Day 10 of the Ghacks Giveaway. We are still going strong and are already way beyond our expectations. All Giveaways so far have seen a great participation and we were able to hand out lots of licenses to commercial software.
Today it is BitDefender time here at Ghacks. The guys at BitDefender are donating one copy of Total Security 2009, two copies of Internet Security 2009 and another two copies of Antivirus 2009. One of the first questions that comes to mind is about the differences between those products. We would like to address them briefly in the beginning and concentrate afterwards on BitDefender Total Security 2009 as it makes use of all features including those of the two other products.
BitDefender Antivirus 2009 is a antivirus software program that combines a signature based and heuristic approach. It also incorporates protection against phishing, identity theft and provides instant messaging encryption.
Bitdefender Internet Security 2009 adds a firewall, parental controls and a file vault on top of that.
BitDefender Total Security 2009 finally introduces a backup module and a system cleaner in addition to all the features of the other two clients.
The choice of product depends obviously on the needs of the user. A user with a working software firewall might be inclined to pass on the two security suites that add a firewall to his system while someone without any protection might be inclined to grab the top product.
All three software programs can be downloaded as trial versions to make sure that they are compatible with the system’s software and hardware. This is also an excellent way of verifying that you can handle the software and do not encounter to many difficulties during usage. As an example, a software firewall that would throw cryptic error messages at the user might be the dream of every computer freak but a regular user would surely be swamped.
The installation requires a reboot of the system in the end. One of the first windows that a user will come in contact with is the Configuration Wizard which will walk the user through the steps to configure the product accordingly. Experts can skip the wizard but need to configure the modules manually in the main interface then.
The wizard will – among other things – update the product over the Internet and perform an antivirus scan on the system to make sure that it has not been infected already with a computer virus. It does not take to long on the other hand even if you read thoroughly.
The Bitdefender firewall is quite adaptive and let me connect with various programs to the Internet without bringing up “Do you want to allow” messages. Email and web browsers for example where working without difficulties right of the box.
The main interface is divided into a basic and advanced view. The basic view has been designed for inexperienced users while the advanced view provides access to in depth statistics and settings that would frustrate the inexperienced users.
The Dashboard is the central hub of the software program. It displays statistics and provides a quick overview of so called System Information. This gives access to to all kind of system related settings like startup items, services, hosts or processes.
The different modules of the security software are easily accessible on the menu on the left side. A click on the antispam module loads the settings of that module giving the user options to disable or enable the module, to change the level of protection or to manage whitelists and blacklists.
The layout of most modules is similar to the one above. Every module can be disabled and configured separately. One interesting module is the Vulnerability module that will query Windows Updates for updates and patches and makes it possible to install them directly in BitDefender.
The same menu will also check a few applications, in this case Skype and Firefox, for updates with options to download and install them automatically as well.
The program has been designed very carefully with the user in mind. The two modes make it a great choice for all kinds of users and the protections are extensive.
BitDefender has also created a community called Malware City which provides information and tips not only for BitDefender users but for everyone.
You can win one copy of BitDefender Total Security 2009, two copies of BitDefender Internet Security 2009 and another two copies of BitDefender Antivirus 2009 if you reply in the comments. Let us know what software you are currently running to protect your computer system.
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I need anti-virus for my system…will i be lucky atleast this time.
I like BitDefender and this will be a good stocking stuffer.
It would be nice to get a copy :-)
Great security software.hope i win
My wife just got a new laptop from her company. BitDefender would be a nice add to her laptop :D
BTW: this Christmas Giveaway by gHacks is so f***ing great!
Currently using mcAfee would prefer bit defender :)
I used BitDefender before, and it didn’t let me down.
I like BitDefender, but now i’m using AVG Antivirus and Comodo Firewall. Simply, because it’s free.
I would like to have have bitdefender as it is fasst and on of the best antivrus on the market. Thanks
I would love to have bitdefender as i heard from reviews it is very good antivrus on the market. Right now i am runing norton 2009 15 days trial with a hack reset.Thanks Martin
I’m currently not running anything except Windows Firewall… Please HELP ME! =)
Hi, I am using Comodo Internet Security, Avira Antivirus and also Webroot SpySweeper to protect my Dell. I have had a trial version of Bitdefender Total Security on this machine and I loved it but alas, I had to remove it after a month.
would like to win this :)
I use AVG Free I have used Agnitum outpost as well but it doesn’t seem to play well with vista
I use Norton Internet Security 2009. It was very slow before, but 2009 is not bad, really.
