Authour’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 11th Aug 2008 Publisher MicroWorld Tech License 1Year 1User Pricing $29.95

eScan Antivirus Edition Overview

eScan Antivirus Edition is an all-inclusive solution that will protect your system from Viruses, Trojans, Adware, Spyware, Keyloggers and Hackers trying to gain access to your system by exploiting the existing OS vulnerabilities. It is a comprehensive AntiVirus, AntiSpam Content Security and Intrusion Prevention software. It is a complete security suite which provides essential protection against viruses and hackers.The Real Time Content Scanning for all kind of Automatic Daily Internet Updation, In-built two way Firewall, all kind of SMTP & POP3 AntiSpam and 24/7 Support. Novice or expert users both can navigate the New Graphical-User-Interface with ease.
eScan-10 gives pro-active protection as it scans, detects, monitors, and warns about changes in registry. A Single-screen-access to both, the Virus-Monitor and On-Demand Scanner. It also warns about the applications suspicious in nature. Advanced Firewall which is inbuilt saves system from all network-based attacks.It monitors and logs incoming or outgoing network activities in the system. It scans fast and lighter on system.
 

Main Features

• Its an proprietary anti-virus engine which provides uninterrupted proactive defense against all known threads, while the built-in ad hoc scanner enables you to conduct location-specific anti-viral raids at any time.
• The built-in firewall monitors your computer’s connections to the outside world and blocks all intrusion attempts. Incoming email messages also do not evade the prying eye of this intelligent software, so you can rest assured that no suspicious attachments will reach your inbox.
• It has everything you need to create an insurmountable obstacle on the way of malware of any kinds.
• eScan scans, detects, monitors & warns about changes in the registry.
• It also warns the user about the applications which are suspicious in nature.
• It includes Advanced Firewall which saves system from all network-based attacks.
• It also monitors and logs incoming or outgoing network activities in the system.
• Its a real-time antivirus and content scaning which Scans files, applications, e-mails, attachments and websites including SMTP, POP3, HTTP and FTP traffic in Real-Time for Viruses, Worms, Trojan, Spyware, Adware, Keyloggers, Rootkits and all other kinds of security threats using inventive MWL Technology and AntiVirus Heuristic Algorithms
• Faster scans and lighter on system resources
• It is an automatic hourly program and also a definitions updates to protect against any latest threats

New Features

• Enhanced Vista Support
• 64-bit OS support
• Enhanced performance of our Management Console
• AntiSpam Engine has been highly optimized for better performance
• It has a New User Friendly GUI with the help of which both the novice and expert users can navigate New graphical-User-Interface with ease. A Single-screen-access to both the Virus-Monitor and On Demand Scan.
• New On Demand Scanner with Cache Technology

Interface Guidance

 
It’s UI is both unintuitive and odd, eScan places icons for eScan Anti-Virus Monitor” and “eScan Updater” in the Notification Area. Right-clicking the Monitor icon does nothing, however, while double-clicking it calls up a screen which provides a limited amount of information and configuration options. Also double-clicking the Updater icon does nothing.But then more options could be accessed by right-clicking the Updater icon.
 

What We Found

 
We found that while installation eScan updated itself and the proceeded to run a brief scan during which it identified a number of valid system files as invalid and indicated that they had been removed. There was no prompt asking whether it was OK to remove the files; it simply reported that they had been removed.
 

Pros:

• The eScan Antivirus Edition includes Advanced Firewall which saves system from all network-based attacks
• Its detection capabilities are first rate
• It certainly compares favourably to it much better known competition when it comes to stopping viruses
• It has everything you need to create an insurmountable obstacle on the way of malware of any kinds
• eScan is also reasonably light on resources

Cons:

• eScan offered no customization options during installation
• The program has a scrappy and confusing interface
• It do not offer an e-mail support option

Authour’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 5th Aug 2009 Publisher Avira License 1Year 1User Pricing $26.95

Avira AntiVir Premium Overview

Avira AntiVir Premium enhances the comprehensive protection of the Avira AntiVir Personal – Free Antivirus with important security and configuration functions that protect you against viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware, dialers, bots and dangerous drive-by downloads. It requires low system resources. Also stops all types of viruses, AntiAdware or AntiSpyware, AntiRootkit, AntiPhising : proactive protection against phising, Enhanced AntiSpyware, AntiDrive-by: prevents the downloading of viruses while surfing the Internet, RescueCD: create a bootable emergency rescue CD, Enhanced email protection, Fast on-line licensing activation during installation.
 

