Product Listing
Cheyenne AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows 95 Cheyenne 3 Expressway Plaza Roslyn Hgts., NY 11577 800-243-9462; 516-465-4000 Fax: 516-465-5115 www.cheyenne.com
Requires: 8MB RAM; 8MB hard drive space; Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or Windows NT
List Price: $39.95
Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Version 7 Dr Solomon's Software 1 New England Executive Park Burlington, MA 01803 800-960-9095; 617-273-7400 Fax: 617-273-7474 www.drsolomon.com Requires: 5MB hard drive space; Windows 3.x or Windows 95 List Price: $49.95 IBM AntiVirus Version 2.5.2 IBM AntiVirus Products and Services Long Meadow Rd. Sterling Forest, New York 10979 800-742-2493; 512-434-1554 Fax: 817-962-7307 www.av.ibm.com
Requires: 4MB hard drive space; DOS, OS/2, Windows 3.x, or Windows 95
List Price: $49
Norton AntiVirus 2.0 for Windows 95 Symantec Corp. 10201 Torre Ave. Cupertino, CA 95014-2132 800-441-7234; 408-253-9600 www.symantec.com Requires: 12MB hard drive space; Windows 95 List Price: $69.99 PC-cillin II TouchStone Software Corp. 2124 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 800-531-0450; 714-969-7746 Fax: 714-960-1886 www.checkit.com
Requires: 8MB RAM; 10MB hard drive space; DOS, Windows 3.x, or Windows 95
List Price: $49.95
VirusScan Deluxe 3.0 for Windows 95 McAfee Associates 2805 Bowers Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051 408-988-3832 Fax: 408-970-9727 www.mcafee.com
Requires: 8MB RAM; 7MB hard drive space; DOS, OS/2, Windows 3.x, or Windows 95
List Price: $69
These six programs offer immunity to PC viruses.
The increasing prevalence of the Internet is dramatically increasing the number of files routinely downloaded to computers, thereby raising the risk of infection.
But don't despair--many software packages can identify and correct the problems associated with computer viruses. In this feature, we look at Cheyenne AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows 95, Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Version 7, IBM AntiVirus Version 2.5.2, Symantec Corp.'s Norton AntiVirus 2.0 for Windows 95, TouchStone Software's PC-cillin II, and McAfee Associates' VirusScan Deluxe 3.0 for Windows 95.
We used a wide range of virus types to test the various programs in our group, including boot sector and file viruses such as Form, NYB, NATAS, and Stealth. We also ran an assortment of Microsoft suite-specific macro viruses such as Tedious and Johnny.A, which infect Microsoft Word, and Laroux and Sofa, which attack Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Most of the antivirus packages we reviewed are quite similar, offering basic virus protection, almost identical features, and comparable pricing. Every product in the roundup makes it easy to schedule virus scans, and all but one scan downloaded files automatically.
An antivirus program's scanning time depends on the size of your hard drive, the number of files on your drive, and the actual access speed of your particular hard drive. We performed our tests on a number of hard drives with varying file concentrations, and used the average speed reported on a percentage basis for our comparisons. For example, a half-full 1.6GB hard drive yielded speeds of about 1.2 minutes with the fastest package, and 2.1 minutes with the slowest; and a nearly full 2.5GB hard drive caused the fastest package to scan for 3.2 minutes, and the slowest to scan for more than 4 minutes.
Cheyenne AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows 95
Whether you're on Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or Windows NT, Cheyenne's AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows 95 is a comprehensive package that protects your system against infection.
Cheyenne's interface looks almost identical to Windows 95's native Explorer file-management program, making it easy to maneuver within. Several buttons (functional but simplistic in design) at the top allow you to perform tasks such as initiating a scan or changing scheduled virus scans. The program's Virtual Device Driver, WIMMUNE, provides real-time background scanning to protect your system from viruses. Cheyenne AntiVirus also scans your boot sector upon start-up.
On our tests, Cheyenne AntiVirus did a thorough job of identifying and eradicating all of the destructive and annoying programmed organisms we unleashed on it.It also recognized and cleaned our set of 12 test macro viruses, including several strains of the infamous Concept.
Cheyenne performed the second-fastest hard drive scan. It also had the second-fastest speed when scanning compressed files.
Cheyenne's update procedure is simple and unobtrusive and can be performed in the background. Monthly virus updates are available for free at Cheyenne's Web site, on CompuServe, and at the company's bulletin board system (BBS).
