When looking for a low-cost and lightweight anti-virus solution for my home computers, I came across VIPRE from Sunbelt Software. It can be found here. I have been using it for a few months and been very pleased.
I have used the Big Names in the past – Norton/Symantec, McAfee, Webroot – and they have provided the necessary protection. I have also used the Free ones – AVG, Avast, MS Security Essentials – and they also have worked.
So, why did I decide to use a relative newcomer?
- It is lightweight. This doesn’t mean that it cannot handle the big problems, but rather that it uses a small amount of memory and processing cycles to do the job. Some of the Big Names just suck up more of the computing power than I like.
- Sunbelt offers a home site license. For $49/yr, I can use it on as many Windows computers as I have at home. Right now that is 4 physical machines and another three virtual machines – all for $49/yr.
- Tech support and help with virus removal is included in the cost of the product. For many non-technical home users, the removal of a virus is extremely difficult. Sunbelt includes tech support to help with this.
- A robust firewall is included with the product. I know that every version of Windows since XP sp2 has included a firewall. But I have found that the firewall included with VIPRE offers flexibility greater than the normal Windows firewall.
- In addition to the home product, Sunbelt has an enterprise version of VIPRE. I’ve not worked with it yet, but this is a Good Thing.
Get yourself the 30-day, fully functional trial of VIPRE. I think you will be pleased with the cost (both $$$ and cpu cycles), as well as the protection.
- Dan
