Prevx1 - Recommended via CNET Download Dispatch

If this product/newsletter has already been mentioned, please disregard, and delete.

In my weekly CNET Download Dispatch Newsletter I received today the Prevx1 product was mentioned to ''Get free protection from spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.''

The link is to Prevx's main web site here; http://shield.prevx.com/default.asp

I thought I might try it out, but when I went to the web site, I saw that the free edition is only on a trial period.

I searched the FAQ for more details, as very often, (like Ewido Security Suite), a trial version can still prove to be an effective tool against spyware, viruses, trojans, etc, even after the trial period has expired.

However the FAQ shows that this product's free trial period is 45 days, and after that 45 day period, certain features are turned off.

The most worrying feature that is turned off is the ability to *jail* harmful software, (similar to quarantine in other products), or even to delete them. The full text in the FAQ is below;

How long can I use the trial version for free?
What happens when the trial period expires?

The trial version has two modes of operation. For the first phase of the trial, typically 45 days, the trial version operates the same as the fully paid versions. At the end of this period the trial version will automatically switch off its automatic ''jailing'' of harmful software. Prevx 1 will continue to detect and warn you that harmful software is on your PC, but, to prevent it running and ''jail'' it, you will need to upgrade to the paid version You may upgrade the trial version to the fully paid product at any time by visiting our web site and purchasing a licence key.

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So, after the trial period, if Prevx1 finds any harmful software on your computer, you will not be able to delete it without upgrading to the purchased product, (or presumably running another anti-virus/spyware/adware utility). I thought I should mention this limitiation in case anyone has downloaded the trial version, or is thinking of trying it out.

I have no information about the product's accuracy, ease of use, etc, or any bugs. When I saw the limitation, I declined to try it out.

Mark