BitDefender Antivirus 2009

Those who seek for the best anti-virus programs and money, "and the installation and forget" the proposal, BitDefender is the right choice to win, not only to protect your computer and files, but BitDefender easy to use, depending on your computer, and perhaps more importantly, according to your wallet. Whatever it was one of the programs from the technical point of view, it is expected to improve productivity is the only effective if people use them. Especially in the anti-virus software. The main reason is that people can not protect your computer from a variety of malicious software, and the costs and burdens, "the installation and maintenance of anti-virus programs. The best way of protection of the world are worthless if people believe that the slow, retail use. The same applies to the price. This is the beauty of BitDefender: to provide comprehensive protection, dealing a little space on your computer, and at relatively low cost, and require some maintenance. If you're game to be considered in particular. Most people want that the program of protection from viruses and can be installed and not just forget and BitDefender! In less than an hour and a half hours, you can download, install, and then follow the instructions to your computer and voila, you're protection, you can not forget that viruses, Trojans, spyware, worms and malicious software. No one wants to spend some time to adjust the anti-virus software has been available for work, or watch the latest videos on YouTube. We all hope that the efforts to protect or price, and now we have can have a cake and ate it, too. Experience out of the box configuration by default, BitDefender what should be done. To begin scanning documents, recently visited documents and files and portable e-mail before. For those who want to protect the more active, BitDefender can be a complex text scanning of ports 80 and 443 for malicious ActiveX and Java script is good, but not necessary. Easy installation process using the default settings, the proposed users of the ordinary. One of the best in the latest version, BitDefender has been an increase in the speed of scanning. So when the last SOFTWIN BitDefender can access the log file, if the file did not use clean since the last examination, BitDefender overcome it. This makes them much faster than that used for the survey this is a good thing, because the speed of the previous survey BitDefender vulnerability. May believe that the anti-virus software is easy to use, and this can not be a cheap and effective products and great brands and the high prices, but it would be wrong. Vehicles - Test.org, which is one of the most important research laboratories in the world, independent and anti-virus software to the test. In recent tests, BitDefender received the highest 98 per cent of the removal of all viruses and spyware in rigorous testing. In addition, BitDefender has received the highest scores of the effectiveness of Virus Bulletin (VB100%) and vehicles and certification through Comparatives.org ICSA, West Coast Checkvir.com laboratories, and the ability to detect viruses and virus replication, while minimizing false (to measure the detection of HIV does not exist) . BitDefender, which is one of the main features of the development is an electronic machine work on the background of non-visible on your computer if the pilot was suspicious, and the law of the virus appear, but do not meet any known virus signatures. In this way, BitDefender can protect your computer from viruses and does not yet have the report. In the same test vehicle - Test.org said its highest Kaspersky BitDefender, Norton, Computer Associates and McAfee, proactive in the detection of viruses and other harmful programs of this method is heuristic. BitDefender scan a bit slower than some competitors, because (trust us, and this virtual machine, respectively. Nature, it will be the price of this type of protection, but other products like ESET 32 to do a better job, and to minimize them. Although BitDefender remove viruses and spyware, and it is good to protect your system from the entry of the virus. The new BitDefender can bring the virus to the HTML stream before the virus makes the browser. We believe that every computer must be equipped for such protection. Regularly updated virus signature necessary in order to maintain overall effectiveness. The heart and soul of the anti-virus software is the recognition of malicious code and BitDefender essentially identical or not the code on a computer with known virus signatures. BitDefender updates virus signatures every hour unless modified for the longest time. Or, if you are faithful to the management of the programs your anti-virus (not shown in the photos from Wikipedia under the list of the abnormal fetus?), And you can define the "manual" and manually update the virus and what is working to update it. Otherwise, retract BitDefender know that your is to update itself every hour, 7-24. The spirit of "install and forget" software, BitDefender does not flash red and green lights to inform you that activity. In contrast, a small red and black icon appears in the lower right corner of my office, slightly higher than the system tray. This is the symbol of the control of the exploration activity. He said the Green Line, when the file has been scanned for viruses and spyware. You can remove the screen to enter the configuration settings. BitDefender Department counter-espionage, including the protection of privacy. This feature is disabled by default, but when we talk about this proposal. Advanced Settings link, you can enter your credit card number or other information, if any Windows applications on the Internet to try to stop and ask you to activate the license. Otherwise, BitDefender will refuse any plans to deal with your personal information over the Internet. BitDefender is the only anti-virus software review, the player model. Way to the game and after the opening of the protection of the players on the Internet, as well as a number of non-sacrifice of performance. Online games, known since the disruption of the wall and other protection, and improve performance, which could save lives on the Internet computer games to a family member. BitDefender really shines here. Installation is easy and intuitive. BitDefender also easily and transparently removes any protection from viruses, it may be on the computer. This is the efficiency in the use of the computer after installation. Two anti-virus package on your computer does not give you more than double the protection, but trampling on the performance and reduce protection. The use of digital technology almost 60MB of disk space (new computers average 200GB hard disk that uses about 0.03 percent of disk space), and more than Kaspersky and 32, but throughout the 1-3 of the area required of the Norton anti-virus programs. BitDefender function, and it is not necessary to work fuss or amendment. BitDefender as your car or on a cell phone, when they are ready. Working, but not necessary. You can be sure, but in rare cases may require some assistance, and provided good support for the livelihood of BitDefender, or over the phone or through live chat on the Internet. In the past, BitDefender support via telephone for the Office of the money for a long distance call to Europe. However, the manufacturer, Softwin, the launch of a free telephone line to support the use of (1-888-868-1873) to make it cheaper and easier to support when the need arises. To a common problem, and provides BitDefender questions and answers. BitDefender can send an e-mail to Support@bitdefender.com be quick and very effective response to a question from a reporter. BitDefender almost everything you need easy-to-use, highly effective anti-virus and anti-spyware. When completed BitDefender technical support, and improve their ability to remove the tool, which will have a nearly perfect product. BitDefender also received a top anti-virus software is always a high performance, and protect your computer, and ease of use and installation. BitDefender is highly effective, the provision does not eliminate the value of Trememdous in your wallet. Superior performance, protection and price, we recommend Antirvirus BitDefender 2009

