Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010

Kaspersky Labs has established quite the name in security software, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 continues to verify their reputation. The antivirus software solution is certainly one of the best available.
Like so many of the other antivirus packages including BitDefender, Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a complete antivirus solution with real-time protection from a number of threats, including viruses, Trojans, bots, worms, and even spyware. The software is more than equipped for comprehensive security, and has some nice new features this year to help combat new threats.
Kaspersky also offers a 3-user license option (for 1 year), so it’s actually a very cost-effective way to protect all of your home computers.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Standout Features:

Antivirus for IM
Gamer Mode
iSwift technology adjusts scanning to compensate for system load
URL Advisor for proactive browser security

If you're looking for antivirus protection for small business, you might be interested in Kaspersky Anti-Virus for File Server or Kaspersky Business Space Security, one of the best small business antivirus software suites available.

Scope of Protection:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus protects your computer from all angles, guarding against viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, and rootkits. The impressive arsenal also keeps your computer safe from exploits (OS and browser), keyloggers, dialers, adware, malicious scripts, and more. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers full web protection; the Kaspersky URL Advisor gives you a whole new level of protection online. The plug-in works with your browser (Firefox and/or IE) and provides integrated warnings and advanced protection while you surf.

Of course the upgraded Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 covers more ground, but for desktop antivirus software, Kaspersky Anti-Virus is as all-encompassing as they come.

Effectiveness:

Kaspersky has historically been one of the most effective antivirus software around, often among the first to detect (and protect from) new viruses in the wild. The software continues to take advantage of the large user-base with their Kaspersky Security Network. This community approach basically lets each user (who opts in) to act as a lookout for the others. If Kaspersky gathers (anonymous) information from your computer about a new virus, they can find the cure and deliver it to everyone quickly.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus doesn’t just find and remove malware, but also keeps an eye on potential security threats. The integrated vulnerability scan checks for system and application issues that should be addressed to reduce/eliminate vulnerabilities.

Ease of Installation:

Kaspersky is super easy to install by following the traditional setup wizard to perform a suggested or custom install. The software is available as a box copy (you can also purchase the BackUp CD), or you can download and install the software immediately. Kaspersky protects your computer from the get-go, from a number of threats with antivirus for your files, system, web and even IM. Kaspersky blocks viruses and spyware in real-time, and includes advanced white-listing and other application controls for any application you open.

In fact, Kaspersky also has a Gamer mode that can be deployed for uninterrupted play. Now when you’re in the middle of a full-screen frag-fest (or raid as may be the case) you won’t be frustratingly interrupted with random popups or security alerts

Ease of Use:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is quite simple to use, with an easy interface and user-friendly navigation. The software is effectively organized for intuitive use, and features a simple color-coded graphic so you always know your security status (the traffic-light color-coded security status is actually big enough that “at-a-glance” is an understatement; more like “can’t miss it”).

The dashboard features simple left nav tabs and easy access to the quarantine, reports, and settings (where you’ll find the scheduler). The interface includes useful icons to identify the various components, and is effectively organized.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus has traditionally been geared towards the expert user. And while the advanced tools and abilities are still there (even allowing advanced users to perform scans at the command-line if they want), the security software is definitely showing more of a consumer-level approach. The 2010 version of Kaspersky provides solid security, and should work well for both beginners and experts alike.

Features:

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 has a full lineup of features, with all the essentials and then some. One unique feature is the virtual keyboard. While the efficacy is debated, the virtual keyboard lets you input text (passwords, social security numbers, bank information) by simply clicking on the “keyboard” with your mouse. While it’s no way to type an essay, the Kaspersky virtual keyboard does avoid key loggers and those trying to steal your info with keystroke recognition malware.

Advanced users will love the complete control over the antivirus software that they have. Kaspersky is a software-tweakers dream, with customizable controls for every component. And while experts can tweak a number of things, the slider controls and toggle buttons should be easy enough for anyone to use if they want to. With the various settings you can customize what Kaspersky scans, how deep it scans, and other tweaks for each individual scan and tool.
The scan scheduler is located in the setting, and lets users decide exactly when and how often the various scans are performed. By default Kaspersky Anti-Virus is scheduled to perform scans (and updates) automatically. Two innovative technologies help keep the scans running quickly. iChecker scanning means that only files that have changed since your last scan will be scanned, improving scan speed without affecting efficacy. iSwift technology automatically throttles the resource demand and adjusts scanning as needed, so if you’re not running any programs and the system is idle, Kaspersky works faster.
One new feature that will help ramp up security for everyday web browsing is the Kaspersky URL Advisor. This plug-in runs on your web browser (Internet Explorer and/or Firefox) and will help you stay away from malicious websites. If you accidentally stumble on a bad link, Kaspersky alerts you and blocks access. And the plug-in doesn’t install a new toolbar, so you probably won’t notice much change to your routine online browsing.

Updates:

Frequent updates are essential for effective antivirus and antispyware protection. Kaspersky Anti-Virus delivers updates on a regular basis, every hour, for continual security and to make sure that updates aren’t so big that they take forever to load. Updates are performed automatically, though you can also initiate a manual update at any time, from the software directly or from the Kaspersky notification icon in the system tray (lower right).

Another nice feature for those interested is the Virus Activity Review. This is a streamlined virus watch report (online, flash) that displays a number of interesting statistics and analysis on the current layout of viruses and other malware. With graphs and charts, it’s easy to get a glimpse into the world virus threat level and see how Kaspersky is staying up to date.
Several of the antivirus software we reviewed includes the capability to revert or “rollback” to a previously working database if the most recent update caused any problems. Kaspersky has this feature, and it’s easy to find and deploy. Simply go the ‘Update Center’ tab on the dashboard and find the tool.
And if your computer completely crashes, you’ll be glad you created a rescue boot disk (from the Security+ tab). The rescue disk can easily be burned, and will contain a disk image (ISO file) that can run on bootup (before the operating system) and help you revive a dead PC.

Help & Support:

Kaspersky offers some great support for all of their products, including Anti-Virus. Technical support comes in the form of an online knowledge base (searchable), FAQs, product manuals and an active forum. Not only are these available from the Kaspersky website, but can be easily accessed from within the program itself.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus also includes context-sensitive help. So not only are the included help files complete, but they open to information that corresponds with where you are in the software. You can also submit a specific issue online, or connect with an operator through online live chat.

Summary:

Overall, Kaspersky Anti-virus 2010 continues to deliver superb protection and security. The antivirus software is robust, and integrates innovative technologies to defend from newer threats. As one of the best antivirus software we’ve reviewed, Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a great way to go for PC peace of mind.

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