BitDefender Free Edition Overview

BitDefender Free Edition is a free anti-virus software developed by the SOFTWIN, a Bucharest-based company. BitDefender Free Edition was designed with a centralized management console, which allows protection options configuration for all BitDefender modules. Its Live Update module ensures hourly updates of the program and virus database. Automatic and manual update are available. Intelligent update of antivirus protection, without your intervention. The update can be done from the network over the Internet, directly or through a Proxy Server. This function also repairs the software by automatically downloading and replacing the damaged program files and other components.

BitDefender Free Edition has over 90,000 Virus Definitions. It uses the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines found in other paid BitDefender products, allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection for free. Its OnDemand Scanning option gives option for scheduling pc scanning as per user convince. It also provides real-time scanning.
 

Main Features

• Antivirus : Protects against viruses and other malware.
• Antispyware : Blocks concealed programs that track your online activities.
• Antiphishing : Blocks webpages that attempt to steal your credit card data.
• On demand scanning : Powerful scan engines ensure detection and removal of all viruses .
• Scheduled scanning : The Scheduler lets you plan ahead, and schedule full system/drive scans in the off hours.
• Immediate scanning : With just a right click you can check your files and folders.
• Quarantine : By isolating the infected files in quarantine, the risk of getting infected diminishes.
• IM Encryption : Keeps your conversations private on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger
• Home Network : Manages the security of your entire network from a single location
• Reports : When launching a scan you may choose to create a report file where you can see statistics.
• Skinable interface : You can express yourself, designing new interfaces, or you can use those drawn by others.
• Special operating : Game Mode reduces system load & postpones scans,Laptop Mode prolongs battery life.

What’s New

• Improved Proactive detection.
• Improved Deployment and use.
• Improved User Experience.
• New Privacy protection.

On Lower Side

BitDefender Free Edition lacks Anti Rootkit capability that protects your passwords. BitDefender does not protect you from ID Theft. It doesn’t have Firewall to stop the hackers from drilling in to your system. BitDefender cannot relieve you from that annoying unwanted e-mails, as it misses Anti Spam Filters. It has only forum support. BitDefender Antivirus 10. It causes more system drag than most antivirus programs.

Our Experience

Our experience with BitDefender Free Edition was a disappointment comparing to other free antivirus software. It detected 98% of the malacious programs. Bitdefnder’s disinfection prowess is not upto the mark. It slowed down our Pc to a considerable level. It identified more False Positives. Bit Defender Free Version scored a mere 2/12 on our scoring parameters.