ESET Nod32 2.7

ESET Nod32 Reviewer's Comments

ESET's Nod32 has an excellent virus detection rate earning the VB100% in all eight of its most recent Windows test. This software has a number of practical features to help you monitor your computer's security including outbreak notices and history/report logging. This antivirus software wins our "TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award"and would have placed higher if it were a bit more novice friendly.

The software uses some technical terms in the interface and other areas of the product. Novices may find the higher-ranked products easier to use.

Ease of Use:

We found the Control Center layout and modules a little bit confusing. The terminology is very technical; however, a techie would love the customization abilities and scanning power of Nod32.

Effectiveness:

The most important function of antivirus software is to detect and block viruses, and Nod32 does an excellent job. This software received the VB100% award in June 2007, was certified by ICSA in 2007 and passed the level 1 & 2 Checkmark from West Coast Labs.

Updates:

NOD32 claims that they detected and blocked big-gun viruses like CIH, Melissa, LoveLetter long before the competition. The team in the ESET virus lab is extremely fast and good at analyzing viruses and releasing blocks and fixes. Nod32 updates virus definitions “As Needed.”

Feature Set:

Nod32 is designed for more advanced users with plenty of customization features. Nevertheless we wouldn't discourage the average home user from using this product-it just may take some time to learn everything.

Nod32 has two different ways to run the program. You can run a simple Nod32 scan or you can spend more time using the control center. Within the control center you can have access to tons of customiztion feature and differnet types of scans-DMON, IMON, EMON and more. Here is an overview of the different scans:

* AMON - the resident (running in operating memory at all times) or "on-access" antivirus monitor. This program is the most crucial antivirus defense tool.
* NOD32 (also referred to as the "on-demand" scanner) - this is the scanner executed manually by the user, or automatically by the scheduler.
* IMON - this scanner provides the first line of defense by monitoring Internet traffic (SMTP, ftp, http and other Winsock protocols).
* EMON - the Nod32 Mail Scanner provides protection from email-borne viruses.
* DMON - scans Microsoft office documents and files directly downloaded from Internet Explorerer.


Ease of Installation:

The installation process allows you to do a typical installation, some customization or an advanced install that gives you control over all the default functions. We didn't have any problems with the installation process.

Help/Support:

The program offers helpful documentation in the form of manuals and FAQs. The email support is excellent and they responded to our email within 30 minutes. Additionally, the manufacturer offers 24/7 phone support.

Summary:

Nod32 is a first-rate antivirus program that offers several levels of superior protection. However, the product is somewhat hard to understand because of the technical jargon and wouldn't be our first choice for the average home user.