We then compare transcoding times to see if there’s any significant decline.

On most home PCs, this encoding task utilizes 100 percent of the CPU. Then we compare the overall scores to see if the decline between the two benchmarks is significant.Īs a harsher stress test, we also use Handbrake to transcode a video before and after installing the A/V. Then we install the software, have it run a full scan on our Windows 10 test machine, and start a second run of the benchmark at the same time. We run the benchmark before the security suite is installed. The first is PCMark 8’s Work Conventional test, which simulates a variety of workloads including editing spreadsheets, browsing the web, and running video chat. To test the suite’s demand on system resources, we run two benchmarks. We try to discern whether any of these extra features are particularly useful, or just frills that look nice but don’t serve a practical purpose.

We also examine the features on offer. Every good antivirus suite should have the basics like scanning and real-time protection, but many vendors offer elements that go beyond basic security like password managers or firewalls. How we testįirst, we take a look at the interface to determine how easy or complicated it is. Does the interface make it easy to get at essential tools like PC scans and password managers, for example, or is everything buried under multiple clicks? Are there elements that look like they should be clickable but aren’t? Are alerts interactive or purely informational, and does that make sense in context? Whether you need those extras depends on your personal situation. These days, many security suites come with extras such as a backup service for your most essential files, Android apps for mobile security, a more advanced firewall, family protection (read: child restriction) features, and the right to use the program on multiple PCs.

High detection rate for malware and other threats.

There are three basic requirements that an antivirus suite needs: Its a solid offering, even if not among our top picks.īitdefender Total Security review What to look for in an antivirus suite Bitdefender offers capable antivirus protection. Now using a rolling release plan type of model, users can expect ongoing iterative updates for their yearly fee.

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