At $39.95, Cheyenne AntiVirus provides excellent virus detection and fast scanning speed, thereby protecting your system against emerging viral dangers.
Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Version 7
This latest release of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus has a new interface and provides professional medical attention for your sick computer.
Dr Solomon's interface is straightforward and simple, consisting of a list of your disk drives and two buttons--one that activates scanning and one that starts the online updating wizard. Although the interface is more sparse than all but one other package in this roundup, we did not find it functionally deficient.
In fact, Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus identified NATAS, Stealth, and all of the other viruses used in our testing. Dr Solomon's also finds viruses inside the multiple layers of nine types of compressed files, making it the leader of our roundup in this area.
The program's virus-detection engine captures and disables viral threats, but it sacrifices some speed in the process. In our tests, Dr Solomon's scanned for viruses only 15 percent faster than the slowest package, PC-cillin II. The program's background virus scanner, WinGuard, provides continuous protection against viruses by checking every file as you access it.
Dr Solomon's not only stores a large library of known viruses, but its Advanced Heuristic Analysis feature can identify unknown viruses by monitoring your system for virus-like code and activity.
For especially damaging virus attacks, Dr Solomon's provides 24-hour emergency support by phone or e-mail. The company promises a fix within 48 hours, and the service is available to any antivirus software user.
The Automatic Protection Plan, the program's update system, is currently available for $29.95 per year, though the company is reviewing this charge and says it may be reduced.
Dr Solomon's provides you with praiseworthy virus detection and outstanding technical support.
IBM AntiVirus Version 2.5.2
IBM AntiVirus Version 2.5.2 provides no-nonsense virus protection while detecting and removing more than 8,000 strains of computer viruses from Windows 95, OS/2 Warp, Windows 3.x, and DOS systems.
The interface has only one button; it activates the program to check your system for viruses. You must use the program's pull-down menus to access all other commands. The program retains a Windows 3.1-style interface to maintain consistency with various operating systems. This means that you can't take advantage of some of Windows 95's ease-of-use features, but many users will consider that a fair trade-off for the program's fast performance.
IBM AntiVirus performed the fastest disk drive scans in this roundup by an average of about 10 percent. But though its speed was impressive, the program did not deliver the same level of protection as some of its competitors. IBM AntiVirus identified the majority of our test viruses successfully, but failed to identify a Word macro virus buried within a set of compressed files.
In order to detect unknown viruses, IBM AntiVirus uses heuristics to monitor code that behaves in ways similar to typical viral patterns. Additionally, the program's Fuzzy Scanning component attempts to identify variations of known viruses by comparing byte patterns on your drives with recognized viruses.
IBM AntiVirus also scans e-mail attachments and downloaded files on arrival. But you must remember to opt for this function during setup, which some users might find inconvenient.
IBM has a refined system to safeguard against false alarms (which occasionally happen during virus checking). The procedure initially verifies the correct identification of a virus and ensures that it utilizes the proper remedy, preventing the inadvertent destruction of needed code or data--a commendable measure.
IBM's process for updating virus signature filesis cumbersome, taking more than 30 minutes in some cases; the other programs average 20 minutes. On the other hand, IBM's Computer Emergency Response Team provided quick solutions to our virus emergencies.
By the time you read this, the next version of IBM AntiVirus should be available. According to the company, version 3.0 will include 3-D buttons and borders, context-sensitive help, support for Japanese dual-mode disk drives, and alphabetized directory listings. It will also be available in eight languages, such as Spanish, French, and Japanese.
Despite its Windows 3.1-style interface, IBM AntiVirus is highly functional and among the fastest virus scanners in this roundup.
Norton AntiVirus 2.0 for Windows 95
When one considers the host of available computer utilities, the brand name "Norton" inevitably comes to mind. Norton AntiVirus 2.0 for Windows 95 is a full-featured package that includes a complete range of antivirus options. The program delivers solid protection by combining an inviting interface with robust virus-identification capabilities.
Unlike some of the more perplexing program interfaces in this roundup, Norton AntiVirus' is highly understandable and attractive. Buttons lining the top of the screen allow you to schedule virus scans, update your signature file, and alter the program's options. With its ease-of-use and flexibility, Norton works for a wide variety of users, ranging from home computer enthusiasts to corporate users.