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009

Kaspersky Lab has developed the best in the world for more than a decade, and now Kaspersky anti-virus for 2009 only to enhance that reputation. Created by Natalia and Eugene Kaspersky in 1997, and these are usually the first Russian company to find and identify new viruses. Long-term use in Russia and Europe, Kaspersky has now entered the U.S. market. Kaspersky anti-virus for 2009 is the most effective anti-virus packages in the world today, it is very easy to use and intuitive control interface. Like many other anti-virus software package, including BitDefender, Kaspersky anti-virus with anti-spyware. Kaspersky software products are the best in the world, but at U.S. $ 39.95 for the user license for one year, and this program is high, our study. Kaspersky does not doubt the validity and ease of use. The results, Kaspersky anti-virus for the winner. If you are looking for anti-virus protection, you might be interested in Kaspersky has always been one of the best anti-virus programs on the market, but it was less than easy to use. The release of version 7, Kaspersky dramatically improved interface and the interface to match the quality of global progress. Further improvement in 2009 was the formula. Anomalous point of view, the interface of Kaspersky is the best possible review of the programs. However, it may not be the ideal person who does not wish to modify and control of anti-virus software. All forms of privilege and can be controlled by the intuitive and easy to control the use of Kaspersky anti-virus. Kaspersky Lab has always been aware of their ability to detect and remove viruses, or the equivalent of the highest of any program on the market. The BitDefender, Kaspersky can remove more than 98 per cent of all viruses that can be found in more than one target to another test vehicles - Test.org. Kaspersky Lab is also the primary viruses in the detection of harmful software. Test the effectiveness of Kaspersky. The results showed that all the test viruses. Kaspersky excellent, despite the detection of viruses and malware, you can use some work, and the detection of spyware. Independent testing of the vehicles - Test.org found that 8% of the license Kaspersky adware / spyware overlooked. Moreover, Kaspersky proactive / can not detect the tide engines meet the high standards of BitDefender, 32, and - insurance companies, and other pandas. As is the case with other programs proactive / heuristic engine is to detect malware before signing, and the Kaspersky scan is relatively slow. Time and resources required by these initiatives, and improve disclosure about the state of play in this survey scanning engine, and can be relatively slow to pay the price of the U.S. level of protection. Anti-virus software review, only 32) see the book) at a high level of proactive detection and speed of scanning. The best anti-virus software packages provide virus signature updates the basic routine. Kaspersky and BitDefender signatures to be completed in each hour. This may seem excessive for the start of a new virus has spread quickly throughout the world, and is updated anti-virus programs every week. May be too late for you! Given the automatic updates, and get the best means of protection, is not part of this effort. Kaspersky feature stronger. Despite the facade of BitDefender 's are in the first place to switch jobs, and anti-virus software is a dream Tweakers and control almost all functions. Like most anti-virus package on our review Kaspersky Lab to protect your computer from spyware and viruses. To delete viruses and spyware, while the more efficient in time and resources in place to stop and not separately. Bit, such as Defender, Champion, Kaspersky scans email and port 80 traffic (port 80 is the port to receive network traffic, and should be open, and browse the Internet, so that this excellent program can detect and disable network viruses, Trojans and other malicious software that can be facing problems. Kaspersky also to defend his team. Kaspersky hours of unwanted adware, and registered, and tricks, utilities, and the freezing of a specific registry key malicious code that could undermine the goal of his team. In addition, the Kaspersky now includes protection against viruses, and the use of instant messaging and ICQ. Kaspersky, in constant vigilance to prevent viruses and other malicious software that could help you create a rescue CD-ROM cases, and affected the working of a series of malicious code, so that your system unbootable. In spite of this effort for the preparation of the computer user is equivalent to a decisive battle is commendable, the process arduous and difficult. If you download and install the operating system or system disk lost or not, this feature will not be able to use his. Kaspersky is a simple and anti-virus software to install. Expressed lack of 50MB file download, installation and operation time. After the operation, protection from Kaspersky in the test equipment. The complaint is not automatically remove the Kaspersky anti-virus software has been tested on the computer. This is bound to cause problems for ordinary users. Some people always know the end of the two anti-virus program and the operation of this problem will continue. Two anti-virus packages, respectively, the speed of the computer and the wrong information in this problem. On the positive side, Kaspersky has no uninstall tool and operation without any trace of it remains in the registry. There are a number of other anti-virus vendors must pay attention to the amount of confidence in your client, if not even know how to remove your own software? Should be intuitive and easy to use software, if you do not still have the problem, software vendors should be good for support and assistance to resolve the problem quickly and easily. Software should not be a source of tension, but it should make your life more comfortable and easier. When the problem does not occur, Kaspersky has invested sufficient resources to solve these problems. Kaspersky anti-virus for 2009 and provides context-sensitive help documentation. This is a great idea, and other software developers should do the same. In addition, there are active user questions and answers and forums on the Internet. Finally, you can e-mail or free technical assistance at the site. Kaspersky is the best anti-virus programs on the market today. This is very efficient, and has a great interface and very easy on the resources of the computer. Kaspersky is a very good choice, some slight increase in the BitDefender, receive

