I was a bit skeptical about the whole concept of an online virus protection program, but with the Y2K issue and all the hype about viruses set to destroy my computer, hiding on my hard drive in e-mail and forwarded programs, I figured "better safe than sorry" right?

Well, I signed up at McAfee.com for their McAfee Clinic. The service provides for 1 year of unlimited access to their site and clinic tools, as well as customer service, online storage of critical files, and a few neat tools to keep my pc running in optimal condition, all for the low cost of $29.99 per year. This was the initial draw because any of McAfee's products, other than their demos, cost over $40 in the stores or online.

The first hurdle was to download the program components required to run the tools from the site...a lengthy process with my sloooooow 56k modem that never runs above 31.2k (but that is another story). The programs self-install and run automatically when you select the scan option from the Clinic site. There is also a test program which allows you to see if the programs were properly downloaded and installed. OK...that part was done (a one-time only deal, so I thought). In addition, it must replace ANY and ALL virus protection programs, including other McAfee products.

The first thing I discovered that I didn't like was that you could only scan your computer when you were online and at the Clinic site. Now, usually this would not be a problem, except that I sometimes want to scan my hard drive on a maintenance basis, but I can live with this (so far).

The second drawback I discovered was that the program needs constant updates to be run properly. I assumed the only updates would be when new viruses were found that the old programming couldn't find. Well, there is an automatic update check performed nightly (if I happen to be online) and it ALWAYS finds an update. And the update usually includes some addition to the main program as well as the DAT files (another loooong wait with the aforementioned modem).

Thankfully, I have never had the scan find a virus on my system (either I have never had one and count myself one of the luckiest people on earth, or the program does not work properly...I wouldn't begin to guess). But my system runs smoothly, for the most part and my data hasn't vanished from my drive.

One glitch which I think may be related to my download of this program has been a frequent (3-4 times/week) problem with an error in Explorer (a component of Windows 98). But I have not been able to undo whatever caused it to happen, but the problem coincided with the initial download and installation of the Clinic program.

I have not availed myself of the free online storage. I have a few reservations about the security of my files on some anonymous computer permanently connected to the web. I just envision all these bored college kids with something to prove hacking away until they figure out how to access my files (not that there is anything spectacular in their...just the challenge to show me they can).

Now this may seem an overly harsh review, and it really isn't intended as such. I actually do use the scan tool about once every two weeks, and it does do a thorough job (there are options to scan .exe files only or all files in the set up menu). And I do not appear to have any viruses (this is not an invitation!). And some of the other tools are actually helpful, too. There is an update finder that checks the programs registered on your computer and searches for updates and patches that may be available from a variety of sites (ie. netscape, microsoft, mirabalis, etc.). This has been helpful as well as fun; I've gotten some cute screensavers and wallpapers from this tool, too. There is another tool to clean your hard drive of unnecessary files. The only other tool I have used is a performance check which offers suggestions on improving the performance of your pc system.

I do think the program is pretty good, overall. It claims to be running in the background, at all times, even when you are not connected to the internet. And, considering that the internet is the doorway through which most viruses will enter your computer, the program is effective when it is needed. I will update when the time draws closer as to whether or not I will renew my membership in this service...I still have several months left to decide.



Recommended: Yes