McAfee VirusScan Home Edition 8.0 Complete package

...ones. I have been using McAfee for the last 5 years or so over 3 different versions.
Virus protection has become much more serious these days as we rely more on PCs and the internet and you *must* have some sort of anti-virus software on your PC.

*TIP* never connect to the internet without this sort of software installed and active.

Currently I protect my home PCs with this product (and we use the same vendor ...
...well protected.

McAfee provide a weekly update to the 'signatiures' that identify viruses and this downloads as soon as you start up your PC and connect to the internet (also relatively foolproof).

They have an excellent web site with information on viruses and threats - interesting for those in the business but can be a little frightening for the uninitiated (it's a bit like reading those medical symptoms books - you ... more

Apart from a curious name, this is a top rank anti-virus software suite for your PC.

I have been using anti-virus software for more years than I can remember (old age does that) and have used most major ones. I have been using McAfee for the last 5 years or so over 3 different versions.
Virus protection has become much more serious these days as we rely more on PCs and the internet and you *must* have some sort of anti-virus software on your PC.

*TIP* never connect to the internet without this sort of software installed and active.

Currently I protect my home PCs with this product (and we use the same vendor at work too). I do not use the firewall or spam products as I have other provision for these.

What is a computer virus?
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For those still new to this .... a virus is (usually) a malicious piece of software that 'infects' your PC and can do nasty things like delete data, change data, harvest personal information etc.
There are also things called Trojans which are similar but act a little differently (hide in other software to gain entry to your files) and Worms (sneak in or a planted directly and also do nasty things).
I tend to lump all these together as 'viruses' for ease of conversation.

So why McAfee?
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Having had some compatibility issues with this in earlier versions, it has now stabilised to be a very reliable piece of software.

The standard software deals with all the types of virus (and more) described above.

There is a simple installation routine which is largely foolproof and an excellent user interface that helps the novice well.

Updates can (and are by default) set to be automatic so you can be confident that your PC is well protected.

McAfee provide a weekly update to the 'signatiures' that identify viruses and this downloads as soon as you start up your PC and connect to the internet (also relatively foolproof).

They have an excellent web site with information on viruses and threats - interesting for those in the business but can be a little frightening for the uninitiated (it's a bit like reading those medical symptoms books - you start to fear the worst).

So What is Not So Good?
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The initial purchase is effectively a one year licence for updates - you have to re-new this every year. It adds up but you have little choice.

The renewal is prompted and automatic but *does not* offer the best deal. You are advised to check out alternative sources for a whole new purchase. I buy new software (with a new one year licence) every year now. It costs around £10 per PC and is about 50% cheaper than 'upgrading' you licence.

You also find after a year or two that the underlying software becomes obsolete and they want to sell you a 'new and improved' version including your new year's licence. Again, if you can find a new software install for £10 each year, follow this route.

What's included?
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Manual (either on disc or paper based)
CD disc
Licence key

What Do You Need?
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An internet connection and email account to register and receive updates - and a PC :)

Installation
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Put in the CD, let it run and answer a few questions - it's that simple. It even detects old versions and competitors and will help to remove these first.

Use
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Mostly automatic and in the background - you do not need to do anything. There is a window that pops up and tells you when things have happened.

If you get a virus, it will alert you with a message and offer solutions (fully automtically). Again, no real experience is needed for this activity.

You can scan discs you receive first with a little effort but the norm is to let it 'catch' viruses as they attempt to copy to your PC.

Email protection is built in and automatic - I have tested this for Microsoft Outlook and it works well, scanning all incoming emails and alerting you to suspicious activity. I have not tested this on Lotus based products or small email offerings recently.

Overall
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An excellent product that needs a annual exercise to keep costs down to the minimum.
Well suited to the novice PC user and reasonably foolproof. 

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