Main Features

 
• It has world-class virus & malware detection rates
• It is a Antiphishing that gives protection against phishing
• Its an AntiDrive by that prevents against downloading viruses when surfing
• WebGuard protects against malicious websites in real-time
• Can create a bootable CD
• It include Rootkit Detection which checks whether software is already installed on your computer that can no longer be detected with conventional methods of malware protection after penetrating the computer system
• IT also have Shell Extension that generates an entry Scan selected files with AntiVir in the context menu of the Windows Explorer (right-hand mouse button). With this entry you can directly scan files or directories
• It include Scanner (On-Demand Scan) with profile-controlled and configurable search for all known types of virus and malware
• MailGuard (POP3 scanner and SMTP scanner) for the permanent checking of emails for viruses and malware. Checking of email attachments is also included

New Features

 
• QuickRemoval is a new feature in it which eliminate viruses at the push of a button
• NetbookSupport is also been included for laptops with low resolution
• Optimized WebGuard: gives protection against malicious websites
• Redesigned user interface

Interface Guidance

 
The program is easy to install and configure. If you have an older version installed, it will ask your permission to uninstall it, perform a reboot, and install the newer version. Scanning is pretty fast and again, configurable.
Same for the updates, no problems here. Low system resource usage. Avira can be configured to resist tempering or termination by rogue programs. This provides an extra layer of security for the user. After each update it puts up a nag screen, asking you to upgrade to the Premium or paid version. If you don’t want to see this screen, follow few steps to disable it.
 

What We Found

 
It’s interface is simple, but perhaps a little too simple. Options are very limited unless you select the “Expert Mode” option – that is if you can find it. Expert Mode is hidden in the upper corner of the Configuration Menu and we almost gave up trying to find it. Even once Expert Mode is selected the options are limited when compared to NOD32 Antivirus or Kaspersky Antivirus, which have much more in-depth options available.
NEW: Version 9 adds: – Quick Removal: eliminate viruses at the click of a mouse button. It has a netbook Support for laptops with low resolution screens, Optimized WebGuard for the protection against malicious websites, Redesigned user interface.
We also found that it doesn’t have its Full Scan and Custom Scan options clearly laid out, instead you have to stumble through their out-dated tree-structure to choose what you want to scan. Again, this seems a little out-dated like much of the user-interface. We would have liked to see some clearly labeled scanning buttons, however, none were found with Avira.
 

Pros:

 
• Avira protects against all the major types of Malware – including Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Spyware, and Adware.
• Firewall resists malware-style attack.
• Good at virus detection.
• Fast online licensing activation during installation.
• Enhanced AntiSpyware.

Cons:

 
• Real-time antispyware of Avira Antivir Premium is annoyingly ineffective if malware is running.
• It is very outdated and user-interface is poorly organized.
• There is no easy way to whitelist e-mail correspondents.
• Firewall pops up numerous program control confirmation queries.
• Poor Support, including no phone-support in North America.

Authour’s Rating: 3 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 3rd Sept 2009 Publisher Softwin License 1Year 1User Pricing $29.95

BitDefender Antivirus 2009 Overview

BitDefender Antivirus 2009 provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC. Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workers and even total strangers. It also gives Superior Proactive Protection from Viruses, Spyware, and other e-Threats that wont slow you down. Protects your PC in real-time from known viruses, spyware and other malware with hourly updates. Also blocks unknown viruses using advanced proactive detection techniques.
BitDefender’s HTTP scan blocks malicious ActiveX and JavaScript. It proactively protects against new virus outbreaks using advanced heuristics that protects your identity, watch privately and securely Blocks attempted identity theft (phishing). It also prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, web or instant messaging. This version of 2009 gives faster all round protection.
 