Webroot Antivirus 6

Webroot's antivirus and anti-spyware and a firewall is a strong product from Webroot Software. The film won the U.S. Department of Defense Because it does not contain elements of advanced anti-virus, but also includes the full version of spyware anti-spyware Sweepr. These projects to obtain all the awards and certificates, and can be changed dynamically to combat the threat of attacks on the World Wide Web is emerging in the second day. Internet offers limitless opportunities, advocacy, education, business services and recreational, but also an opportunity for the dissemination of malware and viruses jokes, spyware, worms, keyloggers and others. This is a very connected to the Internet and computers with a grave in a timely manner, and the second form of protection, such as Webroot anti-spyware and antivirus programs. Developed since there is no signs of megalomania, which is smart. All computers connected to the Internet without any form of protection will receive kind of viruses, spyware, adware or worse. To take effective action and the maintenance of your personal information and computer programs such as Webroot anti-spyware and antivirus programs. This anti-virus software is quite true, and home users who do not know much about the security programs and security threats. The list of the programs studied, it is easy to understand symbols and logical design and organization. The composition of the anti-virus software is very easy, a default or recommended safety shield can be true in itself, if you do not want to have to find one of the 17 for the operation of armor. This also requires a simple command or a deep scan quickly. However, if you want to identify the custom scan, you can also choose. Success in the fight against viruses, Webroot's financial statements are free of viruses and other malicious applications. And awards and certificates to prove this point. Anti-virus programs that have won awards VB100 (Virus Bulletin) 39 times, 100% for the detection of viruses in nature. He also received West Coast Labs detection and disinfection certificate mark 100% of the viruses in the wild. Webroot anti-virus software companies also ICSA Labs certification and this is not the only TopTenREVIEWS, recommended Webroot security software as part of this deal and received the chief editor of PC Magazine to recognize the selection of 8-fold. The large number of updates necessary for the very new threats constantly emerging, and anti-virus antispyware Webroot Enterprise to provide updates automatically, on a regular basis, even every hour if necessary. It also has the ability to detect "suspicious" behavior, you can protect your computer against new threats of attack on the official list of threats. Webroot anti-virus companies and spyware supply the bulk of the survey, there is no complete security wing that can monitor the activity of the network, scan and e-mail, and conduct a complete survey system, and complete. This is the program for protection from viruses, including 17 types of armor, of which 13 contained in the recommendation. This shield is strong, including the protection of the web browser, and the armor protection and Windows, and the protection and restoration of the e-mail inquiries survey. Program can protect your computer from common threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, trojans, and malware, keyloggers, worms, rootkits, and the kidnapping of the browser cookie tracker. In addition, the "always on" protection also includes three different types of x-ray, and a rapid survey, a complete survey and custom scanning options. The Express by exploring to find a place where unwanted programs often demand a weekly look deep virus scan and spyware, and practice, analysis and can only scan is not specific or survey units of the type of files or file extension. Software continuously updated every hour or less, if necessary, and can be automatically updated, you can update manually. As in the last update. In addition, it provides for the Webroot anti-virus alerts on the latest news and information, the latest threat. Webroot anti-virus companies, also has the advantage of the way the game is called, you can scan the book and stay alert when you play games or watching movies, so you can enjoy your entertainment without stopping. Download speed of software security, in most cases, you can run in the background, not to delay other processes. However, we recommend the program to be installed on one computer, which exceeded the minimum recommended by the system. The proposed requirements included only 256 MB of RAM, it will be difficult for any effective management program for these days is not enough many were unable to fill. Webroot free from the United States, based on the Internet, telephone and support. Also published a wide range of customer and technical support as useful lessons on the Internet, and search the knowledge base. And support remote desktop license. Buy anti-virus software, and you receive other services that a small number of enterprises to provide remote control of the free storage of documents. Webroot provides a virtual storage space to support the files, so as to be able to access your files from any computer. This service is also very useful if you need to send large files. In general, it is difficult to send large files as email attachments, and can provide the service and the download link, you can transfer e-mail, so the recipient can immediately access the documents without opening the large attachment. Of course, did not provide any other link to download other documents stored on the remote server. Webroot's antivirus and anti-spyware, back up the evidence of the high precision tests of the industrial testing, has proved to be an important element, as well as safety procedures, and ease of use and installation. With the free game and the method of remote storage files, Webroot Anti-virus and spyware scanning spectrum of useful work to provide adequate security fees.

