Norton PC Checkup is a free tool that can be used to scan your computer for all manner of security and performance related issues. The scan can be scheduled to run on a daily or weekly basis and the results summary that is displayed on completion provides advice about potential steps that could be taken.

All of this sounds great in theory, and the program is based on a sound idea. In practice, however, it leaves a little to be desired. Scanning for security problems, performance issues and viruses is something of a lengthy process and the advice provided by PC Checkup is somewhat vague.

In tests, the program failed to detect the presence of anti-virus software and the advice relating to enhancing performance was rather general. The Service Center is home to categorised tips covering all aspects of security and performance, but there is no feeling that the tips displayed are in any way related to the results of the scan that has been performed.

Many of the tips are useful, but with so little tailoring to the system being scanned, Norton PC Checkup may as well be billed as tips repository rather than a checkup tool. With a large number of very basic tips provided, this tool is ideal for computing beginners, but for everyone else there are far more valuable programs available.