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BitDefender is a computer security company that provides economical, cutting edge security solutions for home and business computer systems. Every computer system needs to be protected from online security threats. Home PC systems and business computer networks are vulnerable to computer viruses, spyware, adware and other forms of malware any time they are connected to the Internet or receive shared files or software via other means. Cyber criminals are increasingly adept at finding security weaknesses in computer systems, and exploiting those weaknesses to steal personal information or gain access to sensitive business data.
BitDefender Antivirus 2010 is one of a family of computer security systems offered by BitDefender. BitDefender 2010 products are compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 7. BitDefender security products protect PCs against viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malware. They can block spam from e-mail inboxes, run unobtrusively in gaming systems, give parents control over their childrenХs Web surfing activities, encrypt confidential files and run computer maintenance operations. BitDefender products consistently score well when compared by independent laboratories with similar products produced by competing Internet security companies.
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Comparison of BitDefender Computer Security Products
BitDefender Antivirus 2010 offers protection against viruses, phishing attacks, spyware and identity theft. It includes a special gaming mode, which postpones automatic updates in order to preserve speed, and a laptop mode designed to extend battery life. Economically priced at about thirty dollars for coverage of three PCs for one year, it is a good choice for protection of a family computer network.
BitDefender Internet Security 2010 is a little more expensive, at fifty dollars for protection of three PCs for a year. In addition to the basic features of Antivirus 2010, it also includes a firewall to protect WiFi connections, anti-spam protection to keep unwanted e-mail out of inboxes, parental controls to enable filtering of content and an encrypted vault for protection of confidential files.
BitDefender Total Security 2010 is a complete personal computer security system that offers protection for users at all levels. It provides good parental controls, non-intrusive gaming protection, as well as protection against viruses, malware and phishing. It automatically backs up files and folders, shreds sensitive files so that traces do not remain on the PC, and optimizes computer performance by automatically removing unneeded files and registry entries. Priced at about eighty dollars for protection of three PCs for one year, or seventy dollars for a single license, it is an economical and effective choice for home, business and professional computer security.
BitDefender also offers inexpensive security applications specifically designed for gaming systems and for mobile devices. BitDefender Gamesafe offers gamers antivirus, antirootkit, antispyware, antiphishing, and firewall protection for about thirty dollars. BitDefender Mobile Security supplies antivirus protection for mobile devices running on specific operating systems.
BitDefender products are reasonably priced and available through the company, but users may be able to find prices lower than all of the official list prices by shopping at online retailers like Amazon or on auction sites such as eBay.
Minimum System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for running BitDefender Antivirus 2010 include: Windows XP Service Pack 2, Vista, or Windows 7; an 800 MHz processor; 518 MB of RAM with Windows XP or 1 GB of RAM with Vista or Windows 7; 450 MB of available hard drive disk space; and Internet Explorer 6. With the overall problems associated with Internet Explorer 6, users should consider upgrading to Internet Explorer 7 in addition to installing their BitDefender security system.
Level of Protection
In independent testing, BitDefender 2010 products scored well when compared with similar products. It is effective at detecting Trojans and malware, and scored well for speed of operation. BitDefenderХs anti-phishing and privacy protection functions are very good, and score better than many better known Internet security providers. Some users report performance drag in some applications while BitDefender is working, but overall satisfaction with the product line among users is high.
Installation
During installation of BitDefender Total Security 2010, users are given a choice among three modes of interfacing with the system. In novice mode, the system shows simple buttons to click for scanning, updating and accessing game mode or parental controls. Intermediate mode displays a dashboard with tabs to access the various functions of the program, and allows more user control of settings. In expert mode, all of the system features are available for user interaction.
Users report that installation is simple and straightforward on clean computers with no existing security issues. However, on computers already infected with malware, installation of BitDefender can be troublesome, requiring help from the support desk in some cases when the system will not install or run properly. Most users report that BitDefender support is very good, and works on problems in a timely manner until they are resolved.
Usability
BitDefender products are easy to install and use. If there are issues with installation on machines that are already infected, the BitDefender support staff will work with users to get their systems up and running with as little difficulty as possible. With the user able to select the operating mode level they prefer, operation of the system can be as simple as clicking a couple of buttons for a novice, or as complicated as an expert user needs it to be. BitDefender operates unobtrusively behind the scenes, and does not interfere with most applications.
Some users report that BitDefender can be overly aggressive in detecting viruses in safe applications, but that is better than having a weaker security system that allows the machine to be infected. While rare, these false positives can be a problem if they disable critical programs. However, the user can set the controls so that an application has to be manually approved for deletion after the system flags it for review. BitDefender parental controls are easy to set up, and can prevent children from giving out personal information such as addresses and telephone numbers to sites phishing for such data.
BitDefender Updates
BitDefender runs quietly in the background as a PC is used, scanning incoming e-mail and websites. It automatically updates hourly to maintain the best protection possible. Compared to other security programs, it causes less disruption of normal PC operations or slowing of applications during its updates. The BitDefender license runs for one year for a flat fee, and is then automatically renewed using the purchaser's stored payment information. Unlike some well known security providers, BitDefender notifies the user thirty days in advance of automatic renewal, so the user is not surprised by the automatic credit card charge and has time to cancel the service or specify a different payment method.
With the prevalence of computer viruses, spyware, and other malware being propagated throughout the Internet, as well as the increasing sophistication of criminal enterprises using weaknesses in computer security to perpetrate identity theft and fraud, it is crucial for all computer users to keep their systems as secure as possible. The small annual cost of a high quality computer security system installed on every machine is an investment that pays huge dividends in reduced downtime and system damage. BitDefender Antivirus 2010 and related products provide the latest in computer security services and are an economical choice for home computer systems and business systems alike.
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