ESET Nod32 3

ESET's NOD32 is rapidly becoming one of the best pieces of antivirus software on the market today. ESET's NOD32 once again has delivered an excellent product that is highly effective, and now, easy to use. The strength and beauty of this software is its light footprint, relatively fast scanning and superior ThreatSense® Technology that detects malicious software before it has been reported. Its interface is intuitive and easy to use for the average home user, but can be configured and tweaked by the advanced user. The one-user, one-year package is priced at $39.99, which is the middle range of the antivirus software products reviewed.

Ease of Use:

ESET's NOD32 is simple to use right out of the box (figuratively speaking … it’s a download) and requires little or no configuring for the average user. Yes, it’s an “install and forget program! The interface is clean and simple with enable/disable toggles and a configure option for those who are into tweaking their antivirus software. Unlike Kaspersky, which allows you to tailor their software based upon the perceived threat and the level of protection desired, advanced configuring NOD32 requires a bit more knowledge of your system. Fortunately, NOD32 works as it should in its default configuration and most users will never have to do anything but simply install this excellent software.

Effectiveness:

ESET's NOD 32 is among the most effective antivirus software products on the market today. Independent tests show that NOD32 removed about 98% of the virus threats it faced, putting it on par with BitDefender, “TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award” winner, and Kaspersky, “TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award” winner. In addition, NOD32 is certified by all the major independent testing laboratories the world over. Of the major antivirus software packages tested, NOD32 interfered less with our other computer operations than any of the other products reviewed. Its spyware protection is a little weaker than one might like, putting it on the same level as Kaspersky's 92%. Where NOD32 stands head and shoulders above its competitors is in its proactive detection and protection.

Most of the reputable antivirus software developers now include a heuristic engine that attempts to detect malware before it has been reported. Some refer to this as “Day Zero” detection because it is able to detect threats before their signatures is has been identified. The idea here is that when the software finds some code that looks malicious, it executes the software in the background to determine if it’s a threat to your machine. ESET has refined this technique like no other antivirus software developer with their ThreatSense® Technology.

This ThreatSense® Technology delivers an excellent detection rate while offering a very fast scan rate. Other antivirus packages offer similar detection rates, such as BitDefender and Kaspersky, but in both of those cases, the penalty you pay are slow scan rates. NOD32 is the only software package reviewed and tested that offered both high detection rates AND fast scan rates, indicating these folks know how to write efficient and effective code (according to the company, NOD32 is written in assembly language, a very efficient, low-level language). ESET could be the sleeper antivirus company ready to take this market by storm in coming years.

Updates:

Unlike Kaspersky and BitDefender, ESET's NOD32 only updates its virus signatures once a day. That's probably a short enough interval considering that ESET has the power to “push” updates to your computer in the instance of attack. Also, with ESET's highly effective heuristic, proactive engine, it is very likely that NOD32 will recognize malicious code before the signature is available. These two features make us more comfortable with the slightly longer update intervals than some of its competitors have.

Feature Set:

ESET's NOD32 is all about effectiveness AND speed. This software uses fewer resources than any of the packages tested and this is a thing of beauty. NOD32 is a breath of fresh air in a world of bloated software in that its code is efficiently written. From the perspective of the average user, this means this software has a light footprint and fast scans, both very good things. Its ThreatSense® Technology’s proactive defense is among the best heuristic programs on the market.

