ESET Smart Security 4.2 is another free antivirus similar to Avast Internet Security and Forticlient, in that it provides award winning antivirus, firewall, anti spam etc. all in one package.  Some of the features that allow ESET Smart Security to stand out are its centrally managed features for businesses, support for Rescue Disks, and a highly customizable firewall.  The antivirus has 2 versions, one for the consumer and one for the business environment.  The software also comes in 32bit and 64bit variants.

Installation:

     The installation file was only 39 megabytes which is on the small side for free antivirus and internet security software. 

     The installation was very smooth and polished.  Smart Security 4.2 has 2 installation options automatic and customized.  The customized open allows you to tweak the programs update settings and even create a password to protect the program’s modification from unauthorized users.  I also like the Threat Sense.net (or submit a file to ESET) customization options.  This is a new trend in the antivirus industry in which viruses or suspicious files are collected from users’ computers and submitted to antivirus companies for analysis.  For example, with Microsoft Security Essentials, the program’s Spynet only gives you the option to submit everything (including identifiable information about your computer) or nothing.  However, with ESET Smart Security you can customize what information is sent, ask for a confirmation when a file is sent, and include or exclude statistics etc.  The customizability is a great functionality because it will ensure your private files don’t leave your computer at anytime.  

The installation also allows you to turn on heuristic based detection and customize how the firewall functions including, automatic, interactive, policy, or learning modes.  The automatic mode relies on predefined firewall rules only (similar to Avast internet security).  The interactive mode allows the user to modify and confirm predefined firewall rules.  The policy mode is based upon the network administrator’s policies.  Finally, the learning mode only takes into account how a user uses their own computer and builds a rules list based on the activity with yes or no dialog boxes (similar to Forticlient firewall.  Generally, this is the annoying way).

Features:

     After the installation completed, the program immediately checked and updated virus signatures.

     Smart Security has two interfaces a basic and an advanced.  The advanced mode really adds a lot of menus and the software provides a huge amount of features.  
The first feature that caught my eye, was the inclusion of the rescue disk functionality.  ESET Smart Security will help you install the Windows AIK (Windows PE) and put it on a cd/dvd or USB flash drive.   I have never seen this level of automation in a free antivirus software.  This will help a user whose computer has been disabled to completely restore functionality.  Smart Security also includes a SysInspector  system snapshot which will save all of the current computer settings for restore at a later time.  My only pet peeve about this entire process is that it’s not automatically included or explained on the first startup.  I feel that most users won’t dig into the software like this, so it would be nice to at least prompt the user about these features.
The ESET Smart Security 4.2 includes a ton of antivirus and antispyware detection capabilities. The real-time shield can detect viruses even on computer shutdown.  The software can also scan local and networked drives.  All of this can be heavily optimized and customized down to even which USB ports are scanned.  I am not kidding; you can actually configure what USB ports on your computer have heuristic virus detection activated on them.  See the screen shot below. 

The Smart Security firewall literally seems like it came out of a corporate antivirus package.  In the advanced configuration, the firewall includes a ton of IDS (intrusion detection system) based rules that will automatically detect suspicious internet activity such as worms, Trojans, or other malicious activity.  The firewall will also monitor malicious modification of important network files (svchost.exe etc.) to ensure safe internet access.

      ESET Smart Security also includes document protection which will ensure that important documents won’t get affected by viruses.
ESET includes antispam and email virus scanning functionality.  The antispam engine is again kind of vague at how it detects and handles spam messages.  But, you can setup a whitelist to ensure important emails aren’t quarantined. 

Resource Usage and Scanning:

      The only problem with ESET Smart Security 4.2 is that it’s a little bit heavy on the memory usage.  The program uses 46 megabytes when idle which eclipses many of its competitors.  ESET also uses 6 megabytes for the menus that are displayed.  Interestingly, when a virus scan is started the program doesn’t really increase its memory usage; it stays around 50 megabytes.  This means that the software is still on par with other free antivirus programs when actively scanning.
ESET Smart Security includes two scanning options a Normal and a Smart Scan.  I hate to say it, but the Smart Scan is not quick at all. I have already been waiting for 10 minutes and the virus scan progress is still at 26 percent. Update: the Smart Scan took about 40 minutes. The scan also used at least 50 percent of CPU power during the scan, even on a dual core CPU with a 4 MB cache.   This is in contrast to Prevx’s  1 minute and 39 second virus scan and minimal CPU usage.

