Bitdefender Total Security 2012 is Bitdefender’s top of the line security product that offers all the features of the two sister products Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012 and Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 plus several features of its own.
When you look at the product comparison chart on the Bitdefender website, you will notice the following differences between the three security products:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2012: Antivirus and Antispyware, Vulnerability Scanner, Social Networking Protection, Search Advisor, Personal Data Filter, Antiphishing and Scan Dispatcher
- Bitdefender Internet Security 2012: All of the above plus Antispam, Two-way Firewall and Parental Controls.
- Bitdefender Total Security 2012: All of the above plus File Shredder and Encryption. Tune-up and Online backup and file synchronization.
Bitdefender Total Security comes with all the security features one would expect from a top of the line product, as well as some features that have made their way in recent years into most security applications. This includes data backup, file synchronization or the system tune-up module.
Bitdefender Total Security 2012 Installation
Installation does not pose a problem to Windows users. It is pretty straightforward. Some files, signature updates for instance, are automatically downloaded during installation. Bitdefender asks the user to close all supported browser windows as it tries to install a root certificate. The software does not really explain why it is doing that, and users may be puzzled after installation when they notice that no extension or new feature seems to be installed in the browser. This may have something to do with the beta version of Firefox and the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer 9 installed on the test system but I’m not sure about that either. The installation dialog mentions only Firefox, Opera and Thunderbird.
Bitdefender Total Security 2012 requires no reboot after installation which is great. The program offers its full feature set immediately after the installation finishes.
The Total Security 2012 interface
The redesigned black interface looks professional. It displays critical issues and events at the top. The events are indicated with a red color to catch the user’s attention, and the various security modules below.
One element that I personally dislike is the horizontal scroll bar below the security modules. I accidentally stumbled upon it and discovered that it could be used to scroll to the left or right to display additional modules in the interface. It probably would be more intuitive if arrows would indicate the functionality.
Another option that is missing is the ability to display the interface in full screen which would be an excellent option to display more than just four of the modules on the screen at the same time.
The security notifications on the other hand are top notch. A number in the main interface indicates the number of notifications. A click loads the overview page where all security modules and their notifications are listed. Here it is possible to get detailed information about an event. An example event would be a detected malicious file on the system. The report not only lists the file location, but also the action taken, the date the action was performed and information about the virus that was discovered.
An option to access the quarantine right from that menu is missing however.
What I really like is the ability to click on a module in the main interface to load its settings straight away, or to use the menu buttons to run scans, manage spam or update the software right from the main interface. This speeds up the configuration of the program considerably.
One interesting option that needs to be mentioned is the ability to re-order the modules. This way, you could drag and drop the four modules that you use most often to the frontpage, and move those that you do not use regularly to the back.
Update for instance is not really necessary on the frontpage as Bitdefender is configured to update the program automatically.
Functionality
At first glance, users find all the security they need. It is however the little things that make a difference. The antivirus module for instance will not only scan for known malware, but also for critical system vulnerabilities with suggestions to update the system immediately to protect it from exploits.
Bitdefender Total Security 2012 checks for issues, Windows updates, application updates and weak passwords automatically which in itself is incredibly useful.
Users who are not that experienced when it comes to security related issues can enable Auto Pilot mode which is a silent mode. The program will basically make all decisions based on the current rule set and internal information. Automatic actions can always be displayed in the event log.
The configuration screen is mainly switch based, which means that users can press a button to enable or disable a particular feature or module. Some modules however link to advanced options. It is for instance possible to configure advanced rules in the advanced firewall settings, or file and process exclusions in the antivirus settings.
Advanced users find all the tools and configuration menus they need. Inexperienced users might dislike the fact that they need to activate the help overlays with a click on the help icon first, and that help is not available for all options in the program.
Besides the auto pilot mode, Bitdefender Total Security comes with two additional modes. First a game mode which surpresses all notifications on the screen to avoid interruptions while gaming, and a laptop mode which seems to help save battery power.
