BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2012

If you’re looking for a strong and easy security solution, BitDefender Antivirus Plus stands at the ready. Offering rock-solid security, simple usability, effective resource usage and an enticing pricepoint, BitDefender Antivirus Plus is the best antivirus software and our TopTenREVIEWS

Gold Award winner. It is a top-tier antivirus solution that offers superior protection and performance. Whether you’re an advanced user looking to control the whole process manually or an average user who simply wants a set-and-forget solution, this software can match your workflow. This antivirus software provides protection and peace of mind without taxing PC performance or paycheck.

Another benefit of the software is that you can ensure security without sacrificing speed. Smart Scan technology takes advantage of your PC processing power without being a burden. Depending on what other tasks you have running and what resources are available, BitDefender Antivirus Plus can adjust to optimize operations and maintain maximum speed.

The program uses a feature called Autopilot to make security-related decisions without prompting you for responses. There is nothing to configure, no alerts and no pop-ups. If you choose to make any manual changes to the security settings, Autopilot shuts itself off in the same way that your car's cruise control cancels itself if you tap the brakes.

In order to maintain the maximum performance that contributes to ease of use, a Scan Dispatcher feature discovers and takes advantage of any time slices available if system resource utilization drops below a certain threshold.

BitDefender also monitors privacy settings on Facebook and Twitter and blocks any threatening links that your friends send you from inside those social media networks. An Anti-fraud Filter detects fraudulent websites that are likely to scam and blocks you from fake banks, escrow scams and career/employment scams. Another way in which the product protects you from scammers is with a free credit monitoring service. The service is available within the United States and it will alert you if it discovers changes to your credit reports.

When, inevitably, threats such as rootkits breach all other defenses and burrow deeply into the operating system, you can reboot in Rescue mode, which places you into an environment where you can perform cleanup and restoration. If you pop in a CD or DVD or USB drive, the system detects the action and scans the media for threats.

One special tool worth mentioning is the secure gamer mode. Whether you’re playing a video game or in full-screen mode for a presentation or video, the gamer mode turns off any interruptions, but doesn’t sacrifice security. You can even set up a list of your games or other applications that will require gamer mode for a completely automatic solution. A similar feature is the laptop mode. This feature can also be set up to run automatically and will take special care to save resources when your laptop is unplugged.

The dedicated help section includes articles, a knowledgebase, help files, troubleshooting and a variety of video tutorials. Best of all, the integrated help is completely searchable, helping you locate relevant answers and information.

New online threats continue to emerge and target different vulnerabilities. This antivirus software beats the threats from viruses, worms, Trojans and other malware. It protects you from the dangers that appear on social media networks. And it protects you from dangerous emails and malicious web sites. It is effective at what it does, as documented by the most prestigious third-party test labs. It is also easy to install and to use. The product contains thoughtful features that anticipate most of the situations in which you may find yourself. It behaves well if you are playing games or your laptop is unplugged. It pays attention to when you are using the computer heavily and doesn't allow consume system resources if they are already working hard. BitDefender will happily update itself without bothering you and it will perform its functions without bothering you, unless you want to be more involved in the security decisions. If something bad makes its way past BitDefender in such a way that the product can't clean it, a Rescue Mode reboot puts you in position to isolate and end the problem. You can always contact the publisher for help via online chat, telephone or email on any day and at any hour.

BitDefender Antivirus Plus delivers effective and affordable protection. Buy it and don't look back.

===================================================================

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012

Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers rock-solid security without sacrificing performance, making it one of the best antivirus software solutions available. Kaspersky Anti-Virus earns the TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award for providing excellent security in an antivirus application that is both professional and easy to use.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a comprehensive application, protecting your system from a number of threats, including bots, worms, Trojans, rootkits, spyware and viruses. The software includes advanced technologies that detect and prevent new threats.

Scope of Protection:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus protects computers from several angles, effectively detecting, preventing and removing all forms of malware. The antivirus software is equipped to protect systems from traditional viruses. It also has advanced technology to protect from unknown threats. Furthermore, there are a couple of tools and web-specific features that Kaspersky includes that are normally only found in more comprehensive internet security suites.

Effectiveness:

Kaspersky Labs responds quickly to new viruses and is often among the first to detect new viruses in the wild. One reason the software is so effective is that it updates itself regularly. The malware landscape changes, and Kaspersky adjusts to address the threats.

A System Watcher monitors and logs application activity and behavior. If something suspicious happens, the software stops the process and informs the user. But more than just uncovering stealth threats, System Watcher can roll back your system and actually delete any malware.

The software works in real time, protecting you as you surf the web, download files, send and receive emails, and access files and documents. Third party testers and security organizations approve and recommend the software. Kaspersky has received top marks in VB100 (Virus Bulletin 100%) tests and boasts certification from ICSA. AV Comparatives has awarded the software with an A+. West Coast Labs has verified the software for anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-Trojan and anti-malware. The German test lab, AV-Test, reports no false-negative detections and finds that Kaspersky has a 100-percent success rate at detecting new threats. When AV-Test installed Kaspersky on a pre-infected PC, it discovered and removed 23 out of 23 malware programs.

