Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 (CD-ROM, 1-Year License)
Manufacturer: Kaspersky Lab Part number: KAV901121
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
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CNET editors' review
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 (CD-ROM, 1-Year License) price range: $25.71
- Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
- Reviewed on: 08/26/2009
- Released on: 08/18/2009
The good: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers fast threat detection and removal based on virus definitions and system behavior.
The bad: The interface is decent enough to navigate with, but that most basic of security suite features--the scheduler--is inexplicably buried and unnecessarily hard to get to.
The bottom line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
Like its more robust sibling, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 leverages anonymous data from its customer base to create a behavioral engine to further strengthen security safeguards. Other than that, there's not much to differentiate KAV from its freeware competitors--some of which score better in efficacy tests. Frustratingly, a significant flaw in the interface design stands out because it's related to a key feature. KAV's performance felt fine but benchmarking revealed inconsistencies.
Installation
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 will run on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. It costs about $20 more than its competitors, but one license can be used on up to three computers. Installation offers a Custom method for advanced users to configure which components will be installed, including parental control, the various antivirus engines, and the virtual keyboard. There's also an option to not install the anonymous data collection that Kaspersky's new behavioral engine, the Urgent Detection System, relies on. If you choose to not install it, you won't be any less secure--you just won't be contributing your data to it. If you do, there's a data collection statement so you know what's going on legally, although I suspect most users will treat it like any other legalese EULA and ignore it.
The program will also ask you if you want it to disable your firewall if it's active, and offers a protected install process so your computer is no less safe. Users can activate the program through the trial period or by purchasing a license immediately, and they can also toggle the program's sensitivity to user input by choosing the less-intrusive "trust Kaspersky" option or the more customizable "ask for user input" when it detects a threat.
You can also configure definition file updates as automatic--which is the recommended option--scheduled, or manual, and users will be able to password-protect Kaspersky's settings. This is a smart safety feature for computers that have more than one user. The last configuration window under the advanced user installation will ask you what kind of malware you want KAV to detect.
Once you've finished the installation, KAV won't require a reboot as it has in the past, although uninstallation still does. The first window that opens will be a virus definition warning that your local virus definition database requires an update. Clicking the link will open the main Kaspersky window and begin updating the program.
Overall, only power users should choose the longer advanced installation process, but the experience was smooth and flawless on a Windows 7 RTM laptop. It had no conflicts with the already installed security program AntiVir, and after uninstallation only two minor traces of the program were found in the Registry. Uninstalling using the included Modify, Repair, or Remove tool allows users opportunity to keep certain program data on the computer, and after the reboot KAV had reactivated the Windows Defender firewall.
Interface and features
The full-featured Kaspersky Anti-Virus suite offers a complete and competitive range of security options. The new features in the 2010 edition include the aforementioned behavioral-based detection system called the Urgent Detection Sytsem. The UDS uses the anonymous data of 10 million of Kaspersky's customers who choose to participate in submitting their system scans to Kaspersky's central servers for analysis, and it "red flags" suspicious behavior so that even if a program used to be safe, it can shut down newly activated malicious intent.
Although this might sound insidious, it's actually a smart way to leverage a huge consumer base for security purposes as long as the data remains anonymous. Many other security suites are incorporating behavioral detection engines, so this is something that users will have to get used to if they're not. Among UDS's better subfeatures include the capability to customize how long it takes to pass judgment on a new program and per-user configuration of the rules governing program behavior.
Even if a program has deep penetration, if it starts behaving badly, then Kaspersky will block it. If it's an unknown, Kaspersky will treat it skeptically, monitoring and restricting the program until it has been proven safe. The Vulnerability Scan option, available under the Scan tab, utilizes tech from Secunia to determine which programs are potential security risks because they lack recent updates or patches. For programs that may not warn you that they have a pending security update, such as Adobe Flash, having this tool baked-in could be exceptionally useful.