      The smart scan is significantly slower than competing products including PC Tool antivirus.  Smart Security 4.2 just takes a while to look at each file.  So, it would be hard to run a scan on every startup.  
      Regardless, I like the option to move the scan to a background process.  This means that a virus scan, while slow, will not detrimentally affect normal computer operation.
ESET is certified by all major antivirus testing outfits including VB100 and Westcoast labs.  This will ensure that the software can detect and remove viruses. I have also seen a lot of positive user reviews on the software.

Conclusion:

     ESET Smart Security is one of the programs that you really need to download and install for yourself. The free antivirus has hundreds features and customizable options.

     Download ESET Smart Security 4.2 Beta HERE.

    FortiClient is a new free antivirus / internet security bundle that includes a ton of modules. They are a free antivirus and antispyware engine, a firewall, antispam functionality, a VPN client, and a content filter. This software is intended for the experienced to advanced computer user.

Installation:

    FortiClient was by far one of the worst installations experiences I have had with an antivirus program. The installation takes probably about 20 minutes because the program has to optimize itself. I found this very interesting because the antivirus was only 10 megabytes to download. The software also prompts if you want to install the free edition or the paid edition. This option can be changed at anytime. It seems like the full version's only difference is the inclusion of a Spam Filter.

Software Notes and Features:

    FortiClient includes a free real time scanning engine. This is in contrast to other free antivirus that have virus detection only. The FortiClient software seems to be intended to be used on a network with a FortiGate server. However, this is not necessary to have and runs great in standalone operation. FortiClient also supports free content filtering in which a user can set up a password and block access to potentially harmful sites.  The predefined filters are very comprehensive.  The software also has a separate installer for Windows 64 bit. This is in contrast to other antivirus and firewall software that only include 32 bit installers.

Usage Testing:

    Once FortiClient antivirus starts, the program immediately starts prompting the user about program firewall access.  A user will need to analyze the program accessing the internet and then allow or disallow the connection. The option can also be remembered for usage next time . This is the old school method of controlling firewalls in that it doesn’t come with pre configured rules like Avast Internet Security for Internet Explorer and Firefox.  In addition, the menus are kind of archaic like old windows 98 menus.

    FortiClient not only includes an antivirus but also an antispyware engine. In addition, the software updates every 49 minutes to check for the latest viruses. I don’t know how to convey this but this software is one of the best deals in the free antivirus industry. For example, free AVG will only check for virus signature updates once every day and doesn’t include dedicated antispyware functionality.

Antivirus Scanning:

    The FortiClient scanning process reminds me of MacAfee’s scanning engine. The process is very slow even on a dual core computer. The scan seemed to take about two hours for a 160 gigabyte operating system drive. This is not a necessarily a disadvantage as FortiClient has received the VB100 and Westcoast labs virus detection awards indicating excellent virus detection; but be prepared to wait for a full scan. FortiClient also includes a quick scan feature which will save some time. FortiClient detected an adware on my computer that Malwarebytes or Prevx weren’t able to find. The software said access denied but appeared to delete the program.

Extra Features:

    FortiClient also includes a free VPN client to connect to work VPN’s. The software also includes a WAN optimizer which will optimize all computer traffic to the internet. This should improve a user’s whole browsing experience.

Conclusion and Download:

    FortiClient has the most features of any free antivirus or internet security program. The software is excellent for the advanced user but potentially frustrating for the novice user. Regardless, this program is a must download to secure any type of Windows computer.

Download FortiClient Here

    VIPRE rescue is a free antivirus produced by Sunbelt software.  The goal of the security program is to rescue inoperable or non bootable Windows OS’s from viruses.  The entire antivirus installation is included in a single executable (a 57 megabyte file.)  This means that no definitions need to be downloaded and it can be run completely offline.  Unfortunately, Vipre rescue antivirus must be run from the command line so it can be tricky for novice users.  This can be done from within a normal Windows operation, Windows Safe Mode, or a bootable Windows PE environment. I will explain the latter two below. Please note that this method will work for all versions of Windows including Windows 7, Vista, and XP even with locked NTFS partitions.