Ease of Installation:

The product includes three licenses. The software works on laptops and netbooks. Installation is quick and straightforward and doesn’t require a restart. If your computer is dead, you’ll need the Backup and Rescue Disk, which you can either purchase or create yourself (so remember to do it before your computer dies). This bootable recovery disk can rescue your computer by booting prior to the OS to detect and remove malware, so it is a great tool for emergencies. But what if your system is so infected that you can’t install antivirus software or even start the computer? If you aren’t able to download the software because of malware, you have the option to download a specialized tool to preemptively scan the PC and remove the threat to accommodate a clean install.

Ease of Use:

This antivirus software is simple to use. Beginners won’t be intimidated. Whether you’re an advanced user looking for intensive controls, or a laid-back user who simply needs protection without constant supervision, Kaspersky will work for you. The interface is effectively organized and user-friendly, and it features a color-coded graphic so you always know your security status.

One of the best parts of this security application is that you can set your preferences and let it protect you without constantly monitoring it. Scans and updates are set to occur automatically by default. And the software includes real-time security as you surf the web, download and open files, or communicate with email or IM. In the event of an infection or potential threat, the software immediately lets you know and provides quick access to identify and fix the problem so you can move on.

Features:

Even though the software is easy to use, it is also customizable. Users can control just about every component of the software to schedule scans, adjust security levels, toggle specific features and change the appearance of the software.

The Kaspersky URL Advisor protects your system while you're online. The browser plug-in is available for IE and Firefox, and it stops you from navigating to infected websites. You’ll also be protected from phishing scams.

The software utilizes iChecker and iSwift scanning technologies to keep you protected without hogging your resources. iChecker makes it possible for the software to identify files that have been opened or changed since the last scan and only scan them. iSwift keeps an eye on resource usage and can throttle the resource demand as needed to optimize performance to run faster if the system is idle (or slower if you need the PC resources for other programs).

There is a virtual keyboard and gamer mode. The virtual terminal lets you input sensitive information (credit card numbers, passwords or other personal information) by clicking on the digital “keyboard” with your mouse. While it’s no way to type an essay, the virtual keyboard does avoid attempts by key loggers and keystroke recognition malware to steal your information. The game mode makes it possible to enjoy full-screen video games (or movies) without interruptions.
One feature we’d like to highlight is the desktop security gadget. The sleek gadget docks on your desktop and provides better access and awareness of your system security at all times. The antivirus widget will change color if your security is at risk, and it includes quick links to the most important aspects of the software. You can even drag and drop files directly to the gadget for an immediate manual scan. The buttons and even the appearance of the gadget are customizable. And if you don’t like it, you can always disable it.

Updates:

Frequent updates are essential for effective antivirus and antispyware protection. Kaspersky Anti-Virus updates on a regular basis for continual security. Updates run in the background automatically and are frequent enough that they aren’t very big, so you shouldn’t notice any slowdown. The software can also help you identify and locate essential updates for your system and other applications. The vulnerability scan checks for outdated drivers and keeps you on top of crucial security updates. The tool also identifies settings that you might want to adjust for optimal security.

Help & Support:

Kaspersky offers great support. Technical support comes in the form of a searchable online knowledgebase, FAQs, product manuals and an active form. You can easily access these resources online or from the software itself. The software includes context-sensitive helps that open to comprehensive information that corresponds to where you are in the software. You can also connect with a support team member over the phone or via online live chat.

Summary:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus delivers superb protection and security. As one of the best antivirus software applications, it is robust and integrates innovative technologies to defend against even the newest threats. It’s a great option for protection and peace of mind. Independent test lab results confirm that it is effective against malware. The hybrid protection approach identifies threats based on information streaming to Kaspersky Lab's Security Network cloud from the installed base of more than 300 million users, plus it uses heuristic technologies to detect malware based on behavior.

===============================================================

Webroot AntiVirus Review

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is the perfect virus/spyware combo. The software is easy to use, and features effective protection and performance. AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper combines all the right components to deliver one of the best antivirus software programs available. With just a few features missing (battery saving mode and a rescue CD), Webroot AntiVirus is among the best security software, and our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winning 2011 antivirus software.

The only thing keeping this software out of the top slots is the lack of a few features like a battery saving mode and rescue CD.

Even everyday computer users need advanced protection from the prevalent computer threats. From viruses to rootkits, to malicious hacking tools and vulnerability exploits; a multi-layered approach is almost essential for everyday protection. Webroot’s antivirus/antispyware software has all the right features and more. The new 2011 version features all the power of previous versions with an updated interface and new optimized scanning.

Scope of Protection:

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a very comprehensive desktop antivirus package. The software protects from threats from several sources, and the several layers of protection keep your computer safe. Webroot protects PCs from viruses in all forms, as well as worms, Trojans, malware, and rootkits.

