Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009
$39.95
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Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 gets off to a good start this year with the same clean and easy to use interface. The antivirus software is easy to install and intuitive. However, the antispyware portion of this application leaves much to be desired. Plus, the software tends to be resource-heavy and even sluggish at times.
On top of that, Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 doesn't do so well in independent testing. Results on overall effectiveness range from average to poor depending on the test.
Despite the nice look and feel, Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 doesn't give us much confidence this year.
Editor's Overview
- Average antivirus protection
- Below average antispyware
- Basic email protection
- Easy to install
- Clean user interface
- Poor overall protection
- Free US support
What Does Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 Do Well?
As mentioned above, the user interface is clean and easy to use. All antivirus functions are clearly labeled and easy to navigate. This is one area where Trend Micro Antivirus always shines.
The install was fast and easy. However, be aware that there is an initial update that can take up to 30 minutes or more after you install. You'll need to reboot afterward. So, while the install is initially easy, the updates and reboot make it not quite "out of the box" ready.
The email scanning is standard and not very impressive. The automatic updates usually come about every 3 hours. Not fast enough in our opinion.
The free US support is a nice (and expected) touch. Most antivirus software makers now offer some kind of free phone support, and we're glad to see Trend Micro following this path.
Antivirus Software Features
- Antivirus security
- Antispyware protection
- Email scanning
- Rootkit protection
- Proactive intrusion blocking
- Free phone, email, chat support (North America only)
Where Does Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 Fall Behind?
While Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 managed to design and create a user-friendly antivirus solution, they failed to make a state of the art, powerful defense against viruses, spyware, and other malware.
Independent testing showed Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 to inconsistently catch dangerous spyware and viruses. Some tests showed promising protection results, while others showed very poor scores. In fact, some well known spyware wasn't even fully removed. With such random results, it's hard to put any faith in this antivirus application.
There's also a problem during scanning. When the antivirus scan is in operation, the system gets slow and sluggish. Even computer freezing has been reported. No modern antivirus software should bring any PC down to a grinding halt. Trend Micro really needs to work on this aspect of their product.
Support
FAQ pages and knowledgebase support is available. Free phone, email, and chat support only for North American customers only. Email can take up to 48 hours to respond.
Conclusion
Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware 2009 is a nice product at first glance. The user interface is easy to use and intuitive. But the core protection, the real reason anyone buys antivirus software in the first place, is the real concern. Sometimes it performs averagely, while other times leaving traces of spyware behind. This isn't a good enough record for a modern antivirus application. Add that to the sluggish scanning, and Trend Micro has their work cut out for them next year.
System Requirements
Operating Systems
CPU
- Windows Vista Ultimate Intel Pentium 800MHz (1GHz recommended)
- Windows XP Intel Pentium 350MHz
Memory, Disk Space, and Monitor
- 256MB RAM for Windows XP (512MB recommended)
- 512MB RAM for Windows Vista (1GB recommended)
- 300MB HD required available for installation
$39.95
