A passing grade

Anti-virus software is a must today. For the small business user, a desktop-only product is appropriate, while the enterprise is better off investing in a system that performs automatic updates and other management tasks.

Desktop products cost in the $50 to $70 range; enterprise products run

from $US20 to $US40 per seat (negotiable, obviously, depending on the number of seats purchased). With an enterprise product, be prepared for additional annual maintenance charges.

For individuals, some companies offer free detection updates, while others charge an annual fee. This is really not an optional component. An out-of-date anti-virus program is almost worse than no anti-virus program at all, since it lulls the user into a false sense of security.

As far as detection and removal of viruses is concerned, our contenders handled themselves reasonably well, according to several independent testing organizations. All passed the ICSA Labs tests, all received the West Coast Labs’ Level 1 Checkmark certification for detecting known viruses, and all but Sophos received the Level 2 Checkmark certification for removal.

In Virus Bulletin’s 100 per cent ratings (which certify the software finds 100 per cent of viruses in the wild), for tests conducted this year, CA passed all platforms. NetWare, Network Associates passed all of the tests while Panda had no submissions in 2003, Sophos passed the Windows tests, but failed RedHat Linux, and Symantec and Trend passed all of the 2003 tests.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner
Lynn Greiner has been interpreting tech for businesses for over 20 years and has worked in the industry as well as writing about it, giving her a unique perspective into the issues companies face. She has both IT credentials and a business degree

Related Tech News

Featured Tech Jobs

 

CDN in your inbox

CDN delivers a critical analysis of the competitive landscape detailing both the challenges and opportunities facing solution providers. CDN's email newsletter details the most important news and commentary from the channel.