PC Tools (Central Point Software)
Screenshot of PC Tools 1.10
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| Developer(s) | Central Point Software |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1986 |
| Stable release |
9.x
|
| Development status | Discontinued |
| Operating system | DOS |
| Type | software utilities |
PC Tools was a collection of software utilities developed by Central Point Software.
The original PC Tools package was first developed as a suite of utilities for DOS, released for retail in 1986 for $39
With the introduction of version 4.0, the name was changed to PC Tools Deluxe, and the primary interface became a colorful graphical DOS shell (previously the DOS shell resembled PC BOSS and was monochrome.) By version 7.0 of the package in 1991 several Windows programs had been added to it.
Though the 7.0 version sold well, it was criticised in computer trade publications for being overcomplicated and riddled with bugs. It was widely considered to have been rushed to publication, despite the objections of many of Central Point Software's employees. PC Tools Version 9.x for DOS was the last stable release.
In June 1994 Central Point was acquired by their top competitor Symantec who ultimately discontinued the product line. PC Tools was the main competitor to Norton Utilities, which Symantec had acquired in 1990.
Symantec now uses the PC Tools brand name—acquired from an Australian security vendor in 2008—for low-cost antivirus and antispyware software
The PC Tools brand was retired on December 4, 2013 and the website now refers visitors to products in Symantec's Norton product line.
The Mirror, Undelete, and Unformat utilities were licensed by Central Point to Microsoft for inclusion in MS-DOS version 5.0. Central Point Anti-Virus and VDefend were licensed as Microsoft AntiVirus and VSafe, respectively, in MS-DOS versions 6.0 through 6.22.
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