NOD32 offers several layers of protection including real time email scanning, antivirus protection, antispyware protection and rootkit scanner. The email scanner integrates easily and directly into MS Outlook or any other standard POP3 email client. Disappointingly, NOD32 did not have a Parental Control option where parents can block and control what sites their children are able to access online.

NOD32 is among the few antivirus products that still supports such legacy operating systems as DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, etc. as well as Windows XP and Vista.

Ease of Installation:

Installation was prompt and easy. The package is just 34M making it among the lightest antivirus packages we have ever seen. We were disappointed, though, that ESET did not automatically remove the existing antivirus software on our system. Instead, NOD32 prompts you to remove any existing antivirus on your computer before installation.

ESET has made some excellent and necessary improvements in their interface with version 3, making the software far easier and more intuitive to use. Anticipating that the vast majority of people don't want to spend time messing with their antivirus software, but instead just want it to work, ESET crafted NOD32’s interface to be clean and simple. Most people can simply “install and forget” this software. The left-hand column features Protection Status, Computer Scan, Update, Setup, Tools and Help. The right windowpane is reserved for the active feature in use.

Although the features have an enable/disable toggle, the advanced user can simply click on “configure” in any of the features and find all of the advanced tweaks that anyone could ask for. Should you need to remove NOD32 from your computer, there is an uninstall option. After a reboot we found almost no evidence of the product on the machine.

Help/Support:

ESET's NOD32 provides extensive, context-sensitive help files similar to Kaspersky and this feature by both firms should be applauded. It’s about time the other software developers include similar help files. It’s simple and quick for the user and doesn't require much development cost for the software publisher. Online, ESET provides a fairly thorough 32-page PDF file manual for download, plus online FAQs for NOD32, links to an active user forum dedicated to the software, and a web form for contacting ESET customer support. While there is live telephone support offered, the call is not toll free and is available only during business hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

Summary:

ESET's NOD32 offers the antivirus software buyer one more excellent choice. Its sets itself apart from the competition with its scanning speed and light footprint on your computer resources. Its proactive approach to virus and other malware detection is among the best in the world, its virus detection is excellent, and now with an easy to use interface, this software ranks among the best available. There is no hesitation in recommending ESET's NOD32 and awarding it the “TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award” for antivirus software.

AVG Anti-Virus 8

AVG Antivirus has been an up and coming virus scanner for many years. Its free version is one of the most downloaded files on the Internet in the Computer Security sector. The new interface is clean and intuitive while still remaining useful.

AVG went through a re-write of their virus scanning engine and included two of their stand alone products with AVG Antivirus as well. AVG Antispyware and AVG Antirootkit were both integrated with the virus scanner. Also revamped is the way AVG Antivirus uses the hardware within your computer. It has been changed to make better use of the multiple cores which are common in todays computers. This should speed up scanning as well as reduce slowdowns.

Ease of Use:

Though AVG Antivirus is mostly a hands-off program, there may be some instances when you may need to configure some advanced options. For 99% of the population though, the default options will be more than sufficient.

The menus within AVG Antivirus are very simple and offer all the options and information needed to keep your system safe from Internet threats.

Effectiveness:

AVG Antivirus is one of the most complete programs we have found to date. It includes many new options to make it one of the most effective virus scanners on the market. It is still plagued by horrible slowdowns at times. Even things so simple as just typing an IM can be stopped for several seconds for some reason. If you can get passed the occasional slowdowns of your computer, the scanning functionality of AVG Antivirus 8 is top of the line. With the rewrite of the scanning engine, AVG includes multi-processor support. That dual core processor you bought is actually going to start getting a workout now. AVG also includes support for Windows Vista and the 64 bit versions of Windows XP and Vista.

Updates:

AVG Checks for updates every 4 hours by default. You can change this to any interval you wish. The updates section of AVG Antivirus also shows you which virus database version you have, as well as when the last update was. It also tells you when the next update is scheduled. All of this information is also displayed on the main menu screen so that you always have the information at your fingertips.

Feature Set:

AVG Technologies, formerly Grisoft, has gone above and beyond with the new release of AVG Antivirus. Included with the virus scanner, are a rootkit scanner, spyware scanner, an on-access scanner called Resident Shield, email scanner and a link scanning browser plug-in. There is also a portion of AVG Antivirus called Web Shield. Web Shield is a chopped down firewall application that scans standard web ports for any threats encountered while browsing the web. It also includes protection for MSN Messenger and ICQ.

Ease of Installation:

Installing AVG Antivirus 8 was easy and only took about 10 minutes including downloading the additional updates required after installation finished. We had no issues or errors during the install.