Main Features

 
• Scans and removes viruses and spyware
• Keeps you protected and one step ahead of new e-threats
• Prevents Rootkits and KeyLoggers from stealing personal data
• Automatically removes hidden Spyware
• Fast response time to new Internet Threats
• Helps protect you against Identity Theft
• Automatic hourly antivirus updates
• Scans all web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic for viruses and spyware, in real-time
• Proactively protects against new virus outbreaks using Advanced Heuristics
• Blocks attempted Identity Theft (Phishing)
• Uses minimal system resources
• Automatically decides the best security actions to be taken
• Superior performance helps keep your PC running smoothly

New Features

 
• Instant Messaging Encryption that stops eavesdroppers from snooping in on your personal communications
• Network Security Management which allows you to manage the security of your entire home network from one PC
• Laptop Mode that gives you more power when on the go by automatically postponing battery draining actions such as scheduled scans, backups and tune-ups

Interface Guidance

 
The interface of BitDefender Antivirus 2009 is as simple as you can get. There are big green icons display when things are functioning correctly, and big red icons show when something’s wrong. For the most part, this is great. It takes all the guess work out of enabling or disabling settings. The only draw-back of this feature is there are not many options to set more detailed settings for those who wish to do so.
 

What We Found

 
It is a bold attempt of BitDefender Antivirus to protect you from phishing attacks. But the interface doesn’t make it clear how or why we should keep this feature enabled. It required us to enter some personal information like our social security number. We also found that BitDefender keeps an “eye” out for us, monitoring to help ensure our private information stays private. It does reduces system load and updates allowing for secure gaming at top speed
 

Pros:

 
• Solid Anti-Virus Protection.
• Strong out-of-the-box settings.
• Excellent virus detection.
• Inexpensive.
• Free technical phone support, 24/7.

Cons:

 
• There aren’t many options to set more detailed settings for those who wish to do so
• There’s no explanation to help the user determine what this is or if they need it
• The Identity Privacy feature
• Slow performance in Vista

Authour’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 14th April 2009 Publisher F-Secure License 1Year 3User Pricing $39.99

F-secure Antivirus 2009 Overview

F-secure Antivirus 2009 includes all the features you would expect in an Internet security suite such as antivirus, antispyware, spam and phishing filter, a firewall and parental controls. With one of the most thorough antivirus engines available,It 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.
F-Secure AntiVirus offers many of the standard functions associated with antivirus software. It provides advanced and affordable protection against viruses, spyware intrusions and infected e-mail so you can enjoy the Web without worrying about security issues. Its automatic updates and powerful DeepGuard 2.0 cloud computing technology provide the fastest protection against new threats.
 

Main Features

 
• It provides features such as antivirus, antispyware, spam and phishing filter, a firewall and parental controls.
• F-Secure BlackLight to detect and remove rootkits and rootkit-enabled malware.
• It also includes improved DeepGuard technology for realtime behavior-based protection.
• Provides top notch protection against existing, new, and emerging threats.
• Signature detection that enables it to quickly dissect and re mediate known malware via standard signature updates, saving the real processing power for the behavior-based detection of new and emerging malware.
• Provides firewall monitors for malicious inbound and outbound Internet traffic.
• Normal mode which monitors for malicious traffic while allowing Internet access for most common services and applications such as email, IM, and IRC.
• Also scans incoming and outgoing POP3, SMTP, and IMAP e-mail messages.

New Features

• DeepGuard 2.0 “cloud” antivirus
• Real-time protection Windows 7 compatible
• Powerful Security
• Security news about virus outbreaks is delivered straight to your computer
• Parental controls

Interface Guidance

 
F-Secure’s user-interface is outdated and not very user-friendly. Its options are simplistic, even when using the Advanced Settings. Overall the user-interface is in need of a major update. Besides virus protection, F-Secure also protects against Spyware, Worms, Rootkits, and other Malware like most every good Antivirus program does these days. However, F-Secure Antivirus doesn’t prevent attacks from Hackers like some Antivirus programs do.
 