The tools offered under the My Protection tab are nothing short of robust. There's antivirus protection for files, e-mail, HTTP traffic, and instant messaging. Application control, the aforementioned UDS, includes options for customization, should you need to force access for a specific program that Kaspersky is identifying as a threat. There are protections against spam, phishing, and banner ads, firewall control, and a network monitor to track network activities for people who like to drill down deep into their system's behavior. There's also a Parental Control filter, with options to outright block children from particular sites or merely log events. By default, the Parental Control filter is off, and when activated it assigns all other users on the computer Child status until directed otherwise. There's a Teenager status, as well, for more granular control of restrictions.
The Update Center tab offers a smooth update scheduler integrated into the main interface. Click on Run Mode to change the schedule. This isn't remarkable except to point out that only the definition file update offers an update like this. To schedule any other regular scan, you must click on the Settings option at the top right of the main Kaspersky window, choose the feature you want to schedule from the list on the left if it wasn't open in the main window when you hit settings, select Settings from within the window that opens, and then finally click the Run Mode tab on yet one final pop-up window. It's a tedious process and could be streamlined to great effect, but makes one of the basic features of this security program unnecessarily hard to get to.
The program also comes with an auto-run disable feature and a virtual keyboard so that, in theory, you can enter passwords without worrying about a keylogger. In fact, security experts have warned that onscreen keyboards do not decrease the risks of password theft, and either way I think most users will find it superfluous. The new gamer mode, however, isn't. This basically keeps Kaspersky functioning while you play games, but kills interrupting pop-ups and strips memory usage down to its minimum.
The annoying yellow bar announcing that your computer security is at risk because you're running the trial can be toggled under the Report link at the top right of the main window. I'm not happy about the wording of the message as it appears in the program, falsely equating your computer's security with the status of your license when Kaspersky Labs itself offers the trial as full-featured.
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Performance
Scans and definition file updates performed empirically as expected, with the Quick Scan taking less than 3 minutes. The Vulnerability Scan took less than 4 minutes, as well. The Full Scan, which was expected to be slow, took less than an hour, but as it approached 80 percent completion it oscillated between telling me that it would finish in 1 minute and 2 minutes. In fact, it would take another 8 minutes to finish.
CNET Labs' benchmarks reveal a slightly different side to KAV. KAV slowed down our test computer's cold boot time by 2 seconds, and shut down time by a second and a half. Scan times were actually faster on Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 than Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 by 9 seconds. They have identical engines, but KAV has fewer ancillary features. During our MS Office and iTunes decoding tests, both KIS and KAV performed identically, although during the media multitasking test KAV was faster than KIS by 64 seconds. In our Cinebench test, KIS fared the worst compared to a standard machine and KAV. KIS hit 3,908, while KAV notched 4,190 and baseline computer marked 4,217.
Virus and malware efficacy scores for Kaspersky's 2010 products were not available at the time of writing, and will be updated here when they are announced. However, last year's Kaspersky 2009 has scored average or better in all areas of detection according to virus and malware detection results at AV-Test.org and AV-Comparatives.org. AV-Test noted that it detected more than 98.4 percent of malware on demand, and 98.3 percent of spyware on demand, with an average rate of false positives. AV-Comparitives.org awarded Kaspersky 2009 Advanced+ in both February 2009's on-demand comparative and in May 2009's retrospective/pro-active test, noting few false positives and a 50 percent detection rate, behind Microsoft, Eset, Avira, and G Data. The short version of these independent test results is that last year's Kaspersky scored above average in general, and was excellent at malware detection.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus contains most of the same engines and features as Kaspersky Internet Security. It lacks the personal two-way firewall, parental and privacy control, whitelisting and application control, safe run virtual sandbox, anti-spam protection, and banner ad blocking.
Support
Kaspersky's support looks organized and straightforward. Click the support link at the bottom of the main window to bring up a new window, with options to directly submit a ticket, browse the Kaspersky knowledge base, or visit the user forums. Users can e-mail or call a toll-free number for live technical support, and a link to the Help database appears on pop-ups as well as the main window.