Interested users can download a trial version from the Bitdefender website.
Bitdefender Total Security 2012 Tests
I thought it would be handy to link and display test results from other magazines, websites and organizations. Lets start with a BitDefender Total Security 2012 Prevention Test I found on YouTube.
A PC Magazine test came to the following conlusion:
- Pros: Excellent lab test results. Best antiphishing. Facebook protection. Silent, intelligent firewall. Antispam blocked no valid mail. Decent parental controls. Online backup. File encryption and shredding. System tune-up.
- Cons: Low to average scores in PCMag malware blocking and removal tests. Some awkward elements in parental control system. Antispam let a quarter of undeniable spam into the Inbox.
Total Security 2012 Verdict
Bitdefender’s Total Security 2012 has a lot going for it. It comes with an impressive set of features and uses an intelligent interface that is both suitable for inexperienced and advanced users. A few things could be better, like the previously mentioned link to the quarantine from the event log or a full screen mode that is missing.
Giveaway
We have 12 licenses for Bitdefender Total Security 2012 that we would like to give away. Let us know what you think of Bitdefender, or their software, for a chance to win one of the licenses. The giveaway will run for seven days, and I will announce the winners here in this post.
Update: The winners of a Bitdefender Total Security 2012 license are: Nathan, Azmi, Aleksandar, Try, Rodken, Swapnil, Zac, Rahul Jain, Anson, SRally, malkhaz and Rover 3500
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Bitdefender Total Security 2012 is an interesting program to protect your computer, which offers as good safety. I would like to try it out, so count me please. Thanks.
Awesome Bitdefender Internet Security 2012!!!!!! After reading this post, i have lost interests in other antivirus security programs out there! I would like to try this one.
BitDefender Total Security is a very good internet security software. Based on the above review, it is understood that it is an all in one software for complete PC maintenance. Hope I too would be 1 among the 7 winners…
Oh not 7 winners, but 1 among the 12 winners. It is a typo
Bit Defender Total Security 2012 is very good security software. Excellent malware detection and real time protection, very good antiphising, silent and intelligent firewall, good online backup, good file encryption and poor perfomance optimizer.
Thanks for this giveaway.
id like a chance to use Bitdefender, as my current suite, Outpost is driving me nuts; it no longer saves any of my settings, after reboots. please consider me !
Ĺwietny program.
I’ve tried Bitdefender for a while and it works without any problems at all. It protects you quiet in the background, so you can do your work (or play games or…).
I once had BitDefender protecting my system and found it to be an excellent AV/Internet Suite, high rated by West Coast Labs and IACA!!
The Definitions are updated hourly offering maximum protection against any and all nasties that may hit!
I would like very much to win a copy of this great program. even a free license would be nice!
Thanks, Martin for this great promotion.
Wonderful contest – Thanks. BitDefender Internet Security is a comprehensive package designed to protect your computer. This is one of the best computer security packages on the market. I would love to win a license this program. Once again thank you and Good Luck.
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/Wolfson0/status/104286204442312704
Great giveaway :D
I think that Bitdefender Total seciurity is one of the best security apps on the market, easy to use, fast and do not slow my computer.Now Im using Bitdefender Antivirus and I would be really happy if i win one license for this great app.
Total Security from a defender- very re-assuring name. Would like to have such a Defender on my machine.
I want to try my luck as well for this giveaway.BIS 2012 seems like a significant upgrade over their 2011 version but its a one stop solution, which I want see how it does well against the rising Windows based malware scenario.Unfortunately from what I have seen BIS 2012 isn’t compatible with additional Anti-malwares, Anti-spywares, Anti-viruses, etc. on-board, If we install BIS 2012 then these will not work properly.
Lastly, I really hope this 2012 is not heavy and buggy as its previous versions used to be.
Thanks to Martin and Bitdefender for the giveaway.
