Antivirus software 2008

AVAST! Reviewer's Comments

When you open AVAST 4 you'll find two different interfaces-one for the average user and one that is for the more advanced user. The simple interface has the look and feel similar to that of DVD player software. It is very easy to use and navigate. The advanced interface provides plenty of options to customize the program to fit your needs.

This software provides good protection with the on-demand scanner and the resident scanner. The email protection is adequate for POP3, SMTP and IMAP accounts.

AVAST 4 didn't receive the West Coast Labs Checkmark level 1 or 2 or the VB100%. AVAST wasn't as effective as some of the other products reviewed. For better virus protection refer to some of our higher ranked products

The AVAST update feature checks for product and virus definition updates at either a user-defined interval or manually. When you do a manual check for updates, you decide which updates to install. When the software automatically checks for updates, it can update the files at that time or at a time previously specified during setup.

This product is very easy to install and we didn't encounter any problems.

The manufacturer offers online support with a knowledge base search and FAQs page. You can contact customer support through email-they responded to ours within 36 hours. The telephone support is only for commercial user

ESET Nod32 Reviewer's Comments

ESET's Nod32 has an excellent virus detection rate earning the VB100% in all eight of its most recent Windows test. This software has a number of practical features to help you monitor your computer's security including outbreak notices and history/report logging. This antivirus software wins our "TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award"and would have placed higher if it were a bit more novice friendly.

The software uses some technical terms in the interface and other areas of the product. Novices may find the higher-ranked products easier to use.

Ease of Use:

We found the Control Center layout and modules a little bit confusing. The terminology is very technical; however, a techie would love the customization abilities and scanning power of Nod32.

Effectiveness:

The most important function of antivirus software is to detect and block viruses, and Nod32 does an excellent job. This software received the VB100% award in June 2007, was certified by ICSA in 2007 and passed the level 1 & 2 Checkmark from West Coast Labs.

Updates:

NOD32 claims that they detected and blocked big-gun viruses like CIH, Melissa, LoveLetter long before the competition. The team in the ESET virus lab is extremely fast and good at analyzing viruses and releasing blocks and fixes. Nod32 updates virus definitions “As Needed.”

Feature Set:

Nod32 is designed for more advanced users with plenty of customization features. Nevertheless we wouldn't discourage the average home user from using this product-it just may take some time to learn everything.

Nod32 has two different ways to run the program. You can run a simple Nod32 scan or you can spend more time using the control center. Within the control center you can have access to tons of customiztion feature and differnet types of scans-DMON, IMON, EMON and more. Here is an overview of the different scans:

* AMON - the resident (running in operating memory at all times) or "on-access" antivirus monitor. This program is the most crucial antivirus defense tool.
* NOD32 (also referred to as the "on-demand" scanner) - this is the scanner executed manually by the user, or automatically by the scheduler.
* IMON - this scanner provides the first line of defense by monitoring Internet traffic (SMTP, ftp, http and other Winsock protocols).
* EMON - the Nod32 Mail Scanner provides protection from email-borne viruses.
* DMON - scans Microsoft office documents and files directly downloaded from Internet Explorerer.


Ease of Installation:

The installation process allows you to do a typical installation, some customization or an advanced install that gives you control over all the default functions. We didn't have any problems with the installation process.

Help/Support:

The program offers helpful documentation in the form of manuals and FAQs. The email support is excellent and they responded to our email within 30 minutes. Additionally, the manufacturer offers 24/7 phone support.

Summary:

Nod32 is a first-rate antivirus program that offers several levels of superior protection. However, the product is somewhat hard to understand because of the technical jargon and wouldn't be our first choice for the average home user.


F-Secure Internet Security 2008

Within the last few years, ever more evidence has shown that online attacks are now being used for financial reward. The professional, money-driven criminals want to stay unnoticed, and they are using very advanced technologies to hide themselves from data security solutions and exploiting even the smallest time window they have before a general recognition for their attack is available.

The digital world is yours to explore

Despite of this reality, we want people to rediscover the joys of the Internet. We want to encourage a positive, passionate attitude towards information, something we like to call Online Wellbeing.

The solution

The modern internet security solution has to provide a full protection against all the traditional threats, but it also has to offer deep protection, monitoring the very heart of the computer at all times, anticipating everything that might be a sign of danger in the computer and preventing any such activity, preferably without the need for user intervention.

F-Secure® Internet Security 2008 provides a complete and easy-to-use protection against all Internet threats, whether they are known or previously unidentified. It includes an award-winning antivirus, an easy-to-use personal firewall, antispyware and F-Secure DeepGuard™ technology that constantly monitors the very heart of your computer, ensuring that no malicious programs can take over your computer even if you do not have all the latest updates. In addition, the product filters unwanted spam and so-called phishing attempts from your e mail, and with the parental control, you can block access to websites with questionable content.
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Key features

* Protects your computer against viruses, worms and unknown attacks
With daily automatically updated virus protection from the world-renowned F-Secure Data Security Laboratory and F-Secure DeepGuard TM technology that protects you against zero-day attacks and other future threats, you can safely use your computer, now and tomorrow.

* Detects and removes spyware from your computer
F-Secure Internet Security detects and removes secretly installed software from your computer better than ever before, ensuring that your system is running smoothly and clean of spyware.

* Protects your computer against hackers
You can keep your private data to yourself with the personal firewall that stops hackers from breaking into your computer.

* Helps you stay free from spam e-mail and phishing attempts
F-Secure Internet Security filters unwanted spam and e-mail schemes designed to steal your private information.

* Protects your children against unwanted Internet content
F-Secure Internet Security ensures that your children or teenagers do not enter objectionable sites or surf the Internet when you are not around.

Price

79,90 € (Up to three installations *)

Purchase or download a demo

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* Online Tutorial
* Subscribe to F-Secure DeepGuard White Paper

Product datasheet PDF