Officially, Norton AntiVirus detects only about 7,700 viruses. Yet the package nimbly detected and disinfected all the viruses in our test group. Its new proprietary Striker technology protects your system from polymorphic viruses (those that can modify their structure each time they infect your system). Striker isolates the virus in a "safe space" to ensure that the detected code is indeed a virus and then eliminates it. The Repair Wizard scans files and e-mail attachments as you download them, shielding your system from many new Internet-savvy viruses.
Norton AntiVirus' scanning times were in the middle of the test group's range. But because its operation was so smooth and unobtrusive, it felt as if it took less time than our clocked results indicated.
The LiveUpdate feature allows you to update your software easily. Norton AntiVirus' wizard walked us through the process of updating our signature file. You can complete this process in about 20 minutes for free over the Internet, where new updates are posted once a month. Norton also offers 24-hour support services.
One drawback: If you are one of the many users of Norton Utilities, the combination of that program and Norton AntiVirus can slow down your system. In our tests, this combo stalled performance by as much as 10 percent.
The solid performance and enriched features of Norton AntiVirus 2.0 support the stronghold Norton has established in the utilities arena.
PC-cillin II
PC-cillin II is a thorough antivirus application that delivers a number of exemplary features, including an unusually informative interface and an unprecedented level of user support.
PC-cillin II identified and was able to rid our system of the traditional boot-sector and file viruses we used in our tests. The program also performed well when detecting the more challenging macro viruses. A new patent-pending technology called Macro Shield actually nabs newly created virus strains. Our only concern was that the program was slow in scanning compressed files.
Resembling a master control room, PC-cillin's highly informative interface keeps you aware of all of the parameters affecting your system's ability to fight against viral infections. Five colored meters signal the program's levels of virus-protection activity. Its Smart Monitor tells you when you last updated your virus signature file, the latest virus the program detected, and the timing of the most recent system scan.
To update virus signature files, PC-cillin II utilizes ActiveX technology to download the latest file and program updates from the company's Web site, where you can also find current virus news and expert analysis 24 hours daily.
Only VirusScan Deluxe's push-technology delivery can rival PC-cillin II's instant delivery and access. The service is free for the first 90 days and costs $29.95 per year thereafter.
these charges. The company reports that PC-cillin 3.0 will sport a new, easier interface, beefed-up macro virus protection, and free updates. It will also include a Eudora e-mail scanner.
PC-cillin II's Emergency Virus Removal Service provides users with convenient, and logical assistance in the area of unknown virus detection. If you happen across a virus that the program does not recognize, the application automatically sets up an e-mail message so that you can download the infected file directly to PC-cillin II. Their experts will respond to your emergency within three hours.
PC-cillin II is powerful and easy to use. Featuring an information-rich interface, an ActiveX link, and a three-hour response time, it is hard to beat.
VirusScan Deluxe 3.0 for Windows 95
Almost since the threats of viruses were first publicized, McAfee Associates has had an antivirus program available to wage war against them. Its latest offering, VirusScan Deluxe 3.0 for Windows 95, has a full-featured, native Windows 95 interface that helps you find and destroy viruses; in addition, the program uses push technology to deliver updates quickly and conveniently.
VirusScan Deluxe's interface is reasonably informative, though not as rich as some of the others, notably that of PC-cillin II. Nevertheless, most users will have no trouble finding their way around.
VShield, VirusScan Deluxe's virus scanner, is all but invisible to the user. It operates whenever you initiate any file activity, such as starting a file from a floppy disk. VirusScan Deluxe can perform scheduled and on-demand drive scans, and its ScreenScan feature checks your system for viruses whenever your screen saver is active. On our tests, VirusScan Deluxe's scanning speed was a little below average for the roundup. But it was more than 40 percent faster than the slowest package, PC-cillin II.
The program's new Hunter technology helped VirusScan identify all of the viruses in our test group. The program identified and eradicated old computer enemies and new Excel macro viruses such as Sofa. The program also provides protection in the Microsoft Office 97 environment.
To make updating virus signature files as painless as possible, VirusScan Deluxe has a push-technology link to BackWeb, a leading company in this area. Once you connect to the Internet and activate BackWeb, you select the McAfee channel and your virus signature file is automatically updated.
VirusScan Deluxe provides two years of free program upgrades to the antivirus engine (one year for the regular edition) and free signature file upgrades for the life of the product. Also, the program alerts you when your virus signature file needs updating by flashing a warning upon bootup.
Its innovative push method of updating virus signature files and its secure virus protection make VirusScan Deluxe 3.0 a standout.
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