I test drove bitdefender 2012 not long ago, it is light, and efficient on my system, the bitdefender anti virus is known as being in the top contenders of Av’s, to the point of being used in other products as well.
Thanks for this great giveaway.
Please count me in.
I like BitDefender Total Security 2012 because this program has nice interface and black interface looks professional.
Besides BitDefender Total Security 2012 has Auto Pilot mode which is a silent mode. This feature is important for beginners users and very good faeture is that automatic actions can always be displayed in the event log.
Bitdefender Total Security 2012 seems to be a good software and I would like to try it, so count me in, please!
Best regards from Belgrade.
Good giveaway. BitDefender Total Security is a good and interesting program to protect in the market. Very good detection of infection, combined with real-time protection as well as an efficient firewall and others. Nice and clear appearance. Count me please. Thanks and regards.
I’m using Bitdefender on my Android after trying out several antivirus apps. This one appears to be the best. I’m reliant on the free Microsoft Security Essentials right now, but based on your review, I would love to have the chance to have my computer protected by Bitdefender as well. Count me in, please. Thanks!
Hi, I really liked this program and would like to use it further. Count me in.
long times ago i don’t really like bitdefender because of the size was very larges and heavy but the brand new bitdefender is different , not only the size is reduce and not heavy, the new security systems is totally improve greatly with a powerfull firewall system, what can i say it is an ultimate security. now the new bitdefender has becoming my top favourite and most dreaming software replacing the passes that i must have it ….
give me one licenses please (^_^) v hehehe …..
I’ve been using Bitdefender Antivirus 2012, is tough enough to protect my PC. Now I want to also use a series of Bitdefender Total Security.
BitDefender has always put together a superior internet security suite. I am particularly impressed by the addition of encrypted file vaults and the opportunity to setup unattended online backup of these files. Looks like BD2012 is coming very close to an ideal all-in-one security solution. Still needs a sandbox.
Bitdefender is an award-winning antivirus software to keep their PCs, data, and identities safe from attack.The interface is nice and features are perfect.
BitDefender is must have for every PC owner.
Its light and efficient on my 5years old PC.
Thanks
Bitdefender is a trusted security product vendor and provides excellent programs that offer complete protection against malicious threats, viruses, etc. I would strongly recommend them to everyone.
Bitdefender is one of the most trusted antivirus programs I highly respect. In recent years I am quite impresses at the programs ability of staying on top of the charts and their sleek interface which I like. One of the best internet securities around.
I’m very interessted in the game mode… since i’m a gamer to the bones… i think it is a great security program and allows you to control pretty much anything related. Count me in.
This will sooo slow down my laptop ^^ but thumbs up for the idea
It’s a strong security program! Bitdefender 2011 got ascore of 17/20 in the last AV-TEST.org tests with 100% of malware detection and removal. It was the first in all the tested security products classement. The 2012 version is now smart and more robust with its new features.
thanks!
BitDefender AntiVirus Plus provides Essential Silent Security against viruses, spyware, phishing and identity theft attacks, all in a friendly and customizable dashboard, without slowing down your PC. It also includes innovative social networking safeguards. BitDefender provides security solutions to satisfy the protection requirements of today’s computing environment, delivering effective threat management to home and corporate users. BitDefender AntiVirus Plus is a powerful antivirus and antispyware tool with features that best meet your security needs. Ease of use and automatic updates make BitDefender Antivirus an install and forget product. Bitdefender capitalizes on live and virtualized behavior-based detection, in addition to cloud-based services, to stop emerging e-threats that other products miss. The Autopilot provides a hassle-free experience by making optimal security-related decisions without input from you. This means no pop-ups, no alerts, nothing to configure.
I have used Bitdefender antivirus 2011, it was a 90 days OEM trial but i filled secured with Bitdefender. if get a chance i would be running trusted security suite bitdefender again in my PC. hope to win. thanks for the giveaway.
Bitdefender is a really good product which has earned the trust of so many customers. Thanks for this giveaway