Antivirus, Firewall, and Security Software Reviews
From Mary Landesman, your guide to Antivirus Software, reviews conducted by various publishers and testing facilities.
Phishing Filters and Toolbars
Phishing filters and toolbars are designed to protect the web surfer from socially engineered phishing scams which try to trick the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website disguised to look like a valid eCommerce or banking site. The victim thinks they are logging into their real account, but instead everything they enter on the fake site is being sent to the scammers. Armed with this …
Phishing filters and toolbars are designed to protect the web surfer from socially engineered phishing scams which try to trick the intended victim into visiting a fraudulent website disguised to look like a valid eCommerce or banking site. The victim thinks they are logging into their real account, but instead everything they enter on the fake site is being sent to the scammers. Armed with this …
Norton Internet Security 2009
Symantec's antivirus products have historically always provided excellent detection and removal of malware. On the downside, that protection came at the price of often crippling system performance. Norton Internet Security 2009 changes all that.
Symantec's antivirus products have historically always provided excellent detection and removal of malware. On the downside, that protection came at the price of often crippling system performance. Norton Internet Security 2009 changes all that.
Antivirus Software Review: F-Secure Internet Security 2009
F-Secure Internet Security 2009 includes all the features you would expect in an Internet security suite: antivirus, antispyware, spam and phishing filter, a firewall and parental controls. F-Secure Internet Security 2009 then goes one better. Find out more in this F-Secure Internet Security 2009 antivirus software review.
F-Secure Internet Security 2009 includes all the features you would expect in an Internet security suite: antivirus, antispyware, spam and phishing filter, a firewall and parental controls. F-Secure Internet Security 2009 then goes one better. Find out more in this F-Secure Internet Security 2009 antivirus software review.
HIPS vs Behavior Blocking
HIPS vs Behavior Blocking
HIPS vs Behavior Blocking
PC Tools ThreatFire Review
Behavior-based PC Tools ThreatFire provides guards against new and unknown threats which signature-based scanners might otherwise miss. ThreatFire runs in the background, monitoring each programs actions, quarantining programs it knows to be bad and alerting on those it considers suspicious. ThreatFire can easily run alongside installed antivirus or other security software, making it an ideal adjunct to existing protection. Even better, the program is completely free for home use.
Behavior-based PC Tools ThreatFire provides guards against new and unknown threats which signature-based scanners might otherwise miss. ThreatFire runs in the background, monitoring each programs actions, quarantining programs it knows to be bad and alerting on those it considers suspicious. ThreatFire can easily run alongside installed antivirus or other security software, making it an ideal adjunct to existing protection. Even better, the program is completely free for home use.
IDTheft Protection as an Adjunct to Antivirus
Today's malware is often focused on identity theft. Even a single infector bypassing antivirus software can cause a lifetime of harm to its victim. Perhaps one of the most important adjuncts to antivirus software is to take measures to protect your identity.
Today's malware is often focused on identity theft. Even a single infector bypassing antivirus software can cause a lifetime of harm to its victim. Perhaps one of the most important adjuncts to antivirus software is to take measures to protect your identity.
System Safety Monitor
System Safety Monitor from System Safety adds a much needed extra layer of defense against today's malware attacks. The behavior and rules based controls provide critical insight into the otherwise invisible workings that - left undetected - can too often allow infection to occur.
System Safety Monitor from System Safety adds a much needed extra layer of defense against today's malware attacks. The behavior and rules based controls provide critical insight into the otherwise invisible workings that - left undetected - can too often allow infection to occur.
Antivirus for Gamers
Most everyone realizes that antivirus and firewalls are must-have protection. But when protection interferes with online gaming, it can be sorely tempting to disable that protection in favor of uninterrupted play. These antivirus scanners tackle the unique problems of gamers so you can play without sacrificing performance or protection.
Most everyone realizes that antivirus and firewalls are must-have protection. But when protection interferes with online gaming, it can be sorely tempting to disable that protection in favor of uninterrupted play. These antivirus scanners tackle the unique problems of gamers so you can play without sacrificing performance or protection.
Bots, Botnets, and Norton AntiBot
Symantec's Norton AntiBot confronts the growing threat of bots and botnets. Norton AntiBot works alongside existing antivirus (from any vendor), using behavior-based analysis to monitor processes, files, and other active components
Symantec's Norton AntiBot confronts the growing threat of bots and botnets. Norton AntiBot works alongside existing antivirus (from any vendor), using behavior-based analysis to monitor processes, files, and other active components
McAfee SiteAdvisor
McAfee SiteAdvisor is the virtual equivalent of the school crossing guard, helping to ensure safe navigation of the web.