Help/Support:

With the name change from Grisoft to AVG Technologies, the support site was updated and saw many improvements over the old design. Support offerings included with AVG Antivirus 8 are a FAQs, email support, phone-based technical support, as well as an inclusive support section within the program itself.

Summary:

Version 8 of AVG Antivirus is a definite improvement over version 7.5. The scanning features have been sped up and the new interface is a clean and modern take on a time-tested product.

Including a link scanner and integrating AVG Antispyware and AVG AntiRootkit provides an even more effective product. An unfortunate problem that has plagued AVG products for quite some time has not been eliminated, even though AVG did a complete rewrite of the virus scanning engine. The on-access scanner still tends to slow down computers to the point where they are not usable at times. This isn't a constant factor and has been improved significantly, but you will notice it when it happens. Beyond the slowdown issue, AVG Antivirus 8 is a complete product that will help keep your computer clean and safe.

Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware

Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware is a great security software solution with all the right features. Vipre is easy to use and is specifically designed to not slow down your PC. It’s not a typo, VIPRE stands for Virus Intrusion Protection Remediation Engine.

Ease of Use:

Antivirus + Antispyware by Vipre has a straightforward and easy to understand interface. The menus within the program are easy to follow and ensure quick and easy navigation. Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware is very easy to use for both beginners and those who want to delve into customized scans.

Effectiveness:

Vipre is very effective when it comes to antivirus and antispyware protection. Vipre has passed the West coast Labs tests. The program also includes anti-rootkit technology. Vipre monitors your PC in realtime for constant protection from malware. Vipre’s Active Protection works inside the Windows kernel to protect your computer before viruses have the opportunity to execute.

Vipre also helps deter viruses sent through email. Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware supports any email client using POP3 and SMTP, including Outlook, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail.

Updates:

Updates for Antivirus + Antispyware can be performed automatically or manually. This includes both updates for the program itself, and the most up-to-date virus definitions. Timely updates are crucial for antivirus software, and Vipre doesn’t disappoint.

Feature Set:

Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware has all the essential features, and several additional helpful capabilities. The security software has a variety of scanning options. Users can perform scans manually and on-demand, or even schedule specific scans. But even better, Vipre is set by default to perform scans on-access whenever they are received.

Vipre features heuristic scanning to detect the newest viruses before they cause a problem. Vipre also incorporates script blocking technology to monitor Java and VBS scripts that show signs that may lead to potential computer threats.

Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware can scan compressed files, and can quarantine infected files or simply automatically take care of them. Furthermore, Vipre protects your computer from threats from email, instant messaging, peer-to-peer file sharing, and webmail.

Ease of Installation:

Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware is easy to install and update. Vipre was engineered to use minimal system resources and keep pop-up notifications and warnings down. Installation is no exception; the process is quick and doesn’t require a lot of useless steps.

If you’re using the previous antivirus solution from Sunbelt Software, CounterSpy, upgrading and updating to Vipre is easy.

Help/Support:

There is plenty of help available for using Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware, but the software is easy enough to use that you likely won’t need to use it. Help can be found in a FAQs section, an online user guide, or by searching the knowledgebase. Or you can call Sunbelt directly for assistance, or submit your questions through email.

For instant live help online, users can chat live with a representative. And unlike some sites that require you to input a bunch of information before connecting with a service rep, the live chat support for Vipre is instant and connects you as soon as the assistant is available.

Summary:

Vipre’s Antivirus + Antispyware software is straightforward, easy, and effective. Vipre has complete protection and is packaged in an efficient software. With Vipre Antivirus + Antispyware, you get thorough security without sacrificing PC resources.

F-Secure Anti-Virus 2009

F-Secure Anti-Virus is a great product that offers many of the standard functions associated with antivirus software, but also goes above and beyond the bar set by others with efforts by F-Secure to educate the people that use F-Secure Anti-Virus on general security practices as well as specific threats.

Ease of Use:

F-Secure Anti-Virus is very easy to use and comes preconfigured with the most effective options for your computers' security. The menus within F-Secure Anti-Virus are simple and quick to display the options under each menu.

Effectiveness:

F-Secure Anti-Virus is one of the most effective antivirus programs on the market. Its heuristic scanner is considered by many to be one of the fastest and most complete on the market.

We did have some problems with its on-access scanner though. The test system we used is a pretty fast system. Intel Pentium D 2.8GHz with 1GB of RAM. The on-access scanner would sometimes bring this system to a halt when opening programs or moving files.

Updates:

F-Secure Anti-Virus checks for updates every two hours. This is fine for most people and shouldn't cause any problems. One issue that we did notice is that one of the updates that was received required a reboot of the test system. While we had a choice in the reboot, it was odd that it should require a reboot to apply new virus signatures or even minor program updates.

