ESET is a security company known for their award winning antivirus software Nod32, which has over the years transformed into full-fledged security package known as ESET Smart Security Suite. Something similar happened to a lot of other malware software out there, AdAware for example, which we tested recently. The sixth incarnation of Smart Security is being developed at the moment, and ESET has generously allowed people to download a free beta version for all those who want to try their protection suite, and also for all those who want to help out and report bugs. After the beta testing period is over, you will of course have to pay for the license.
Before you can get the default screen that you see above, you need to activate the beta, the option to do so if offered right after the installation:
Other than having the word BETA written on top of the window, and the number of days counting down at the lower right corner, you wouldn’t know that you are using the beta, because all the options of the professional version are there. Of course if you want you can pay for the license and enjoy Smart Security suite fully, even after the beta testing period.
What’s new in Smart Security 6, what kind of features it has?
Next to the standard protection from practically all malware types that are out there, some of which would be:
- viruses
- rootkits
- spyware
- worms
With the latest Smart Security suite you also get some interesting new tools and goodies, for example the Anti-Theft protection which can be used to recover your lost laptop:
For Anti-Theft to work you’re gonna have to register for an account with ESET and in case you misplace your laptop somewhere or it gets stolen, you can track it when it comes online with the help of wireless networks in the vicinity. You can also use your laptops camera, if it has one, to watch the individuals who are using it.
Of course ESET has the basics covered when it comes to PC protection:
- real time file system protection
- removable media protection (prevents autorun infections)
- scanning made faster and more precise with cloud scanning
- network monitoring and firewall
- small resource usage, when compared to what Smart security suite has to offer
- let’s not forget the gaming mode
In the Tools tab you also have some interesting options, for example you can:
- create rescue CDs
- monitor currently running processors
- monitor which applications are connected to the internet
- schedule various tasks like scanning and updating
Detection rate and conclusions
The quality of ESET antivirus software isn’t something that should be questioned, but we did put it to the test and the results were of course more than satisfying, threat in a infected archive was immediately detected.
ESET is known for creating highly professional security software and ESET Smart Security suite is no exception. Keep in mind that this is beta and that after beta testing is completed, you either have to buy a license or stop using the program. Since this is beta, there are some problems, for example program crashed when we tried to restores files from the quarantine. ESET is already working on a fix, so don’t worry, if you want you can still enjoy this free beta, errors will be dealt with fast, for as long it will last at least.