Anyway, I like BitDefender, too :)
Bitdefender honestly is way beyond Norton…
I have been using it for a while and i really must say, Norton is just a resources hog, without very impressive results…
I REALLY NEED A GOOD SECURITY SYSTEM.
MY OS MAYBE RISK NOW.
THANKS GHACKS.
Only AVG Free at the moment.
count me in :D
Throw me in for this one. Been dying to try out BitDefender for a while :p
I use ESET N0D32. I did try out BitDefender before & the experience wasn’t the best. :(
wow this is really cool. i just ask my gf to use bitdefender free edition. who know if i can give her licenced version.
It sounds good to me!
I currently use Bitdefender 2009, with the license about to expire. Very good all round internet security solution
I’m currently using NOD32 antivirus on my private notebook and Avast on my office PC.
I also have 2 additional PCs at home. One of them has McAfee internet security installed. I got a license for it from my internet provider, which will be valid until the end of agreement. Not a bad deal in fact. ;)
The 2nd PC uses free AVG antivirus. Something that is annoying in AVG, is the fact, it does not recognize all threats. I had a few situations, my system was infected. As a contrary, it hasn’t hapened for NOD32 yet, although I’ve been using it for more then 2 years.
I’m not able to judge McAfee, as I’ve been using it for less than a month.
I’ll skip this one thanks.This software is full of bugs.And i do mean full.Firefox will crush from pfishing toolbar,scan will stop,game mode won’t work,has a conflict with media player classic,best of all it is likely that you’ll have problems uninstalling it so i suggest for those who don’t belive me to download their uninstall tool also.
BitDefender… Does it defend my bits?
sounds good. I am using CA at the minute as anti-virus and zone alarm for firewall as I like to control what’s going online. have just disabled windows defender as I was getting worrying security errors and i think this was the cause. generally change package each year to get a good deal.
@ak I’m sorry that BD caused you troubles, but from the problems you have listed there none of them are unsolved at the moment. If it still causes trouble it may be because it hasn’t been updated or there are conflicts that aren’t related 100% to BD.
If you have problems there is always a free support line open 24/7. Or you could just ask for advices on our forum.
P.S.
I’m not subscribing to the contest, I’m working at BitDefender and I sure would like to hear what you have to say about our product. :)
McAfee
would very much like to win a copy
I have been using Bitdefender anti-virus.It provides Effective antivirus protection and has a Light footprint on my computer.
And to top it all it’s Excellent value.(One user license for one year at $24.95.)
count me in!
I use KIS 2009
I am currently using AVG Free and I would sure love to test a full version of bitdefender. thanks for sharing
Seems useful, better than Norton!
Give me one!
Another ab. superb giveaway by Ghacks and if that makes me a butt-kisser, so be it :)
In http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ “2009 AntiVirus Software Product Comparisons”, Bitdefender came out as the best antivirus software. So, definitely a good choice.
Currently I’m using the combination of avira AntiVir & Sygate Personal Firewall…
Could need an upgrade ^^
Florin Stiuca thanks for the reply.I seen you on the forum.We are from the same country.Except for the firefox problem which can solved by disabling the toolbar the other problems can’t be solved only by a product update.Last version i used is 1 week old ,and on a different friends pc same scan &game mode,media player classic problems appeared last night.
I’m not a total noob the product was installed on a clean xp pro sp3 images,without any other security products on my friends pc &with sandboxie on my own.I’m sorry as the product has great detection rates similar to Avira but it’s like no one is working at the development .It has been several months since the 2009 line came out i find it hard to belive that till now it has major unresloved bugs,and i’m talking about the AV here .
Count me in too !
Ray
I use Kaspersky Internet Security.
I use AVG.
I’m in for BitDefender Antivirus 2009. Using Avast as its free and I love the simple interface.
Great :D (I don’t have a Avti-Virus program :( )
I also hope you giveaway “SuperAntiSpyware” :D
Norton Internet Security 2003 + AVG Free
will be happy to get it. merry Christmas every1!