Feature Set:

F-Secure Anti-Virus comes with the standard protection you would expect from any modern antivirus suite. Both on-access and on-demand scanners are included as well as a spyware scanner that runs with both. An email scanner is also included for those of us using local email clients like Outlook or Thunderbird.

One feature we especially liked about F-Secure Anti-Virus was the integrated news on the home menu. The Security News section is full of useful information about which new security threats are out and whether you are protected from each threat.

Ease of Installation:

Installation of F-Secure Anti-Virus is fast and easy. It took less than 5 minutes to initially install, but required a very long update upon completion of the install. The install itself required a single reboot as well as the update that was download after the install finished.

Help/Support:

F-Secure offers several options for support. They have a "How to" section with several FAQ's included as well as offering a product manual from within the program itself. Also available are phone support and email support. You may find that support for F-Secure Anti-Virus is difficult to obtain once you get past the self-help options. The site is somewhat convoluted and could use a redesign to make it easier and faster to use. To be fair, most people will not need to contact customer support directly if they use the self help options that are available on the support site.

Summary:

With one of the most thorough antivirus engines available, F-Secure Anti-Virus provides good protection against viruses, spyware and many other security threats. The added benefit of the support and education portion of their website adds to the overall feeling of protection while using this product. While it isn't perfect, and does have issues with significant slowdowns while the on-access scanner is working, the overall product is effective.

Trend Micro AntiVirus with AntiSpyware 2009

Trend Micro AntiVirus 2009

Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware is a full-featured and well-equipped program that is geared towards keeping your computer free of viruses and spyware. It is easy to configure for nearly any antivirus need. It causes significant computer slowdowns occasionally, but makes up for these issues with thorough scanning and frequent updates.

Ease of Use:

Trend Micro Antivirus plus AntiSpyware is extremely easy to use. Nearly all of the configuration options are set after the install is finished. Scanning and updating are as easy as clicking a button on the overview page within the program. Changing settings and configuring advanced settings is easy and each of the settings is clearly explained within the program.

Effectiveness:

Trend Micro has a history of producing effective products that have been used in homes and enterprises for years. The included virus scanner is well-equipped and has a high success rate on par with many other high end antivirus programs.

Despite its high marks in scanning, Trend Micro Antivirus is slow when scanning and can cause problems with freezing and slowdowns. It also has a tendency to not play nice with Firefox and MSN Live Messenger.

Updates:

Updates can be done automatically or manually depending on your needs. Automatic updates default to being done every 3 hours. They are done in the background by default as well. The only time you will be notified of an update is if it requires a reboot for some reason. Take note that updates can take quite some time to complete depending on the size of the update.

Feature Set:

Trend Micro Antivirus plus AntiSpyware includes the antivirus scanner as well as the antispyware scanner noted in its name. It also includes a utility to track unauthorized changes to your operating system or system files.

Ease of Installation:

Installing Trend Micro Antivirus plus AntiSpyware is as simple as reading a couple screens and hitting the next button a few times. The only problem we experienced was the initial update that the program gets after installation is finished. That update took nearly 30 minutes and required a reboot.

Help/Support:

Trend Micro has always been big on customer support. In this tradition, they offer several support options. The most impressive is their guided knowledge base. This is the first knowledge base (KB) that has actually been useful in finding solutions to problems. If you are not able to get help for your issue through the KB, they also offer ticket-based-support as well as live chat and phone support. The phone support option is available at appropriate times in the USA, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Summary:

Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware is a solid solution for those that are looking for an antivirus program that is easy to configure and doesn't require much user interaction. It has a simple interface and some of the best customer support available in the antivirus market. The only thing that keeps Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware from being a top 3 product is the severe slowdowns that can occur while performing seemingly unrelated tasks.

McAfee VirusScan 2009

McAfee VirusScan 2009


McAfee is an industry leader in computer protection and VirusScan is their #1 defense against viruses. This software comes with a ScriptStopper to prevent viruses from propagating from one computer to another via email, and WormStopper.

Some downsides to the program are that it doesn't provide instant message protection, P2P/file sharing protection or registry startup protection. Check out the Gold product if you're looking for these features.

Ease of Use:

If you use the default settings, setup is a breeze. The default settings provide very good protection against viruses, Trojans, worms, malicious ActiveX controls and Java applets.

The SecurityCenter has several tabs besides the VirusScan tab. There is one for Personal Firewall+, Privacy Service and SpamKiller. These are other programs offered by McAfee.

Effectiveness:

VirusScan boasts one of the best virus detection records. The software has received the VB100% award, the ICSA award and passed both level 1& 2 Checkmarks from West Coast Labs.

Updates:

McAfee VirusScan 9.0 automatically downloads updated virus definitions from the Internet on a regular basis. Staying up to date will dramatically decrease any possibility that a virus will infect your computer. On Average, McAfee comes out with new virus definitions on a daily basis.