McAfee SiteAdvisor is the virtual equivalent of the school crossing guard, helping to ensure safe navigation of the web.
Secunia Software Inspector
Secunia Software Inspector is free, fast, and so intuitive to use there's simply no excuse for not keeping patches up to date.
Secunia Software Inspector is free, fast, and so intuitive to use there's simply no excuse for not keeping patches up to date.
Gifts for Geeks and Gamers
Gifts for geeks, gamers, techies, and even moms and dads.
Gifts for geeks, gamers, techies, and even moms and dads.
AVG Rescue CD: Antivirus Review
AVG Rescue CD: Antivirus software review
AVG Rescue CD: Antivirus software review
Antivirus Software Review: McAfee VirusScan 2006
McAfee VirusScan 2006 now offers daily virus signature updates and robust adware/spyware detection and removal.
McAfee VirusScan 2006 now offers daily virus signature updates and robust adware/spyware detection and removal.
Antivirus Software Review: AVG Free Edition
AVG Free Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
AVG Free Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
Antivirus Software Review: AVAST 4 Home Edition
AVAST 4 Home Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
AVAST 4 Home Edition provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
Antivirus Software Review: Free Antivirus Software
Free antivirus software may be the only option for those on a limited budget. The question, of course, is how well free antivirus software protects your PC, how easy is it to use, and if something goes wrong will you be left out in the cold? The answers may surprise you. This review looks at three free antivirus solutions: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic, AVAST 4 Home Edition, and AVG Free Edition.
Free antivirus software may be the only option for those on a limited budget. The question, of course, is how well free antivirus software protects your PC, how easy is it to use, and if something goes wrong will you be left out in the cold? The answers may surprise you. This review looks at three free antivirus solutions: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic, AVAST 4 Home Edition, and AVG Free Edition.
Antivirus Software Review: AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic
AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98
USB Antivirus Software: Is it right for you?
USB-installed antivirus makes a lot of sense, combining a viable storage option with the ability to efficiently scan a system that's had its antivirus disabled, or has antivirus that cannot remove a particular threat. Two products to look at: Verbatim Store 'n' Go U3 Smart Drive and SanDisk's Cruzer Titanium USB drive.
USB-installed antivirus makes a lot of sense, combining a viable storage option with the ability to efficiently scan a system that's had its antivirus disabled, or has antivirus that cannot remove a particular threat. Two products to look at: Verbatim Store 'n' Go U3 Smart Drive and SanDisk's Cruzer Titanium USB drive.
Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition
At $80, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition doesn't offer the ease-of-use or the protection of some competing products.
At $80, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition doesn't offer the ease-of-use or the protection of some competing products.
AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition
AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition is light on resources, heavy on protection. The firewall provides permission-based access control reminiscent of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. The high level of control and customization will appeal to the most advanced users, while less savvy users will find the Basic interface simple to understand and use.
AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition is light on resources, heavy on protection. The firewall provides permission-based access control reminiscent of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. The high level of control and customization will appeal to the most advanced users, while less savvy users will find the Basic interface simple to understand and use.
Top Spyware Scanners
Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use, while adware can bombard your PC with unwanted advertising. Both pose a drain on your bandwidth and can lead to loss of security.
Spyware surreptitiously monitors your computer and Internet use, while adware can bombard your PC with unwanted advertising. Both pose a drain on your bandwidth and can lead to loss of security.
G Data AntiVirusKit (AVK) 2005: antivirus software review
G DATA AntiVirusKit 2005 (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling both the Kaspersky and BitDefender antivirus engines under a single, easy-to-use console. The use of these engines offers an important advantage to AVK.
G DATA AntiVirusKit 2005 (AVK) provides a double layer of protection, bundling both the Kaspersky and BitDefender antivirus engines under a single, easy-to-use console. The use of these engines offers an important advantage to AVK.
Microsoft AntiSpyware screenshots
Microsoft AntiSpyware screenshots
Microsoft AntiSpyware screenshots
Review: Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta1)
We tested the Microsoft AntiSpyware beta against some of the most common adware and spyware. How well did it measure up?
We tested the Microsoft AntiSpyware beta against some of the most common adware and spyware. How well did it measure up?
PC-cillin antivirus screenshots
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 builds on an already solid foundation. Here are screenshots of features we like best.