:)
Would love to get the total internet security suite.
As of now, living with AVG and Windows Firewall :-)
Cheers,
Rajesh
I would not mind trying the total package just tot see if it is as good as people make it seem
Count me in
I’m currently runnig a Hips (Host Intrusion and Detection System )software because these tools do not require signatures of already known malicious modules.Anti-virus are, mostly, useless nowadays as automatic tools. They can be usefull as a set of tools for manual malware cure proces.
This would be a great to get a copy of BitDefender as I’ve always wanted to try it out and review it as it looks like a very powerful application.
Currently i am using/running ZoneAlarm security suite on main home pc.
This is a great product, would love to win this..
Currently running AVG free. Any of these would be a nice upgrade!
Kaspersky is doing the business atm.
super program, i need it
I want this
i currently use antivir free edition. having a lisence antivirus is a good thing.
Aww shucks, I missed the kaspersky giveaway. Can i have some heroic BitDefender to protect me from the evils of the internet. Thanks sonny, Lemme bake you some cookies
hi
i have avira premium + superantispyware + comodo 3
i would try bitdefender antivirus
thanks
regards
Would love very much to win this license … I have McAfee that came with my computer and HATE it! :-)
this is a good anti virus one of the best but i had a problem uninstalling the Bitdefender 10 free version once…. but id love to try this one out. ty
In. Thank you.
Yes Give it to me, I’m currently using AVG-Antivirus…
Highly-effective antivirus and antispyware software.Nice
Hi, this piece of software looks really nice. I’d like a copy of one of those versions (hopefully the Internet Security). Still waiting for the CrossOver Giveaway.
I’ll see your Bit Defender and raise you one bid. Hey!, It’s a gamble, right?
Please count me in for chance to win BitDefender.
This time I’m going to win!
No own goals if I get Total Defender
I use nod32 but recently the trial ran out so would be good if I could win a new antivirus!?
nice!
Hi There i would like to win any one copy of the Bitdefender. I have been using avast antivrus home edition for well over a year now and would like to more move my security a bit higher.
Thanks anyway for a nice giveaway.
I’m so sad, I just got a notice that my trial to Symantec expired. I currently have NOTHING protecting my poor, defenseless computer. They want $50 or more to purchase the license. It’s Christmas and as a divorced mom, all my extra money goes to Christmas for my children. Their upgrade is something I can’t afford right now.
I hope I win, because I can’t afford to get attacked by any ANYTHING, and the last thing I need is to have to pay money to have my computer fixed. This is a great time of year for phishing scams and malicious code because people are using their computers rather than their cars to shop this year. Now is a wonderful time for these types of morons and I’d hate to be caught with my cyber-pants down.
Thanks for considering me!
Woooohooooo! A security suite! Nice one Ghacks ;-)
That would be very nice :)
I am currently stuck with a copy of Norton Enterprise on my 64 bit Vista machine… and it is terrible. I mean… really awful. On top of that I have comodo firewall (which isn’t all that terrible), and 2 or 3 different anti-malware applications. Having something like Internet Security to give me comprehensive protection with a well known and respected piece of software all in one package would be great. It would streamline how many apps are needed and hopefully free up system resources for better things. Plus, I have read that Bit Defender has a much more thorough defense system than Norton.
Thanks in advance for your consideration, and keep up the excellent work.
-DR
i need an antivirus as well. Would love to give it a shot.
Ooh just what I might need for my nice new laptop… my last one died a very sudden death and had to be replaced and I am still just setting it all up :)
I use no Antivirus :D
Bitdefender gives us protections from various malwares, likes virus, spywares, adwares, trojans, worms..etc. and you can protect stongly your pc from any hackers.
good news. thanks.
BitDender is great. Good. Thanks!!
Would love to have the antivirus version. Been a fan of bit defender for years, however I hae never had the money to get it.
I wish i get that <3
Beed an upgrade so a very useful prize
I actually did my research. Thank you for the Malware City newslog, which is a useful summing of current events and sometimes a true head’s-up. I strongly suggest you reference back to ZDNet or someone, what with that bogus Windows XP AV product. I will blog this. Too bad you can’t prod Ziff-Davis into doing a review. I’ll write Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, come to think of it, about the Malware City bit. I’m currently using AVG (which does have its faults); how does your freeware compare?
