F-Secure Anti-Virus 2007

F-Secure Anti-Virus Reviewer's Comments

F-Secure AntiVirus is a user-friendly program loaded with scanning capabilities that will keep your PC secure and safe. This suite provides registry startup protection and screens emails and instant messages-to name just a few of its defensive features.

While F-secure is not a huge system hog, the program does have several processes running that when combined, use more of your system than our top rated products. Nonetheless, the scan time was about average compared to the other high-ranking antivirus programs.

F-Secure Anti-Virus Screenshots. Click to Enlarge
F-Secure Anti-Virus Screenshot1 F-Secure Anti-Virus Screenshot2


Ease of Use:

With a consistent and easy-to-navigate interface, this anti-virus software is especially good for the computer novice. There are two different views: the Basic View is ideal for the average user. You can quickly get a status report on your updates, the latest news, subscription status and protection level. The Advanced View is for users that really like to get hands-on with their antivirus program. In the Advanced View, you can customize the program to fit your needs and perform exactly how you want.

Effectiveness:

F-Secure AntiVirus receive the level 1&2 Checkmarks from West Coast Labs. However, they did not enter/receive the 2005 ICSA award or the VB100%.

F-Secure does an good job at securing your system from potential dangers and claims your “PC is protected within a few hours after a new virus has been found in the world.”

Updates:

The program checks for updated definition files every time you connect to the Internet. Alternatively, you can manually update your system. F-Secure has a schedule so you can instantly see when your definitions were last updated and when it's scheduled to check for updates again.

The updating process is very simple and effective-on average, F-Secure Anti-Virus updates its malware signature files several times per day.

Feature Set:

F-Secure not only thoroughly scans for viruses, but also has a built-in anti-spyware scanner. You can run one or the other or both to cut down on scan times and best fit your needs.

Additionally, the program scans outgoing and incoming email in real-time, does a great job of protecting your registry against possible hijackers and controls which programs startup automatically.

F-Secure has a news section where you can sign up for virus alerts and updates of what's going on in the virus world.

Ease of Installation:

We didn't have any problems during installation. Just a helpful reminder-before you install any new antivirus software, you need to remove any existing antivirus program so there are no software conflicts.

Help/Support:

You can contact F-Secure through phone or email. They answered our email within 12 hours. There is a support center on their website where you can access tutorials, FAQs and helpful documentation.

Another cool little help feature is the World Map. Here you can see virus statistics across the globe and in your local state and there are a few other useful things in the World Map Center.

Summary:

The average person can install F-Secure and be worry free about viruses infecting their machine. With just a glance at this program, you can quickly tell if you are up to date on your virus definitions, and see if there is anything you should be concerned about.