2012 Antivirus Software Ratings

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 (2012) is still that same antivirus software with the funny name. But that doesn't mean we don't take them seriously. We do.

When it comes to antivirus protection, ESET made great improvements, especially in their real-time web-filtering. However, their scanning and virus removal capabilities could still use some work.

The user interface is very professional and clean looking. It's been simplified in many areas, but some of that is over-simplification in our opinion. Many of the deeper settings can be difficult to quickly find.

There aren't many extra features or bells and whistles with ESET NOD32 Antivirus, but that's ok. A basic antivirus software doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to work.

Their technical support is less than impressive, but they offer moderate self-help options.

On the whole, ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 (2012) has made great improvements. But with their spotty scanning and clean up, ESET doesn't stack up to our standards this year.

	Next: Virus & Spyware Protection

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 Features

• Real-time Antivirus
  
  Monitors, scans, and blocks virus threats in real-time. Protects against zero-day threats.
• Antispyware
  
  Stops spyware from infecting your computer. Helps detect and eliminate spyware.
• HIPS Protection
  
  Notifies you when unauthorized changes are being made.
• Antirootkit
  
  Finds and cleans rootkits that are deep within the system.
• USB Scanning
  
  Scans for viruses that come through USB devices like cameras or phones.
• Gamer Mode
  
  Helps reduce system drag by reducing system resource usage during gaming.