2013 Antivirus Software Reviews

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BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 Overall Score: 94%

by Josh Christofferson, Co-Editor

While Bitdefender is still not as well-known as products such as Norton or McAfee, it's quickly earning a top seat among reviewers and sellers — and for good reason.

Techincal support is better than it was last year (which was not very good), and the program itself is a bit large compared to other antivirus software (but it won't slow down your computer).

Regardless of these minor flaws, BitDefender provides excellent real-time antivirus protection with a refreshingly well-designed and nice-looking user interface.

Certified by all the major testing labs:

• AV-Comparatives
• AV-Test
• ICSA Labs
• Virus Bulletin
• West Coast Labs

Bitdefender has always excelled in virus and spyware detection, and this year is no different.

During our tests, BitDefender detected or blocked about 95% of viruses and malware thrown at it.

In some cases, however, it had a little bit of trouble with the removal of particularly stubborn malware, requiring multiple reboots to be fully removed.

Even still, BitDefender proved to have exceptional real-time virus protection.
BitDefender performed well in system usage tests. We only saw around 1% of CPU used while running idle and only about 61% during manual full system scans.

There is one potential drawback, however - the program requires 800MB of disk space. If you've got the space, though, BitDefender is still light on its feet and won't slow down your computer.
BitDefender provides a simple interface with straightforward navigation.

The main screen is clear and easy to use with tiles indicating each section to manage. Within each section, further details are available for configuration if needed.

The only complaint might be the color scheme — it may be a little dark for some tastes.
Tech support is the only area we had a significant issue with Bitdefender.

The support link in the user interface offers three options: Help (searchable help topics), Support Center (more searchable topics), Contact (launches a data-gathering tool that is sent to BitDefender for analysis — but it doesn't not take you to a phone number — even though there's a phone icon. After the tool is done gathering data, it's sent to BitDefender for analysis. They'll contact you. Not really a "Contact" feature, is it.)

In order to find a phone number, you have to go to "Contact Us" page on their website (there's no link on the user interface, and there's no phone number on the "Support" page).

Chat, email, and forum support is offered from their "Contact Us" page.

Even though Bitdefender does have some of the finest help articles and video tutorials we've seen, immediate, easy to find phone support needs to be a priority.
We always like a product that automatically checks for and updates in the background. BitDefender does so hourly and each time you start your computer.

In addition, we also appreciate the option to download updates manualy, if you need it.
BitDefender 2013 includes several unique extra features that can be quite useful.

For starters, BitDefender offers antipshishing protection even in their antivirus software. On top of that, there are several bells and whistles if you want them.

SafeGo is an app for your Facebook account that helps keep you safe from spam and dangerous virus links that appear on your Facebook wall and news feeds.

BitDefender securely encrypts chats, which we are huge fans of. However, it only works if both people are using BitDefender and Yahoo! Messenger.

Opens all your online banking pages in a separate, secure browser so hackers can't break in and steal your banking info. A handy extra layer of protection -- just in case.

Scans and protects your USB flash drives from viruses. Immunizes the drive to prevent accidentally spreading viruses to you or your friends.

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All of BitDefender's extra features are well executed, work well, and actually do provide an added layer of protection for your PC. BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 once again ranks high on our list this year.

It does a very thorough job at detecting and removing viruses and other malware — all with very low system usage that won't slow down your PC.

Its interface is easy to use and the extra features would almost be enough on their own.

We are pretty unsatisfied with their technical support, lacking in easy to find phone options. But if tech support isn't a key issue for you, BitDefender Antivirus 2013 is a solid and dependable software.