What We Found

 
Installation of F-Secure AntiVirus 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. It checks for updates every two hours. It provides firewall monitors for malicious inbound and outbound Internet traffic. We can run its antivirus and anti-spyware tools at the same time.
Parental Control provides password-protected features that enable parents to control access based on time of day or the type of website. Specific pages can be white listed or blacklisted as desired. Parental controls are handy for managing your child’s use of the Web, as well as providing an extra layer of protection against potentially harmful content.
DeepGuard 2.0 incorporates the behavior blocking found in previous versions of DeepGuard with real-time ‘in the cloud’ computing. F-Secure Antivrus 2009 then goes one better, also including improved DeepGuard technology for realtime behavior-based protection and F-Secure BlackLight to detect and remove rootkits and rootkit-enabled malware.
 

Pros:

 
• F-Secure Internet Security 2009 automatically runs BlackLight in the background, providing continuous realtime protection against rootkits and associated rootkit-enabled malware
• Provides top notch protection against existing, new, and emerging threats
• It comes with the standard protection you would expect from any modern antivirus suite
• Includes antivirus and anti-spyware tools, easy to configure and easy to use

Cons:

 
• The on-access scanner would sometimes bring the system to a halt when opening programs or moving files.
• Setup requires disconnecting your computer from your network
• Slow scanning speeds
• Sluggish performance
• Questionable Effectiveness

Authour’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 17th June 2009 Publisher Kaspersky Lab License 1Year 1User Pricing $39.95

Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 Overview

Kaspersky Anti-Virus protects computers and laptops from viruses and other malicious programs. With a new super-fast and efficient anti-virus engine, it raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. The user can be confident that there computer and confidential information are safe as there work and surf the Internet. Essential Protection Protects from Viruses Trojans and Worms. It blocks Spyware and Adware. It is connected to the Kaspersky Security Network, which allows any computer connected to the network to alert Kaspersky of the threat and thus benefits all users.
 

Main Features

 
• It is an advanced antivirus software with maximum spyware protection to guard against viruses, Trojans and worms, spyware and adware, rootkits, identity theft and phishing attacks.
• It also analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities as it disables links to malware sites /phishing sites.
• Protects from unknown threats by blocking all types of keyloggers.
• It Scans files, email, and Internet traffic and protects Instant messengers
• It also gives automatic database updates which is free technical support.

New Features

 
• Advanced Protection and Recovery can be installed on infected computers.
• It disables links to malware sites.
• Self-protection from being disabled or stopped. It restores correct system settings after removing malicious software.
• Its an Global threat monitoring(Kaspersky Security Network)
• Tools fur creating a rescue disk, Data and Identity Theft Protection Disables links to phish.
• Database definitions are updated hourly, which means the system will always be up-to-date on the latest threats.

Interface Guidance

 
With its interface the first thing you’ll notice is a scary red alert. That’s good because you notice it but it’s bad because usually it’s flagging not a problem with your machine, but with the program itself. Then click the Fix Now and in most cases, you’ll discover that you only need to download the latest updates. This is automated and probably halfway done by the time you realize it. The fact the system is self-updating is clear if you look to the left, there’s a percentage indicator showing how the update is progressing.
 

What We Found

 
Messaging for system scans is confusing. After running a quick scan, we were simply taken back the scan screen, not a results page. Even if there were no results, we expected to see some indication that we had a clean system. Instead, it appeared as though we hadn’t run the Quick Scan. In fact, we had run the test several more times before we realized there is a report button. The execution of Kaspersky’s new Security Analyzer needs more work. It’s good that it checks with the Secunia database for the latest reported vulnerabilities and vendor updates. But it’s bad that upon our first run our test system had 481 vulnerabilities. The problem is that there is no one stop shopping here, we need to individually click on each alert.
 