Conclusion
No doubt that Kaspersky is an effective antivirus, but it's the extra features available in Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 that make it worth paying for, and Kaspersky Anti-Virus lacks them. There are some niggling problems with the interface, and the performance numbers could be stronger, but the inclusion of the behavioral engine bodes well for the future. Overall, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 is adequate for the average consumer, but power users will probably find it a bit too lightweight for the cost.
User reviews
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No improvement over 2009 version
by xBobsx on October 8, 2009
Pros: Excellent firewall
Cons: Slows your system down uses too much memory ,average antispam and anti-malware ,cleanup left many malware traces behind also antiphishing module not very effective
Summary: Nod 32 smart security much better ,non intrusive user friendly no slowdown although the firewall isn't as good as Kasperskys'.
Summary: Nod 32 smart security much better ,non intrusive user friendly no slowdown although the firewall isn't as good as Kasperskys'.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding protection, many features, neat interface!
by peleg79 on September 15, 2009
Pros: Very easy to install, just follow the directions. Many many configuration features, users should take the time to learn the software, very cool interface, frequent updates. Also has anti spam, this program beat any virus so far. Forum support!
Cons: None that I can see.
Summary: KAV 2010 gets the job done. It was able to block a malicious link in my MSN messenger, it was also able to clean a machine that did not boot ...
Summary: KAV 2010 gets the job done. It was able to block a malicious link in my MSN messenger, it was also able to clean a machine that did not boot with the rescue disk it lets you create.
Setup was a breeze, the program then updates itself and was ready to go.
This program may be suited for a bit more advanced users, it has many custom configurations you can choose from and also different levels of protection.
The program protects everything: Web surfing, instant messaging, emails, attachments and again, you can configure it to be super strict or more casual, it's really up to the user.
The interface is much better than 2009 and if you bought 2009, all you need to do is download the 2010 install file, un-install 2009, reboot and install 2010.
If you wish to test this program with test files, you can do so at http://www.eicar.org, these are dummy files that simulate a virus. Kaspersky will block all of them.
The most important thing is to play with the software and see all the features, this will allow you to tailor the software to your needs.
There is also an administrator password that would prevent other users in your household from disabling Kaspersky (intentionally or not) and changing options.
I've used many anti-virus programs in the past 12 years, this one blows everything away.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Anti-Virus Software
by dalgrim on January 25, 2010
Pros: It has a very low memory footprint. One of the top AV software out there. It works!
Cons: The first time it is installed the Virus definition update can take a little while.
Summary: KAV is a little more pricey than the others out there but its worth every penny. I personally own a computer repair business and I use this on my Hard ...
Summary: KAV is a little more pricey than the others out there but its worth every penny. I personally own a computer repair business and I use this on my Hard Drive scanning system. I've plugged in drives with all kinds of different viruses that customers have brought in and this has not failed to detect and clean one yet.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not worth paying for
by RRR15er on November 13, 2009
Pros: Not a thing
Cons: Computer locked up completely after reboot from installation
Summary: I had previously tried the Kaspersky Internet Security 2010, but it would freeze my computer up at least once a day, and I'd have to crash it by holding ...
Summary: I had previously tried the Kaspersky Internet Security 2010, but it would freeze my computer up at least once a day, and I'd have to crash it by holding the power button to start it up again (it wouldn't even let me into Task Manager to end the process). After the trial expired, I figured maybe Kaspersky Anti Virus 2010 would be better, so I downloaded the trial version of that - what a mistake! After it said it installed and makes you reboot, it totally locked my computer up when restarted! It took several attempts of crash, reboot, crash, reboot, etc. before I could get into my computer. And as soon as I was able to get my computer working again, I removed this nonsense. Never would I pay for a product with this much difficulty, let alone the fact I couldn't even use it and it was ruining my computer. I'm now trying Avira, and I just started using it, but it was up and running right away with no problems or freezing and it's free, so it already wins over Kaspersky. Plus it found a trojan that Kaspersky Internet Suite didn't even find.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Kaspersky disables software from non-authorized vendors
by mrgeeks on December 28, 2009
Pros: fast, low cpu, accurate
Cons: Annoying renewal popups. If you buy trans-shipped software or software purchased from "non-approved" vendors, Kaspersky will disable it (see below)
Summary: Be forewarned that Kapersky has a rigid distribution system and does not support software that is not purchased from an "authorized" sales outlet such as Kapersky.com or Best Buys. ...
