BitDefender Free Review

There are certainly a large number of antivirus programs available, and BitDefender Free Edition is basic antivirus software. BitDefender Free is one of the more popular free antivirus applications on the market. While the professional version features far more options and utilities, the free edition provides you with enough tools to protect your computer from worms and viruses. The software is currently compatible with the following operating systems: Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, and XP. It is not yet compatible with Windows Vista or Windows 7.

BitDefender Free offers four major features. Its Virus Scan feature checks through the folders and files on your hard drive using scanning methods that are certified by the ICSA labs. The different scan methods available include a variety of depths, such as a deep scan, quick scan, and the ability to scan removable drives. Its live update feature allows you to maintain an up-to-date library of virus signatures, providing the best scan results. Automatic updates allow the software to search for new updates at any given time.

The scheduler allows you to select which portions of your computer you want BitDefender to scan, as well as set the time when automatic scans will occur. Last but not least, if BitDefender discovers a virus, the software moves it to the quarantine folder. This is done to prevent any further damage to your computer system. The files that are placed in the quarantine folder can be sent to antivirus software developers to further expand their catalog of known viruses, worms and other security risks. As a slight bonus feature, you have the option to modify the appearance of the BitDefender interface. Overall, these are basic features that are common to most antivirus software, and BitDefender Free manages to do a great job at detecting and protecting you against threats.

The professional version of BitDefender is a paid edition that includes many of the features that the free edition does not. BitDefender Free does not run in silent mode, which allows computer games to run well even while antivirus software is running. No real-time or proactive protection is offered by BitDefender Free, and it also lacks anti-spyware capabilities.

BitDefender's user interface is very easy to operate. Three tabs on the left-hand side of the interface window are labeled General, Antivirus and Update. You can view the registration, settings, event catalog and status under the General tab. Selecting Antivirus shows two tabs underneath it, which are labeled Scan and Quarantine. From these windows, you can select the type and depth of scans you want to run. The Update tab allows you to modify how and when BitDefender gathers updates.

BitDefender Free Edition offers the most basic protection that antivirus software can offer. Since it is free software, it's hard to hold the lack of additional features against BitDefender Free. If you need more features and options, you can purchase the professional version for added protection.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™