The Good:
Quick to install- Quick to run
- Effective detection of threats
The Bad:
Scanning disabled if your laptop is running off the battery (though this setting can be changed)Installation of the files needed to run Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 was just as quick as it was with their internet security program that I looked at last week. Likewise, at the beginning of the installation process the program looked for any conflicting security programs that were already on my system but didn’t find any this time
. Once installed I simply activated the product and it was good to go.The first thing I did was to update the database. This was a download of around 80 MB which came through an awful lot quicker than the 100 MB one I needed for Kasperksy Internet Security 2012 so that was a pleasant surprise.
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 looks very much like their internet security program, just with less features accessible so, needless to say, I am equally impressed with the layout and the ease with which I could find all the features that this program has to offer.
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 interface
It goes without saying that an antivirus program is not as feature packed as an internet security package but Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 still contains a good number of features as evidenced by the list below -
- antivirus protection for files, mail, instant messaging and the web
- network port monitoring
- quick response to new threats via the cloud protection
- privacy cleaner
- gaming profile
- virtual keyboard which is a great defense against keyloggers (use for entering online banking details for example)
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 settings
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 has the following system requirements -
Additionally, the program will run on the majority of current line netbooks assuming they can match or exceed the following specs -
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 /Vista /7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit)
- a minimum of 480 MB free hard drive space
- an internet connection
- a processor rated at 800Mhz or better for Windows XP / 1Ghz or above for Vista and 7
- 512 MB RAM for Windows XP users / I GB RAM for 32 bit Vista and 7 / 2 GB RAM for 64 bit Vista and 7 users
Effectiveness
- Intel Atom processor 1.6 Ghz
- I GB or more RAM
- 160 GB Hard disk
- Windows XP home edition
- 10.1″ + screen size
- an Intel GMA950 video adaptor
As per the internet security program I looked at last week, I tested Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 against some dodgy links found on malwaredomainlist.com. The program performed admirably, detecting the 20 or so links I tested it against, identifying each of them as a threat.
A small test such as that isn’t going to be conclusive of course but it does seem to indicate that Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 is certainly an effective security program.
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 quick to update
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 is a great program. It installed quickly and the first update to the database was exceptionally quick too. It is very easy to set up and get to grips with and users of all skill levels should be able to have it configured to their needs in no time. In fact, the default settings will serve the majority of people’s needs so it can (almost) be completely forgotten about once set up.
During testing I tried running other tasks on my laptop to see how it performed. I don’t know about you but I cannot stand security software that renders my computer unusable whilst it is running. This latest antivirus program from Kaspersky doesn’t cause any such issues though. The only time I noticed performance issues was during the initial database update, the rest of the time I was able to multitask without realising the program was running.
In terms of effectiveness this antivirus program does the job based upon the testing I did and that, at the end of the day, is the most important task that you will want the program to perform.
- Minus Points
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 has one setting in it, much like it’s bigger brother does, which I think should be changed. That is the battery saving option which is set up to disable scheduled scanning if your laptop/netbook is running on battery power – personally I’d prefer a performance hit whilst working than missing an update, especially as the time of the scheduled scan can easily be changed anyway.
Conclusion
Kaspersky Antivirus 2012 is a great program and I really like it. It looks good, works well and has many features that add immensely to it’s usefulness. At around $40 for one years protection for one PC I think it offers great value to anyone looking at a standalone antivirus solution.
Having said that, I would actually recommend that you look at Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 though. If you can stretch to an extra $20 then the additional features found in that program represent a better value in my opinion. Have a read of my review though as you may decide differently depending upon how you use your computer.
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Read my other reviews of 2012 antivirus software.
There are several features such as Gamer Mode and rollback functionality that we'd still like to see added, but overall, Avira AntiVir is a good antivirus application.
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