McAfee VirusScan Plus

(Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista)*

McAfee once was a top dog in the antivirus arena, and still is to some degree. While McAfee VirusScan Plus does exactly what it says it does, compared to the competition, it falls short in other categories. For one thing, it doesn't offer hourly antivirus updates like our top picks do: it only updates daily. With the speed that viruses grow, a day is simply too long. Another minus is the fact that McAfee is big on selling your upgrades with this VirusScan Plus package.

The interface has open tabs and options for product that you didn't buy with the antivirus software – which they expect you to upgrade to. This is both confusing a bothersome if you don't want to upgrade to their parental controls software, for example.

McAfee VirusScan Plus still blocks virus, spyware and malware just as well as Norton did in tests, but the extra baggage, fees, upsells, and general clunkyness left us wanting much more.

$39.99

Editor's Overview

6-in-one security solution
System diagnostic tools to shred deleted files
Defragments your hard drive
Network monitoring tools
Antisphishing and SiteAdvisor.
Offers more than just antivirus protection
Blocks and removes viruses before they reach your PC
Offers affordable multiple-license option
Cleans clutter off your PC to maintain health

Will McAfee VirusScan Plus keep my PC safe?

Yes, for the most part. This 2008 version of McAfee VirusScan tied with Norton in independent tests for blocking viruses and unwanted malware. While its antivirus updating speed is lacking, it's still solid. The interface is intuitive for the most part, but clumsy and confusing for other sections that you may or many not have installed.

This McAfee antivirus 2008 has a very clumsy downloading function: you're first required to install the product, then download an update. Why not just get it right the first time. Also, the program runs much heavier than the competition.

Antivirus Software Features

Safe Search, Safe Surf. McAfee SiteAdvisor: rates websites to avoid dangers
Home License Subscription Service
Automatically delivers the latest software updates
Blocks and removes viruses
Stops Hackers. Protects and conceals your computer from hackers.
Blocks spyware before it installs on your computer and removes existing spyware
Cleans clutter off your computer so it stays healthy

One troubling feature is that when you install McAfee antivirus, the program doesn't do an automatic system scan like most antivirus software packages do. It doesn't even prompt you to do a scan right away. Instead, it insists that your system is clean upon install. Is this a bug or is McAfee so confident in its product that they don't even need to scan for previous viruses or malware? I'd rather have the peace of mind of a full system scan.

Support

Offers online FAQ pages and manuals for troubleshooting. Only offers personal tech support after all other options are exhausted. Fees for tech support. Not that great, if you ask us.

Conclusion

While McAfee VirusScan technically gets the job done, we can't recommend this product based on its lack of usability, heavy load, and extra features that you may or may not want. However, if you need an affordable solution for multiple PCs in your home, McAfee is still a cheap alternative.

*System Requirements

Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 (SP4) or higher, Windows XP with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or higher, Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) Personal computer with Pentium-compatible processor 500 MHz or higher and 256 MB RAM or higher.
800 X 600 or higher resolution.
Internet connection.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.
Optional: Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or later.
Supported Email Programs
POP3 (Outlook Express, Outlook, Eudora, Netscape).
Supported Instant Messaging Programs
AOL Instant Messenger 2.1 or later.
Yahoo Messenger 4.1 or later.
Microsoft Windows Messenger 3.6 or later.
MSN Messenger 6.0 or later.

$39.99