these days is more important....has everything that system works has,the virus program is only the engine of trend-micro but is quite reliable,same for the net defense from sygate, is still quite reliable, uses much less resources than norton system works which Is A Must....They include Recovery Commander ..Is Quite simular to windows XP System restore but Much more reliable..which you boot from a CD To Restore...The defragmenter has a bug but there is a patch available..overall, It Is A Great program, worth the Money
Rating:
Summary: V-Com's System Suite 5.0 Bundle
Review: I Have used System suite 3.0 & 4.0 from ontrack But over a year ago V-Communications Inc. Purchased all of the utilities division from Ontrack, they have since Released a Upgrade to System suite 5.0 ..is simular in looks with a few minor improvements but is still Much better than norton system works...less problems....The registry fixer is much better, not as fancy as system works but reliable these days is more important....has everything that system works has,the virus program is only the engine of trend-micro but is quite reliable,same for the net defense from sygate, is still quite reliable, uses much less resources than norton system works which Is A Must....They include Recovery Commander ..Is Quite simular to windows XP System restore but Much more reliable..which you boot from a CD To Restore...The defragmenter has a bug but there is a patch available..overall, It Is A Great program, worth the Money
Rating:
Summary: Weaker offering than Norton's SystemWorks
Review: I purchased this product to upgrade from Norton SystemWorks Professional 2002. It turned out to be a mistake. Upon installation, the program was unable to defragment my hard disk. I learned I needed to upgrade their product to fix the bug. I have used a few versions of Norton's SystemWorks and Utilities and never had to immediately update for such a critical bug. I can forgive this though. The product installed some other trial versions of products, which were definitely a waste of time. I have since shelved this product and purchased Norton's Internet Security Professional 2004 and reinstalled Norton SystemWorks. I could not be happier with the improvement.
|
