Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2013

In the last few years I've observed a trend for antivirus companies to release their "next model year" updates earlier and earlier. It's possible that trend is now reversing. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2013 ($39.95 for one license, $49.95 for three) is the first product I've reviewed this season that actually includes 2013 in its name. It's an auspicious start for the year, as this product improved over its previous edition in almost every area.

There's no big change in appearance with this edition, nothing like we saw with the 2012 product. Its main window still offers an overview of security status as well as quick access to tasks and settings, and its autopilot mode still lets it take care of security with an absolute minimum of user interaction.

Pre-install Scanning
During its streamlined installation process Bitdefender runs a pre-install scan for active malware. This scan found threats to remove on all of the infested test systems. On six of the test systems the installer requested a reboot to clean out persistent threats and ensure a successful installation. After reboot, half of those requested the additional power of a Rescue Mode scan.

Bitdefender's Rescue Mode is a truly impressive feature. It boots the system into an alternate operating system, just as you'd do with a Rescue CD. The user doesn't need to download anything and doesn't need to burn a CD, but the effect is exactly the same. The user interface within the Rescue Mode is streamlined, but there's still room to improve its ease of use.

Excellent Lab Results
Bitdefender's antivirus technology gets stellar ratings from the independent testing labs. ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs certify it for virus detection and removal, and it received VB100 certification from Virus Bulletin in each of their last ten tests.

AV-Comparatives runs two kinds of file-based malware detection tests. The regular test checks how many samples the product can detect in its default configuration, while the retrospective test forces the product to use old malware definitions, checking its ability to detect new threats. In both tests, Bitdefender rated ADVANCED+, the highest rating.

AV-Test rates antivirus tools on three real-world criteria: repair of infested systems, protection against new attacks, and overall usability. A product can receive up to six points in each category, with a total of 11 needed for certification. In tests under Windows XP and Windows 7, Bitdefender received an impressive 17 of 18 possible points.

AV-Comparatives also tests real-world protection, daily challenging products to defend against brand-new threats over a period of months. Bitdefender took an ADVANCED+ rating in this test as well. For more information about the independent labs and their tests, see How We Interpret Antivirus Lab Tests.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/T0z-tucRG6k/0,2817,2406906,00.asp

pope joan pope joan paul pierce strawberry festival knicks strikeforce tate vs rousey ciaa