AVG Free provides the bare necessities when it comes to security, but that should be enough for savvy Windows users. You’ll get a combined antivirus and antimalware engine, LinkScanner, and e-mail scanning. AVG Free 9 introduces a few new features, with improvements focused on performance, including claims of faster scan and boot times. One new feature is the Identity Theft Recovery Unit. Only for users in the United States, ITRU is a business partnership with Identity Guard which provides “consumer identity theft solutions,” accessible only from the AVG toolbar in Firefox and Internet Explorer. The interface is nearly unchanged from the last version, and generally it’s easy to use. From the main window, though, you must double-click to get further information on any feature, whether virus scanning, LinkScanner settings, or updating. Streamlining this to one click would be helpful. A scheduling utility automates both scans and updates, while the upgrade ad at the screen’s bottom can be easily hidden using the Hide Notification button. When starting a scan, a slider makes it easy to jump between Slow, Automatic, and Fast scans: the faster the scan, the less comprehensive it is, so users should take advantage of the scan optimization that is recommended during installation to speed up that first scan. A progress meter for regular scans would’ve been useful, though. Should a virus create serious problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode. The LinkScanner feature protects you from third-party code exploits before they load in your browser and for ranking search results. Annoyingly, when you install its optional toolbar, it commandeers your new-tab page, decidedly inappropriate behavior. The program doesn’t obviously tax your system when scanning or when running in the background, although CNET Labs determined that it will significantly slow down your system’s boot time, and slightly delay shutting down. AVG also detected some image files as threats, when two other scans decided they weren’t–we decided these were false positives. AVG might not be the fastest or the most effective free security option, but it still gets the job done and you’re better off with it.
Publisher’s description
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an anti-virus protection tool available free of charge to home users. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability. The new 9.0 edition is faster, safer and easier to use. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition gives you free rock solid protection for your basic security needs. The combined anti-virus/anti-spyware scanner in AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition runs up to 50% faster than earlier versions and doesn’t get in your way. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition also delivers new anti-phishing detection techniques, which can quickly and accurately determine whether or not a web page is hosting a phishing attack. Additionally, version 9.0 comes with basic anti-rootkit protection to ensure protection against sophisticated hidden threats.
What’s new in this version: Version 9.0 runs and installs faster, delivers new anti-phishing detection techniques and introduces the AVG LinkScanner to proactively screen the Web pages you haven’t even visited yet. For added peace of mind, you also get safety ratings for your Google, Yahoo! and Bing/MSN search results. Download Now (870.36K)
EFT Server (formerly Secure FTP Server) is a secure file transfer solution for growing companies facing the challenges that come with an increasing network of business partners and processes. The core EFT Server platform provides secure transport protocols, extensive user account control, and post processing workflow. Utilize all the essential connection protocols, including FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, and HTTPS. Trigger automated emails and external programs on simple server events. Manage server resources, audit (SQL) server activity, and view reports. Manage account and password policies. Choose your option of AD, NTLM, or ODBC authentication methods. Comply with standards such as the PCI-DSS and FIPS 140-2 Validation. Runs on x64 operating systems.
What’s new in this version: Version 6.1.0.48 improves Active Directory user authentication and synchronization to provide better support for foreign domain users and groups; adds SSH.com or OpenSSH formatted keys selection to SFTP key creation wizard.
SSX Free v2.0.1 allows individuals and corporations to extend their Secure Trade Link account services to their Linux based servers. Secure Trade Link provides secure document transfer and digital signature services for businesses. Create contracts online under collaborative workgroups, sign with digital signatures, and distribute the final results all in a secure environment. With Secure Trade Link services it’s not only secure, it’s also easy.
What’s new in this version: This Version is the first release on CNET Download.com
McAfee Total Protection for Small Business is a hassle-free security service that’s quickly installed, centrally managed, and updated automatically. Total Protection solutions provide comprehensive security in a single service to protect against everything from viruses, spyware, spam, and phishing, to hackers and identity thieves. Total Protection simplifies security and provides always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktops, servers, and email. With McAfee SecurityCenter, a single, web-based management console, small businesses can easily customize security policies and view infection reports. SecurityCenter also provides easy-to-read status reports to ensure the latest level of protection against viruses, spyware, hackers, and spam. And no additional equipment to purchase or technical security specialists to hire means low cost of ownership. What’s new in this version: This version is the first release on CNET Download.com. Download Now (50MB)
Offering top-class Trend Micro OfficeScan Corporate Edition software, our managed antivirus service protects you against viruses, spyware and other Internet security threats. Malicious Web sites are blocked using the new “Web Reputation” service. Beyond the easy-to-understand client software, our managed service includes access to our unique “Security Center” web portal where you can monitor the update and security status of all your protected computers. Along with real-time e-mail alerts for all virus detections, it is simply the best way to manage your antivirus protection from a single point. Register on publisher’s Web site to get your Activation Key and access to the Security Center. IT Service providers may also include our managed antivirus in their normal customer services. 64-bit version available on our Web site.
What’s new in this version: Version 8.3 incorporates OfficeScan Server Pack 1 and includes enhanced spyware scanning and Windows 2008 support.