Safe Mode Antivirus Scanning:

    This first method is if you can get your computer into Safe Mode.  Enter Safe Mode by pushing the F8 key even before you see the Windows is starting logo (directly after the BIOS screen).  To my amazement, many free antivirus software including AVG etc. do not function in Windows Safe Mode.  The antivirus will simply state “the AVG engine cannot be started in Safe Mode.”  I think this is a ridiculous precedent because often users cannot boot normal Windows because of a virus or worm preventing them from a normal startup.  The solution is to get VIPRE rescue antivirus on to your computer in safe mode.  You can do this by putting the file on a CD-ROM/DVD or a USB flash drive.  Simply click the exe file and the VIPRE antivirus will automatically extract itself and run the antivirus deep scan. The program will automatically detect and delete any viruses, Trojans, or worms detected.

Non bootable Windows, Windows PE antivirus scanning (Advanced Users Only):

     This final option is when a computer has been completely disabled by a corrupted virus (not completely deleted by another antivirus scan) or deleted crucial files etc.  The preceding situation happens when a user cannot start in either normal Windows or Safe Mode.  The easiest solution to the preceding virus problem is to download the Active@ Boot Disk here.  This program will allow a user to boot a Windows like environment off of an USB flash drive or CD-ROM/DVD.  The software will give a user complete access to the NTFS partition of choice for a complete and thorough antivirus scan without the need to have access to a bootable Windows.  This program is free to use for 10 days which should be enough to fix what you need to fix in a non commercial environment.  I like Active @ Boot Disk because it has the smallest foot print of Windows PE available at only 150 megabytes max and it is extremely straight forward to use.  A user can use a 1 GB flash drive to install the Windows PE and VIRPE free antivirus on the same drive or CD. Note: the official Windows PE installation requires a 2 GB flash drive and a DVD RW and a lot of complex instructions.
    Install the Active @ Boot Disk program by simply running the executable.  Preferably, put the installation on a USB flash drive.  Once the installation is complete, put the VIPRE free antivirus executable in the USB drive.  Restart the computer and make sure to boot the USB flash drive or CD-ROM/DVD.  This can be done hitting by usually hitting F12 etc. on the first BIOS screen.  Note:  when a computer starts up there will be a prompt for the BIOS boot menu usually it’s a F1 through F12.  Once the Windows PE environment is loaded, navigate to the VIPRE free antivirus executable in the command prompt and start the exe. This will start the antivirus scan in the Windows PE environment.

Download VIPRE free command line antivirus here

     In addition to the Avast Antivirus 5.0 beta, Alwil software has also released Avast Internet Security Beta 5.0.  This free antivirus and internet security software builds on the improvements in Avast 5.0 antivirus and includes a firewall, spam filter, and sandbox mode.  This is one of the few opportunities that a user can download free internet security software because I haven’t actually found a free version before.  Even AVG and Norton etc., do not provide freeware internet security versions.  However, please keep in mind that this software is beta and it is possible to encounter problems (I personally had a flawless experience on Vista 64 bit ultimate)

Program Installation:

     The installation was easy and used the standard Avast installation screen.  The whole setup took about 3 minutes.  The only hiccup was that I was twice prompted for an unsigned driver installation. I presume this driver is for the firewall.

Resource and Memory Usage:

     Avast Internet Security resource usage is broken up into multiple services including the firewall (7 megabytes idle), antivirus (3 megabytes idle), and the Avast service (5.4 megabytes idle.)  This comes to a total of 15.4 megabytes used when idle.  This is an impressive spec. and Avast Internet Security should have no problem running on older systems.

Antivirus Protection:

     Avast Internet Security Free includes all of the award winning antivirus protection in Avast antivirus 5.0.  Just be wary of when the antivirus auto updates (make sure your sound is turned down, haha.) I swear the lady’s or man’s voice gets creepier and creepier.  Regardless, Avast Internet Security will provide excellent antivirus protection.  I am not sure if Avast 5.0 included a Silent Game mode, but Internet Security has included this functionality.  This feature will silence the antivirus so that it doesn’t scan game files when a user plays a game.
     Avast Internet Security also includes sandbox mode.  Sandbox mode will take a suspicious file and test it for malicious intentions.  This essentially is the same technology that Prevx 3.0 used (reviewed last week.)  If malicious intentions are found then the file will be blacklisted. 