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 builds on an already solid foundation. Here are screenshots of features we like best.
Antivirus software review: PC-cillin Internet Security 2005
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 continues to keep a leg up on the competition.
Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 continues to keep a leg up on the competition.
Choosing the right antivirus software for your desktop PC
Choosing the right antivirus software to protect your system from viruses need not be a daunting tasks. Follow these tips to select the antivirus software that best meets your unique virus protection needs.
Choosing the right antivirus software to protect your system from viruses need not be a daunting tasks. Follow these tips to select the antivirus software that best meets your unique virus protection needs.
ZoneAlarm
With today's increasingly sophisticated viral threats, many packing backdoor access Trojans designed to compromise your computer's security, a product such as ZoneAlarm does more than protect. It's a must-have in your "peace of mind" arsenal.
With today's increasingly sophisticated viral threats, many packing backdoor access Trojans designed to compromise your computer's security, a product such as ZoneAlarm does more than protect. It's a must-have in your "peace of mind" arsenal.
Adjunct to antivirus
It takes more than just antivirus software to prevent infection. Fortunately, following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
It takes more than just antivirus software to prevent infection. Fortunately, following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
Norton AntiVirus 2002 is effective protection, sports an attractive interface but has extensive system requirements.
McAfee ad labels BitDefender as 'virus'
In what can only be described as one of the most egregious abuses of the Google AdSense program, antivirus vendor McAfee has hijacked the good name of BitDefender. Insult is then added to injury - the BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in the advertisement
In what can only be described as one of the most egregious abuses of the Google AdSense program, antivirus vendor McAfee has hijacked the good name of BitDefender. Insult is then added to injury - the BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in the advertisement
Antivirus Software for Desktop PCs
Before you buy antivirus software for your Windows PC, consult this article to determine what features you should be looking for and which products meet the criteria.
Before you buy antivirus software for your Windows PC, consult this article to determine what features you should be looking for and which products meet the criteria.
Top online scanners
Free online scanners provide a quick, easy way to get a second opinion scans. But how well do they really work?
Free online scanners provide a quick, easy way to get a second opinion scans. But how well do they really work?
Bigger Threats, Better Defense
PC World magazine tests 16 security tools - firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-spyware programs - to determine which is best suited to foil worms, viruses, spies, and hackers.
PC World magazine tests 16 security tools - firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-spyware programs - to determine which is best suited to foil worms, viruses, spies, and hackers.
AV-Test.org
Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test.org, goes way beyond simple 'wildlist' testing and pits the scanners against a malware collection of nearly 100,000 to see how they'll perform in the real world.
Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test.org, goes way beyond simple 'wildlist' testing and pits the scanners against a malware collection of nearly 100,000 to see how they'll perform in the real world.
What to look for when buying antivirus software
What criteria should you look at when deciding on antivirus software? Take a walk with us through 31 products tested to see how the cuts are decided.
What criteria should you look at when deciding on antivirus software? Take a walk with us through 31 products tested to see how the cuts are decided.
Essential add-ons for layered security
Scanners are wonderful at preventing known viruses but sometimes they need a little help to catch the newly released threat. These essential add-ons shore up your defenses.
Scanners are wonderful at preventing known viruses but sometimes they need a little help to catch the newly released threat. These essential add-ons shore up your defenses.
F-Prot Antivirus for Windows
Detecting 100% of ITW viruses and 96.34% of Zoo viruses, F-Prot Antivirus for Windows also includes the DOS commandline scanner and an integrity checker.
Detecting 100% of ITW viruses and 96.34% of Zoo viruses, F-Prot Antivirus for Windows also includes the DOS commandline scanner and an integrity checker.
NOD32
Eset Software's NOD32 provides a standalone module for use with MS DOS and Windows 3.x and can be executed from a diskette. Choose Download from the menu.
Eset Software's NOD32 provides a standalone module for use with MS DOS and Windows 3.x and can be executed from a diskette. Choose Download from the menu.
NOD32 Antivirus System v2.0
NOD32 is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources. Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a singular theme - virus detection.
NOD32 is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources. Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a singular theme - virus detection.
Norton AntiVirus 2002
If your system can handle it (NAV 2002 is one big program), the features and detection rates are very impressive.
If your system can handle it (NAV 2002 is one big program), the features and detection rates are very impressive.
Panda Antivirus Platinum
Feature-rich Panda Antivirus Platinum provides solid protection and a host of options.
Feature-rich Panda Antivirus Platinum provides solid protection and a host of options.