PC Tools (software)

PC Tools was a suite of utility software originally developed by Central Point Software, offering a range of tools designed to improve and maintain the performance of IBM PC compatible computers running MS-DOS. Later versions also supported Windows. Its functionality included data recovery, disk optimization (defragmentation), backup and restore capabilities, virus protection, and system information display.

Initially released in 1985, PC Tools competed with other popular utility suites of the time, such as Norton Utilities. It gained considerable popularity due to its comprehensive features and relatively user-friendly interface.

Over the years, PC Tools evolved through various versions, adding new features and improving existing ones. The Windows versions of PC Tools provided similar utility functions within the Windows environment.

Central Point Software was acquired by Symantec in 1994. Following the acquisition, the PC Tools product line was discontinued. While some of its functionality was integrated into later Symantec products, the PC Tools brand itself was retired. The name "PC Tools" was later acquired and used by a different company, unrelated to Central Point Software, for a security software suite. Therefore, the original PC Tools from Central Point Software should not be confused with the later product using the same name.