–Glenn
The software i am using right now can only be revealed after i give a minor history of the product line.
In India, for some reason i am not aware of, Norton was the predominant antivirus software used by one and all around 2000-2003 era. But ever since then, it has become bloated, slow, resource hungry and a worthless piece of software you find on ALL the new laptops you buy!
I was a big big hater of Norton products since 2004. I migrated many of my friends from Norton to other better AVs like Nod32, Kaspersky.
But with the launch of Norton AntiVirus 2009, i have been simply blown away! The install is instantaneous for an antivirus. And even while running, you don’t even notice you have an AV running. It is so light on you resource, it is completely unlike Norton!!
I had never tried BitDefender before, only heard it appearing in the Top AV lists usually. And after Norton 2009, there shall have to be incentive to make me swtich from Norton. A free license maybe ;)
Currently I’m using AVAST for antivirus and relying on windows for the rest. I have tested bitdefneder before, this would be a great prize.
Currently using AVG since my Norton subscription ran out about a week ago – this would be very useful!
Count me in, thanks !
I’m also in need of a new anti-virus application. Currently using only Ad-Aware Free for malware removal.
Just need new antivirus
Sure would like to win this software as a Christmas present!
I’m in. Thanks.
Hope i win this time.Thank you !
I’ll win this :D
I just use the free version of AVG and Windows Firewall at the moment
I’ve heard some good things about BitDefender but sadly I ain’t got the money to purchase it right now. At the moment I’m doing well with a NOD32 trial, so I wish I could get this prize :)
Lucas Zawacki
i am using nis 2009.plz consider me for bitdefender
for me?
I use Norton. So far, so good.
Would be nice to move away from my current Symantec solution!
I want! Well, currently running Kaspersky internet security. however yesterday i got bitdefender anti-virus loaded on my sister one and looks promising and uses less memory resource. Love to see how total security could handle my protection for years.
Love it; want it
That is some nifty program! Please add me to the list!
Nice prize!
Lavasoft adaware and Nod32
Nod32…why I am not lucky?
I want this one!!!
2008 is just too much bad luck for me . hope we can have good luck in 2009
Antivir personal & Comodo Firewall
Im currently using AVG Free. Could really use this upgrade!!
A nice useful giveaway . I currently use the heavy AVG Free on my (2003) Pentium 4 desktop . Would be happy to get my antivirus software upgraded with this one :)
I been using house-call fore a while now. Haven’t had a continuously running av for about 5 years.
I’ve been using avg for years now, but have become disenchanted with it after 2 bugs getting through while updating daily and keeping it on the “highest” “filtration” settings.
Looks like a new one to try.
I use Norton as well as some anti-spyware software.
count me in
I am running Avast and Spybot
I have kaspersky but licence is expiring soon…
I know this is the best rated antivirus…
Thankss..
I use COMODO Internet Security + PC Tools ThreatFire
don’t currently have anything… :(
I’m using McAffee. BitDefender sounds much better.
I use Avast.
Bit Defender –> I’m waiting for this !!
[ Hope its gonna be a lot better !! ]
The hubs uses their anti-virus on his laptop and so far, so good. I have McAfee on my desktop and I gotta tell ya, I will be replacing it sooner rather than later. Too many conflicts, problems and glitches. I spend way too much time in the McAfee forums trying to find fixes. Thanks for the chance to win.
I am using whatever program AT&T has. It has really slowed down my machine so would love to cancel out of it but I got a virus just 2 mos ago and thatw why I went with the AT&T prog.
I’m using Avira free version. I’d love to try BD out! :D
Boy do I need this. My virus software is slowing my computer down to a crawl.
A good choice of antivirus. Currently with Antivir, Comodo Firewall, PCTools Security. No complaints but a bit of a mashup.
please let me in in this giveaway for BitDefender Total Security 2009
I’m using Avast!
Avira
If you missed out on the free giveaway, check it out: Bits du Jour is offering BitDefender Internet Security for 50% off on NewYears. They only offer the deals for 24 hours.
Check it out here:
http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/bitdefender-internet-security-2009/
Have a safe New Years!
i need urgent a protection like bitdefender let me know if there is a giveaway
this would be cool for my daughters new notebook shes got a bloated norton installed!!! ty