Avast Internet Security Firewall:

     While Avast is new into the firewall market, the product is by no means lacking.  The software includes a full functioning rule based firewall.  The firewall is very easy to use and provides three basic security settings on the first page.  The first is a Home Low setting (allows all untrusted connections to share files or stream to an Xbox), the next is Work Medium Risk Zone (follows the application rules and provides an acceptable amount of security), finally, the Airport High Risk Zone (ideal for a public location and blocks all incoming traffic.)  The firewall also shows all incoming and outgoing connections in a very easy to recognize way with the program icons displayed.  For example, Firefox is displayed with the Firefox logo and it shows all the sites and ip address that are currently communicating with Firefox. There is also finer tuning of applications in the application rules tab.  Everything is currently set to Auto-Decide which is great for most users.  In the Network Utilities tab, I really liked the inclusion of Fix the Network Stack.  Often viruses or Trojans will install themselves within the network stack.  Once the virus or Trojan is deleted it leaves a broken hole in the network stack preventing the user from accessing the internet.  This utility will automatically rebuild the stack to restore internet connectivity after a virus has broken it.  Finally, don’t worry about annoying firewall popups.  Avast Firewall alerts the user only when it actually needs to.  Thanks Avast!

Spam Filter:

    Avast Internet Security also includes Spam protection.  The Spam home page and expert settings are pretty lacking.  There isn’t an explanation how the spam filter works and there pretty much aren’t any tweakable settings except a white and black list. There is a security slider but I am not sure what it does. The spam filter will need some work if Avast wants to make a marketable product.

Conclusion and Download:

    In conclusion, Avast Internet Security is a full featured free internet security software. The spam filter might need some additional work, but the software performs great at securing a user’s computer.  Download the Avast here.

Prevx is a UK antivirus based on the premise of being light weight and fast. The company’s concept is that an antivirus shouldn’t be bulky and resource hogging with the ability to run a full system scan once a month. Rather, an antivirus scan should be run extremely frequently even upon every system boot up or before accessing a bank website. I personally like the notion as I am indeed a fan of tiny, efficient, and effective programs.

Free Antivirus Statement:

Prevx 3.0 can scan and detect malware for free and it does an excellent job at doing so. However, if a user wants to remove malware automatically, the program requires registration. I feel that this situation is not the end of the world because PC tools free antivirus has no problem coexisting with the software. Simply install both free antivirus and disable real time protection on the PC tools antivirus. If Prevx detects a virus, simply run a scan with PC tools free antivirus.

Prevex Antivirus Installation:  

The claim holds true because the whole download for the antivirus was less than one megabyte (this runs contrary to the advertisement on the website of less than 900 kilobytes.) The install of the program was very quick I only had to click next on three menus. Prevx antivirus will then perform a learning scan were by the software determines the best locations to scan. This process only took about 2 minutes and 57 seconds.

Resource Usage

The software only uses about 4 megabytes when idle and about 100 megabytes during a scan. While the later is definitely on the higher end, the program completes a full system scan in just 59 seconds (if the learning scan has already been completed.) Therefore, while the memory usage is ridiculous during a scan (easily 3 times the average free antivirus programs scan memory) the software is definitely making efficient usage of the scanning.

Virus Detection and Technology:

I am really pleased that Prevx 3.0 initially scans for rootkits and devotes about 20% of a scan to this process. There are very few free antivirus programs that actually detect root kits in the first place. Prevx also doesn’t utilize traditional definition files. Rather, the program is completely based on heuristic or suspicious behavior detection. Prevx takes a few things in account during this process. The first is the antivirus software considers a files age. Prevx utilizes a database of all of the program’s active users to quickly identify which files are malicious and fairly new. If a program is deemed malicious of sorts, the antivirus will run an isolated test in a sandbox environment to see how the program behaves. If the program fails the sandbox check, then the .exe etc. is marked as malicious. I have one problem with this approach. The first is that viruses have been known to modify NTFS date stamps to make the file appear that it’s actually older than it is. If a virus utilizes this technology it will defeat one of Prevx’s main antivirus checks. Read more about this here.

Realtime Engine:

All versions of the Prevx antivirus include the real-time scanning engine.  The engine is pretty effective and intuitive.  I opened upon infranview to see these screenshots and was instantly alerted to a realtime protection scan.  The taskbar stated the location and the status of the file in a pop up form. 

Conclusion:

Prevx scans extremely fast and is an excellent program to be used as a first line of defense tool. However, I recommend that you pair the program with a traditional antivirus as the scanning technology has potential to be defeated. Download Prevx 3.0 here