2011 No.7 Antivirus:

G DATA AntiVirus 2011

Pros: G Data AntiVirus provides unparalleled security by using two separate scanning engines, heuristics and self-learning fingerprinting.

Cons: Unfortunately, the software is missing a few extra features such as a gamer mode, battery saving mode or link scanner.

The Verdict: G Data is affordable antivirus software with a high level of security.

G DATA AntiVirus Review

With over 20 years in the computer security business and continued growth, G Data is one of the best antivirus programs in the industry, and it shows with their simple and valuable security software. G Data AntiVirus 2011 continues the trend, delivering a high level of security and an easy-to-use product. With their new version, they have simplified the interface and navigation, and optimized the software for better overall detection and protection.

Scope of Protection: 

G Data’s AntiVirus software isn’t a full internet security suite, but it comes pretty close with comprehensive protection. Antivirus and antispyware protection are combined with complete web protection. The software is equipped and armed to protect your computer from any number of threats (online or off), including phishing scams, dialers, adware, malicious scripts, Trojans, rootkits, worms and more.

The software also incorporates advanced protection from malware spread through email or IM. The software goes as far as scanning outbound email (messages you send) for viruses and other malware, so you won’t accidentally pass along a threat to your friends or coworkers.

Effectiveness: 

G Data’s protection level is second to none, delivering consistent maximum protection. One way they do this is with their DoubleScan technology. By utilizing two distinct virus scanners (don’t worry, you still won’t notice any slowdown), one can pick up anything the other might have missed. The 2011 edition incorporates the scanning engines from BitDefender and Avast!

AntiVirus from G Data continues to perform remarkably well with third party testers. AV Comparatives found the software to be in tip-top shape. While the software wasn’t the fastest, the 10.6MB/sec scanning speed was more than adequate, and G DATA came away with the highest total detection rate: an almost perfect score of 99.6%. (Needless to say, the software came away with the coveted Advanced A+ certification).

Virus Bulletin also found this antivirus solution to be more than adequate, and certified the software with the VB 100%.

G Data has outperformed most if not all other antivirus programs. The general consensus is that while they might be a bit slower (keyword being bit) than some, it is certainly one of the most thorough and effective at detecting and removing viruses and malware. And when it comes right down to it, isn’t that the most important?

Ease of Installation: 

The whole installation process took under 10 minutes, and only required one restart. All things considered, the software was straightforward to download and install.

While you can simply install the software and forget about it, additional setup is pretty quick and will help you schedule scans and customize settings.

G Data AntiVirus uses two scanning engines, but certainly doesn’t take twice as long as other security software. In fact, the program is actually fairly fast and resource efficient. While it’s not the most efficient with your system resources, it certainly is better than most antivirus software (and shouldn’t cause any system heartburn).

Ease of Use: 

G DATA’s antivirus software is remarkably simple to not only implement, but use. Advanced users or the overly cautious type should have no problem manually using the program and monitoring performance. More importantly, beginners and users who just need the software to work without much intervention will also have no trouble simply letting G DATA run in the background.

The new simplified interface brings most of the functions right to the front, easily accessible on the main dashboard. The main screen hosts a quick security status overview, and if there are any problems, you can fix them with one click.

Features: 

G Data AntiVirus comes equipped with all the essential tools to keep your computer safe. And while it doesn’t have some of the additional features that add convenience (silent gamer mode, password protected settings, laptop battery mode), the software has a healthy dose of extra features.

One feature that can’t be overstated is the unique integration of two separate scanning engines. Running an antivirus scan using both engines increases efficacy, and won’t considerably slow you down. And while there is plenty of overlap with 2 scanning engines, the virus signature database is the heart of any security software (and getting two for the price of one is great).

Another impressive feature is the self-learning fingerprinting and whitelisting. Basically, the software is able to automatically analyze files and determine if they pose a threat (or will in the future).

Updates: 

Especially good for the set-and-forget user, updates are performed automatically, and in the background. Both virus signature definitions and actual program updates will run automatically, or can be updated manually.

Regular updates are performed every hour, and are small enough that they won’t affect regular computer use. If you’re using G DATA at work, you can easily set up the software to update with your proxy server.

Help & Support: 

G DATA AntiVirus has the typical in-program help files and traditional help (searchable support section and online support form). They also have an emergency phone line for immediate assistance. Noticeably missing from the support lineup was the ability to chat with support online, or a support forum.

Summary:

Overall, G Data AntiVirus is one of the best desktop antivirus solutions available on the market. We’d still like to see a few more features added to the lineup, but we can confidently recommend the software as one of the most effective and resource-friendly antivirus software.

Fact of the Day: Staying Dark

2011 No.1 Antivirus: BitDefender Antivirus 2011

2011 No.2 Antivirus: Kaspersky AntiVirus 2011