Webroot monitors and detects all sorts of malicious files and just plain unwanted programs like adware, dialers, cookies, and keyloggers. The integrated Spy Sweeper is an amazing standalone anti-spyware software that in itself protects from a variety of computer threats.

The software is completely armed to not only detect, but effectively remove malicious files, even ending running processes and removing associated registry entries. Webroot’s defensive technologies help keep your information protected from hackers and identity thieves.

But more than just being on the defense, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper also features proactive technology to find malware before it even has the chance to hit your computer. With today’s newest threats being designed to bypass traditional signature-based scanning, advanced protection is so important. Webroot’s “zero-hour” protection analyzes files for malicious behavior and other incriminating behavior, and blocks files that might prove to be a virus in disguise.

Effectiveness:

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper revolves around 13 protective “shields” that cover your network, web browsing, Windows, startup programs, email and more.

The web browser shields keep you safe online, blocking from Internet Explorer hijacks, exploits, tracking cookies and even unwanted browser “helper” objects. The email shield works for both emails you receive (Pop3 port 110) and messages you send (SMTP port 25), so you won’t accidentally forward along a threat to your friends, family, or coworkers.

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is comprised of two powerful components (antivirus and antispyware, obviously). The desktop antivirus component is powered by business security experts Sophos. The antispyware element is managed by Webroot’s own Spy Sweeper.

The antivirus protection is certainly up to par, earning several recent Virus Bulletin VB 100% awards. These certify that the antivirus engine is completely capable of protecting from 100% of known in-the-wild viruses.

The software is also ICSA approved, and certified from the West Coast Labs as an effective solution for desktop antivirus, anti-trojan, anti-malware, and antispyware.

The antispyware software included is second to none. Webroot Spy Sweeper provides an impressively high level of protection from spyware and other identity-compromising malware. Combined with antivirus protection from Sophos, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is certainly effective.

Ease of Installation:

Webroot AntVirus with Spy Sweeper is easy to install and implement. It doesn’t require a restart after installation, but definitely recommends a full scan immediately after you install.

The installation process introduces the WARN (Webroot Automated Research Network), the proactive network approach that (if you give permission), allows Webroot to gather anonymous information that helps them keep on top of new threats.

Ease of Use:

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper features an intuitive interface and simple tools to accommodate any user level. The new 2011 interface is definitely more modern with updated graphics and icons, and organized with tabs for simple navigation and quick access to all the major components of the software.

The best part about the software is that it is designed to run smoothly without much supervision. Scans and updates occur automatically in the background. Of course you can also always run a manual scan or schedule a specific scan. Viruses and other malware that are found are immediately moved to the secure quarantine, where you can decide what to do with them.

As is customary with antivirus software, Webroot utilizes the classic “stop-light” color-coded theme. If the interface and at-a-glance status icon are green, everything is secure. When a threat is detected the icon may change to a yellow color, or red for an issue that is more critical. However serious the issue may be, the software provides a quick way to solve it and carry on.

Scans are no longer separated between quick sweeps and full scans. Instead, scans are optimized to check what they need to and run at more appropriate times. The software is equipped to scan all drives, including external media, as well as the Windows registry, compressed archive files and executable applications. You can also easily scan a single file from anywhere on your computer by simply right clicking on it and sending it the software to check for viruses.

Features:

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper has several integrated features that add security benefits as well as convenience. Probably the best feature is the full inclusion of Webroot’s Spy Sweeper. This component takes care of the annoying (and often dangerous) adware, pop-up and rootkits. But more than just locating and removing the threats, Spy Sweeper helps spread awareness by letting you know what the dangers are so you can make an informed decision.

Another nice feature is the gamer mode. You can turn this feature on with the click of a button, and it will let you enjoy full-screen computer games, videos, presentations and more without annoying interruptions from the software. And while this mode isn’t as secure as having the full system enabled, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to toggle back to full protection because the software will do it by default after 4 hours.

Updates:

Keeping your security up-to-date is easy with Webroot. The software is setup to automatically check for updates regularly (every hour if you want) and even initiates updates delivered immediately to your system if needs be, with Webroot’s VersionGuard technology.

And even better than constant updates, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper includes real-time proactive protection, analyzing files and keeping an eye out for malicious behaviors that “tip-off” the software that the file is a virus. The software is armed with proactive technology that stops new threats even if they haven’t been identified as such. File behavior is monitored to make sure stealth viruses don’t slip past.

Help & Support:

Webroot’s antivirus software is very easy to use, but you can also get extra help if needed. In-program help is available, as well as additional resources online. Free phone support is available on weekdays, and they now have online live chat, or you can send a request via email at any time. The online support center also has product-specific user guides and a FAQs section. There are also helpful videos for product installation and getting familiar with the application and features.

Premium support is also available for security optimization, virus removal, and even PC tune-ups, but cost extra (prices vary per type of assistance).

Summary:

Combining a good antivirus scanning engine (from Sophos) and the best antispyware protection available, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is a great security solution. The software combines all the essential features and includes added value with beneficial tools and simple usability. Overall, Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper is one of the best antivirus programs, and a valuable security solution.