Pros:

 
• It is a fast malicious software engine, Secunia vulnerability database and built-in system restore capabilities
• Database definitions are updated hourly, which means the system will always be up-to-date on the latest threats
• Its Interface is easy to navigate
• Successfully detects viruses and threats
• Does not interfere with productivity

Cons:

 
• It lacks a personal firewall
• Anti-Spam protection is also not included
• It leaves behind registry file after uninstall
• It’s results messages were unclear

Authour’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars User’s rating :  Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

Published At 4th Mar 2009 Publisher Symantec License 1Year 1User Pricing $79.99

Norton 360 version 3.0 Overview

Norton 360 version 3.0 is truly a comprehensive, all-in-one PC suite. Protect your PC, files, and identity with the industry’s fastest, lightest, most complete security solution. It has four segments where the security suite concentrate on, are Security, Identity Protection, Backup, and PC Tuneup. Each vertical of the software includes a variety of tools and features which make it a complete PC solution. It includes antivirus and antispyware, antispam, antiphising, antirootkit and botnet protection, network monitoring, identity protection, a two-way firewall, backup and restore functions, password manager, parental controls, web safety features, and PC optimization. Norton 360 helps protect, optimize, and maintain your PC from each angle. It has a free expert help via email, live chat, or over the phone with a single click.
 
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Main Features

 
• Protects your PC, online activities and identity 24/7
• Provides industry-leading security
• Automatically detects botnets
• Warns you of unsafe websites and suspicious sellers
• Validates authentic sites and identifies fraudulent sites to protect from “phishing”
• Automatically stores logins and passwords. Blocks keystroke loggers and other programs that can steal your information
• Prevents cybercriminals
• Automatically checks for new virus definitions every 5 to 15 minutes and downloads
• Deletes unnecessary files, defrags your hard drive, fixes common problems, and tunes up your PC to keep it running at peak performance.

New Features

• Norton Insight significantly reduces scan load
• Silent Mode accommodates uninterrupted movies or video games
• Safe Web streamlines internet security
• SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) proactively detects and defends from unknown threats.

Interface Guidance

 
Norton 360 is the combination of Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security. The main interface is split into four simple categories, informing you the security level or status of each so it’s easy to identify the need to fix. The package are as follows:
PC Security – Which includes a firewall, antivirus and additional tools such as e-mail scanning and intrusion prevention. You will also gain access to reports of recent scans, and can set up a scan schedule yourself to safeguard your system. Transaction Security – It warns you of unsafe websites and suspicious sellers so you can shop without worry.
Backup and restore – One of the areas where Norton gets one over on the opposition. In addition to selecting local media such as a hard drive or optical disc to save data.
Norton provides you with 2GB of online storage which you can use to automatically backup sensitive files and folders. Additional storage space is available for extra charge if you run out and you’re given a good degree of control over what is backed-up and when PC Tuneup – It basically cleans unnecessary files from your PC and performs a defragment. It does not gives a lot of control over the process.

What We Found

 
We were impressed with the effective use of resources and speed of the program. The software suite sets out to cover a lot of basic and advance security, and delivers on every aspect, providing useful tools and effective features in a convenient and understandable interface.We also like the easy to use backup and restore process. We also found Norton Insight very useful, which makes it possible to only scan files that might actually be at risk and significantly save time. Also we found the security features more advance and improved from the previous version.
We had no problems installing and setting up Norton 360. The process is direct and very quick. The navigation across the each panel is bit confusing for the people who are new to it because it opens it in new window. Fortunately, the interface is consistent throughout. Symantec has done a lot to improve the most recent version of Norton 360.
 

Pros:

 
• It performs the scanning the computer is idle to minimize the use of resources.
• The program is easy to use and light on system resource.
• It protects against all form of malware
• Ideal for users who want all-in-one protection.
• It tune up your computer performance.
• Also include free online storage upto 2GB.

Cons:

 
• Crashing and overaggressive filtering of resources are some of the user reported cases.
• Not all the control is given for the PC tuneup feature.
• Interface can be tricky for the new users.