BitDefender Antivirus 2010

The newest version of Softwin Labs, BitDefender 10, comes with a list of improvements regarding both antivirus and antispyware features.

This version has been significantly improved concerning the user interface. Beginners can easily use it due to the wizards which guide users through the configuration steps. Once installed, running on default settings, the program offers you a complete protection against virus and spyware threats: viruses, trojans, worms, adware.

The interface has simple, but nicely and economically designed, which makes it very easy to use even for rookies. The four categories (General, Antivirus, Antispyware and Updates) contain tools and features which can be easily accessed and configures if you desire to do so.
The 'General' section's important subcategories: in the 'Status' subcategory , you are allowed to choose the desired security level: you can choose between three predefined security levels: Maintenance, Local system, Local system Plus and, of course, a custom level (which is recommended for advanced users). From here, you can also execute a full system scan or update the program manually. The 'Settings' section contains general settings, virus report settings and settings management. The 'Events' section contains the program log.

The 'Antivirus' section allows you to setup real-time protection (this means that the program will scan in real-time the files you are accessing: programs, documents, multimedia, etc.), choose your protection level (Permissive, Default or Aggressive). If you set the security level to Aggressive, BitDefender will scan all your Web traffic in real-time, scan incoming/outgoing emails (POP3, SMTP), scan all your files using B-HAVE - heuristic analysis, in all, providing you a high security level.
You can also have a look at the statistics: traffic, last scanned files, scanned emails, etc. In this section you will also find system scanning tasks or manually configure custom tasks, as well as scan options and quarantined items.
Softwin Labs have introduced a brand new module, the Rootkit Scan: it will allow you to look for malware designed to remotely control computer and it will remove any malware upon detection.

The 'Antispyware' section contains settings and options regarding protection against spyware as well as a subsection where you can see your system information: Startup items, DLLs, file associations, running processes, etc. Very much the same as the antivirus protection, antispyware protection can be set to Permissive, Default (medium) or Aggressive. In 'Aggressive' mode, you can enable privacy, registry, cookie, dial and script control. You can also manually set rules for permissions or denial of content from certain domains or applications in order to ensure a complete protection from any threat.

When put through the test, the program detected and removed a wide variety of viruses, dialers, trojans and spyware. The program can be updated manually or automatically, thus providing a non-stop protection for your computer.

Pluses: The program settings can be password protected, so that your configuration wouldn't be accidentally or on purpose changed by any one. The good thing is the fact that in some cases, trojans were detected before downloading the malicious content on the computer. You can also find more information about viruses by clicking 'More info' in the context menu under the 'Events' subsection. You will be automatically redirected to BitDefender Virus Enciclopedia Website where you can learn about new threats and removal tools. The program goes easy on your system resources if run in the background and you won't be bothered by a full system scan either.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: Although this version (Standard version) comes without firewall or antispam filter, it it still one of the most valued antivirus programs, worth downloading and installing.

version reviewed: 10 build 108