Summary: Be forewarned that Kapersky has a rigid distribution system and does not support software that is not purchased from an "authorized" sales outlet such as Kapersky.com or Best Buys. There is no way of telling in advance if a website is "authorized" or not. They have only a handful of "authorized" sellers. Kaspersky will disable your purchase if they don't like who you bought it from.
For example, BuyCheapSoftware.com sells manufacturer software that has been trans-shipped back to the U.S. from overseas distributors -- where software is often sold much cheaper.
This can result in your software being disabled.
A case in point: Kaspersky Antivirus 2010, which I bought in late '09 from BuyCheapSoftware.com.
Kaspersky's internet-based reg code authorization system is capable of detecting trans-shipped software. It will register your software initially, but will disable itself later (Kaspersky apparently runs occasional checks of IP's against the region of the registration code).
When Kaspersky disables your software, they will not tell you why-- it will say that you have "exceeded the number of authorized installations" and disable the program.
Kaspersky claimed I bought "illegal software" and refused to honor my purchase I was confused by their assertion, and did some sleuthing to isolate the source of the problem. I figured out that my software was burned in Malaysia by Kapersky's Singapore distributor (antivirus365.net) for the Asian market. antivirus365.net is an authorized Kaspersky distributor for several Asian countries, and they are apparently trans-shipping software to the U.S. at lower prices.
Legally speaking -- Kaspersky's internal distribution problems do not make my software "illegal", nor does it entitle them to disable software. But that is what Kaspersky does. I raised hell with Kaspersky and escalated to higher management twice before they gave me a new reg code.
Secondly, while Kaspersky is great software, I cannot recommend it because there is no access to human support on their website and you have to do a lot of sleuthing to get to a human being. They have tech support phone numbers published that only send you to sales, who won't do anything. Their customer care email responses are horrendous-- they just send you copies of boilerplate from their website. In my case the response wasn't even related to the version of Antivirus that I reported the problem on.
Caveat emptor!2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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HORRIBLE.. This program is will cause you problems!!!
by Tomhester113 on December 13, 2010
Pros: I found nothing good about this program.
Cons: This program is flawed. It shut my brand new HP Pavilion with windows 7 down. It is poorly made. After hours of trying to use my computer i finally got in safe mode and was able to system restore. DO NOT BUY THIS.....
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS!!! The program will mess your computers performance greatly. STAY FAR AWAY from these uneducated idiots..
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS!!! The program will mess your computers performance greatly. STAY FAR AWAY from these uneducated idiots..
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Do not waste your money
by ptraylor on December 6, 2010
Pros: It worked well for two weeks.
Cons: Customer service is by far one of the worst I have ever run into. I was actually talking to a computer support tech on the phone, and he told me I had to end the conversation and submit a troubleshooting ticket through email!
Summary: This is not an exaggeration. I used Kaperskey Anti-virus 2011 for approximately 2 weeks, and turned on my computer one day and received a message saying my license was no ...
