BitDefender 9 Professional Plus Review

If you’re looking for absolute PC protection from viruses and more, you can’t go wrong with BitDefender Antivirus. Offering rock-solid security, simple usability, effective use of resources, and a valuable pricetag, BitDefender Antivirus 2009 is the best antivirus software solution I've seen.

As online threats continue to evolve and target different vulnerabilities, BitDefender has grown their arsenal and is utilizing the most up-to-date technologies to combat viruses and other malware. BitDefender Antivirus 2009 offers a robust set of features and utility, but is flexible enough to meet the needs of various users. Whether you’re an advanced user looking to control the whole process manually, or a novice looking for a set-and-forget solution, BitDefender delivers an easy to use security solution.

In short, BitDefender Antivirus 2009 provides protection and peace of mind, without upsetting your PC performance or paycheck.

For additional security (antispam, firewall, parental controls), consider upgrading to BitDefender Internet Security, or the complete super-suite BitDefender Total Security (includes PC tune-up tools, data backup, a file shredder and more).

Scope of Protection:
BitDefender Antivirus protects you and your PC from a number of online threats, including viruses, spyware, phishing scams, and more. The software basically covers you from every angle, protecting you from threats on the internet, email, and even instant messaging. BitDefender scans all web, IM, and email traffic for malware. The software is even equipped to encrypt your IM conversations.

BitDefender’s scanners run in real-time, but don’t require a lot of resources. In fact, the new optimized scans run 30% faster than last year (which were already fast), without significantly increasing system load and even reducing the boot time.

One of the new features that further improves BitDefender protection and performance is the Active Virus Control, specifically designed to detect and demolish stealth threats. BitDefender has been using advanced heuristic detection already, but new malware have taken steps to avoid being analyzed by these technologies. Enter Active Virus Control; this proactive technology continually monitors all application activity, keeping an eye on file behaviors that look suspicious. One minor discrepancy won’t stop the file in question (thus avoiding false-positives), but if enough malware-like actions are detected, BitDefender Active Virus Control will lock it down.

Effectiveness:
Don’t let the inexpensive price and lesser-known name fool you; BitDefender Antivirus is powerful and completely effective. Independent industry research tests (ICSA labs, West Coast Labs, Virus Bulletin VB 100% certification, AV-Comparatives) agree that BitDefender is an effective solution, and one of the best overall performers. BitDefender has garnered several certifications and awards over the years, and Antivirus 2009 continues the legacy.

Ease of Installation:
BitDefender Antivirus installation is extremely simple and pretty intuitive. Whether you’ve purchased a box copy or are installing the software from an electronic download, the process is straightforward and easy. After a few quick downloads and a few approvals, you’ll be up and running (or letting BitDefender work automatically for you if you desire) in no time.

For the most effective protection, BitDefender removes other antivirus software you may have running that could potentially interfere.

As part of the installation process you will choose from three user profiles, or user levels. But don’t worry if you change your mind (or simply want to see the unique interface layout associate with each). You can easily change what mode you’re in by accessing the settings menu.

Ease of Use:
BitDefender Antivirus 2009 is certainly easy to use. This year BitDefender adds user profiles, allowing the end user to choose the level of control they want from the program, and choosing from three distinct interface choices specifically designed to accommodate their specific needs and activities. You can choose from novice, intermediate, or advanced.

The novice mode is perfect for anyone who simply wants to install security software, forget about it, and never have to worry about being completely protected. While the beginner will be given access to some basic features, most of the advanced settings are pre-set for optimum security, allowing the user to let BitDefender do all the “hard work” for them. Computer security couldn’t be easier.

The intermediate user interface definitely has more options and utility, but is effectively organized and easy to use. The intuitive tab interface makes it completely easy to navigate, and includes a simple dashboard and access to each of the major utilities.

The advanced expert interface gives the user complete access to all the tools and features, and while it’s more complex, it is just as intuitively organized and easy to navigate.

Features:
BitDefender Antivirus has a complete lineup of all the essential features (and then some). The antivirus software is equipped to protect your computer from a number of threats, and provides complete peace of mind while downloading files online, opening emails, or sending an important IM.

Along with the Active Virus Control features, the 2009 edition of BitDefender includes advanced Intrusion Detection technology. BitDefender will warn you if it detects any direct code injection (DLL) attacks, and proactively detects and defends from malicious attempts to adjust your crucial registry entries or system files.

Another advanced feature is one sure to please PC gamers. Bitdefender features a no-interruptions gamer mode that is ideal for stopping annoying notices or popups from interfering while you’re in the middle of some intense gaming (or a full-screen video, or presentation).

BitDefender 2009 is also equipped to run effectively on laptops, and features a special laptop mode designed to optimize battery life. (Of course you may also be interested in BitDefender Total Security for Mini-Notebooks, a comprehensive security/utilities/backup solution specifically designed to run well on netbooks)

Updates:
With today’s virtual world constantly being introduced to more (and more advanced) threats, antivirus software is only as good as its latest update. Timely updates to virus databases and definition files are crucial in keeping you protected. The main kernel-level antivirus protection of BitDefender depends on an up-to-date list of known virus signatures and matching code.

BitDefender Antivirus 2009 performs regular updates every hour (unless directed otherwise by the user). BitDefender is setup to run these crucial updates automatically, and they are run in the background. You don’t have to worry about manually updating (though you can if you want), and more importantly, you don’t have to worry about updates slowing down your system.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about updates causing problems or losing program files. If file damage does occur (rare), BitDefender is setup to automatically repair itself with the newest working update.

Help & Support:
BitDefender is amazingly easy to use, and does most of the work for you so you don’t have to tweak it and constantly interact with the program (read: there are fewer annoying popups than other software). But if you need additional assistance or product support, you don’t have to go very far.

BitDefender 2009 now has in-product technical support, providing answers to some of the most common questions. The self-service module also gives you the ability to contact the technical support team directly from the product itself.

Softwin, the manufacturer of BitDefender offers a robust set of helpful resources online, and free 24/7 support. You can access the BitDefender security support team via phone, email, or even online chat.

Summary:
BitDefender Antivirus 2009 is certainly one of the best security software solutions available, combining powerful features and excellent protection in an easy to use program. The software is effective, simple, and impressively priced.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with BitDefender Antivirus 2009 when it comes to virus protection, versatility, and value. For superior performance, protection, and price, I recommend BitDefender Antivirus 2009.

Alternatively, you may be interested in BitDefender Internet Security for additional protection with antispam and a firewall. Or you might look into BitDefender Total Security, the all-in-one premium suite that includes security, parental controls, tune-up utilities, and online backup.