You will have to register and login to get updates making the process longer than it needs be.

Feature Set:

McAfee VirusScan offers a rich list of features. You can set VirusScan to scan your computer at a preprogrammed scheduled time. The program also scans for spyware and adware.

You can't add several tasks to the Scheduled Scan. It would be great to be able to scan all files once a month and only program files weekly or any other tasks you would like to set up.

McAfee has an Antivirus Emergency Response Team that continually monitors the worldwide virus activities to provide you with the utmost safety. The always-on protection guards against viruses, spyware and other Internet threats that may enter your PC via e-mail, instant message attachments, Internet downloads, and web browsing.

One of the newest features is also one of our favorites. It's the QuickScan feature, which basically narrows virus scans to the most vulnerable and frequently attacked parts of your computer. This makes scanning much faster, although we still recommend doing a full scan periodically. Another great feature that can save you some time is SiteAdvisor. This system automatically gives you a visual signal in your browser telling you if the link you are about to click on will send you to a malware site. This can significantly decrease your infection rate, if used properly.

Ease of Installation:

We didn't encounter any problems during the installation process. Recently, McAfee has simplified the setup process, making installation faster than it used to be. But don't get too excited, installation times will still vary depending on the computer.

Help/Support:

McAfee has plenty of help options, including documentation, email and phone support. We were disappointed with their email response time - it took 5 days to respond and they didn't answer all of our questions, hence the low rating.

Summary:

McAfee is a name brand product that does an excellent job at detecting and removing viruses. Their update process can be somewhat tedious and their support department needs to answer their emails in a more timely manner.

Norton AntiVirus 2009

Norton Antivirus 2009 is a full-featured antivirus and antispyware product. It includes several options that are commonly passed over by other suites while still leaving many out that would be useful. The Norton scanning engine is one of the most complete on the market, but suffers from issues with system resource usage and overzealous integration with your computer that can cause freezing or simple hanging application.

Ease of Use:

Norton Antivirus 2009 is very easy to use. It comes with a default configuration that is sufficient to protect most home computer systems. It integrates with the start bar with an icon that is large and easy to spot. The icon also includes a way to tell if your system is protected or needs intervention from the user.
Effectiveness:
Being VB100%, W.C.L 1 and 2, as well as ICSA certified means that Norton Antivirus 2009 is equipped to handle all of your virus scanning needs. The scanner has proven to 3 independent labs that it has the ability to detect and remove viruses and variants of all viruses that the Norton virus engine was tested against.
The antispyware capabilities of Norton Antivirus 2009 were less effective than the virus scanner. It missed all of our tests while finding only a single tracking cookie on our whole test system.
We noticed that Norton Antivirus still suffers from some pretty significant issues with the program eating up resources and just slowing down our test machine overall. However, the latest version has made great strides in speeding up functions and is much better than previous versions. This is accomplished by only scanning files that are at risk.
Updates:
The new Rapid Pulse feature allows Norton Antivirus to update every 5 to 15 minutes. This makes it much more current and is a great improvement over the old system of looking for and installing updates only once a week.
Feature Set:
Norton Antivirus 2009 includes an antispyware scanner, Instant Messenger protection for MSN, Yahoo, AIM, and Trillian, as well as the ability to lock down program settings to help prevent other users on the computer from changing your settings. Symantec has still neglected to include parental controls with Norton Antivirus as well.
Ease of Installation:
One of the greatest benefits of Norton Antivirus 2009 is the improved installation time. Previously, installation was a long process. But now Norton installs in less than one minute. At least that's what the box says. The actual install time you experience may be longer than that, but it's still a significant improvement over past versions.
One additional thing to note is that uninstalling Norton Antivirus did not remove everything that was installed. There are several registry entries and directories left behind as well as the LiveUpdate program that has to be removed separately.
Help/Support:
Symantec has always been hit on their help and support by reviewers. This fine tradition doesn't end here as there seems to have been no changes since our Internet Security Suite review of Norton Internet Security. While they still offer free online chat and email support, their phone support option is still $9.95 per incident. Beyond this, they estimate a 30 minute wait time. We expect more for paid support options.
The live chat option is also much less useful than we initially thought. It requires Internet Explorer to function requiring an additional product install in order to get support. Once the application is installed, you still have to wait for a rep to become available. We stopped waiting after 25 minutes. For most people, this would probably be a bit more time than expected to wait for support.
Summary:
Norton Antivirus 2009 is a good product for keeping your computer safe from viruses, but is not as effective as it should be against spyware. While it has a good track record of keeping viruses off of computers using it, it also has significant issues with slowing down computers that it is protecting. Symantec has done a lot to fix the slow down issues by reducing the amount of system resources used, but they still need to do more work to make the product a contender in the modern antivirus market.