Summary: This is not an exaggeration. I used Kaperskey Anti-virus 2011 for approximately 2 weeks, and turned on my computer one day and received a message saying my license was no longer valid (I purchased a 3 computer license). I thought I was receiving this message because I still had a few days left on my 2010 license when I installed the 2011 version, so all I needed to do was install my 2011 license again. When I entered my 2011 activation code, I received a message that the code was already in use. I couldn't believe it. I had only used the code on two computers, my workstation (which was the computer I was having problems with) and my laptop. I spent 8 hours today, emailing a Kapersky computer tech back and forth, we logged over 20 emails, and the problem is still not resolved. We talked briefly on the phone for about 5 minutes, before the emails started, it seems this is the way they like to do business. I started at 8:00 am this morning and received my last email from them at approx 4:10 pm. The sad part about this entire process is the guy would request the same information over and over again, and I would have to repeat steps over and over again. It was like some crazy person doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome. I believe this method was used to get me to give up, and I admit, out of pure frustration I finally did. I didn't even answer the last email. I am in the process now of researching another 2011 anti-virus software. My bottom line on this product, it has been one of the worst experiences I have ever encountered using anti-virus software. I would not recommend this company, let alone this particular software to anyone. The way they treat their customers is appalling. Purchase another anti-virus, this one is not worth it.
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The best in the business
by arun2006th on August 9, 2010
Pros: I think this is the best in the anti-virus industry today. I have used all the Kaspersky products over the years. They all found very effective to me...They are also easy to use and we can customize it to any extent unlike other products.
Cons: Only issue was with the earlier version of Kaspersky Internet Security 2011..some hanging problem, but it is resolved in the new version,
Summary: The main advantage by using kasperky products are its easy interface and the extent to which it can be customizable.
I think and personally experienced ...
Updated on Aug 9, 2010Summary: The main advantage by using kasperky products are its easy interface and the extent to which it can be customizable.
I think and personally experienced that Kaspersky is the one that delivers lower number of false alarms....U will realize if you use some other security software like McAfee or Norton.
Updated on Aug 9, 2010 -
Beware !!!
by Sewing4me on July 13, 2010
Pros: Cost effective
Cons: My mouse driver was disabled during the time the software was loaded.
Summary: Loaded and updated the program. The next time we turned the machine on the mouse wouldn't respond. We spent HOURS swapping hardware, downloading and installing drivers, etc. Finally decided ...
Summary: Loaded and updated the program. The next time we turned the machine on the mouse wouldn't respond. We spent HOURS swapping hardware, downloading and installing drivers, etc. Finally decided it was the hard drive and took the machine to my brother-in-law, a systems engineer with a large corporation, who also spent HOURS with the machine apart trying to diagnose/confirm. Finally at the end of his rope he uninstalled Kaspersky (the last change made before the fail) and -- EUREKA -- the mouse is working fine again. If you buy this software be sure you have someone in the family who's an IT professional.
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Great Experience with this one
by staley36 on July 9, 2010
Pros: It has warned me of keylogger sites as well as software containing keyloggers and/or trojans. Doesn't slow my computer down and find it easy to pick and choose scans.
Cons: I haven' found any yet,
Summary: I like the versatility of it running in background protecting me online as well as the ability to customize my scans.
It has picked up and warned me of keylogger ...Summary: I like the versatility of it running in background protecting me online as well as the ability to customize my scans.
It has picked up and warned me of keylogger sites as well as trojans. I doesn't slow my computer down, in fact unless a message pops up I forget about it most of the time.
I have used all the major brands at one time or another over the years, none are perfect, but this one is my favorite.
I am running Win7, and to me, it seems a perfect fit.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kaspersky Lab
- Part number: KAV901121
- Bottom Line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers pricey antivirus protection. The 2009 version scored well on independent antivirus detection and removal tests, but be prepared to pay a premium for what you're getting.
General
- Category Utilities
- Subcategory Utilities - antivirus / PC diagnostic
- Version 10
Software
- License Type Complete package
- License Validation Period 1 year
- License Qty 3 users
- Distribution Media CD-ROM
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Kaspersky Lab products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Kaspersky Lab
- Address:
500 Unicorn Park, Woburn, MA 01801 - Phone: 1-866-328-5700
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