Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008

(Windows XP, Windows Vista)*

Trend Micro may not be a household name, but they hold their own when it comes to lean and mean antivirus protection. The program runs light on resources, has a sleek user interface, and decent virus blocking capabilities, and good antispyware.

So why is Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 lower on our list? There haven't been enough independent tests done on their actual antivirus capabilities, especially against its top competitors. Could this mean they're trying to hide something? Hard to say. But without independent confirmation of its abilities, we can only go on how the software runs upon install.


$39.95



Editor's Overview

• Protection Against Viruses
• Protection Against Spyware
• Computer Scans
• Real-time Protection
• Quarantined File Recovery
• Automatic Updates and Outbreak Alerts
• Product Support

What does Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 do Right?

What Trend Micro has going for it is their easy and intuitive user interface. It's sleek, clean, simple, yet advanced enough for advanced users. Trend Micro works well with the latest AOL and Yahoo IM clients. The program cleans up unwanted logs, malware, and system fragment files with ease. The software runs relatively light at 100MB for installation and 256MB of RAM for operation. It will scan e-mail for Outlook Express, Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and Windows Mail (Vista). Firefox and IE are also supported for their help menus. In general, Trend Micro is up to date on all of the usability fronts.

Anti-virus Software Features

• Anti-virus security
• Anti-spyware
• Email safety scan
• Protection against rootkits
• Proactive intrusion blocking
• Prevents unauthorized changes to your system
• History cleaner protects gets rid of website cache listings and recent file records
• Cookie cleanup function
• Customizable security warnings
• Regular reports on how Trend Micro has protected you.
• Fully compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista and other major applications
• Good antispyware and antiphishing protection

Where does Trend Micro Fail?

In general, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 doesn't have many failings (except for a long name). While we can say that Trend Micro has done its homework, and certainly has the user in mind, we just can't give it a 100% rating simply due to lack of the independent testing that all other major brands submit to. That being said, Trend Micro seem otherwise to be a fine product.


Support

Free telephone and Internet chat support. Good onboard help guides. However, there is no manual and no “getting started” guide. These seem like a no-brainer to us.


Conclusion

Aside from lack of independent performance testing, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 is a decent product: low resource use, good user interface, affordable, and intuitive.


*System Requirements

• Windows Vista Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic
• Windows XP Home or Professional Edition, with Service Pack 2
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, with Service Pack 2
• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, with Service Pack 2
• Pentium or equivalent 800MHz processor
• Intel Hyper-Threading and Dual Core processors supported
• 100MB of available hard disk space for installation
• 1024 x 768 (XGA) minimum display resolution

$39.95