40 Something Reviews

ESET Computer Antivirus Software

Almost three years ago, I’d had enough. My computer was getting sluggish and slow with no good reason. I understand that this happens over time, but it seemed to get particularly bad after I updated Norton Antivirus. Then, a few months later, I went to my parent’s house and updated their computer antivirus software (also Norton). Their PC all but rolled over and died. That’s when I started investigating an alternative.

Come to find out, most people who run Norton or McAfee experience significant decreases in computer speed after updates. After doing a lot (and I mean a LOT) of research and reading dozens of reviews for various types of computer antivirus software, I realized that many antivirus programs are simply resource hogs.

The software files are so large and stretch into so many different areas of your system that they suck up every available ounce of go juice. While this is by no means the only reason older computers and laptops begin to run slow, it is certainly a big one.

That’s when I found a company called ESET. I’d never heard of them before so I was very nervous about trusting my PC’s security to a new organization, especially since I work from home.

After poring through review after review and seeing what some impressive and techy-type people had to say about ESET’s computer antivirus software and their security suite, I held my breath and made the switch.

Pros

ESET’s NOD32 and Smart Security suite take up less space and use fewer resources than Norton or McAfee. With countless tests by CNET, PC Mag and other techy sites, ESET computer antivirus software products were proven to run faster and with less resource use than Norton, McAfee, F-Secure, Bit Defender and practically every other product available. In fact, CNET voted it their 2009 Editor’s Pick for antivirus.

But what good does it do to have a fast system if the security isn’t up to par? With ESET, it is. I started out two years ago with just their NOD32 computer antivirus software. (Now NOD32 also includes antispyware.) It was a little sticky to set up. The interface wasn’t all that user-friendly back then… rather cold and uninviting. But after a little time, I figured out what was what and managed to get everything set the way it needed to be.

Three years later, I’ve upgraded to the Smart Security suite that includes antivirus, antispyware, antispam and firewall. This and the NOD product are *much* more user-friendly now with easy-to-understand interfaces that let you select settings very easily.

At the time I upgraded, they were having a special and the cost was practically the same for the (then) new Smart Security suite as the NOD32 computer antivirus software. However, since Windows comes with a built-in firewall and my email protection program (Mailwasher) includes the antispam, I no longer need those two. I think next time I’ll go back to the NOD32 product. Deciding what you need is very dependant on what types of protection you already have.

It was easy to install and only took a few minutes. Just remember to UNinstall whichever computer antivirus software you’re using now BEFORE you install ESET. Different brands of antivirus software do not play well together.

Over the years, I have had a question or two about the ESET products so, I’ve called tech support. Low and behold, the call was answered very quickly (within just 5-8 minutes) and I was helped by a native English-speaking person who I could understand. I know that call times will vary depending on the time of day, etc., but I was still impressed that my calls were taken within under 10 minutes. I’ve been on hold with other tech support departments at other companies before for hours (literally) and it wasn’t fun.

Cons

The ESET firewall and the Windows firewall don’t’ like each other sometimes. When I use certain programs, I have to disable the ESET firewall in order to upload or download FTP files and the like. Funny, but there is no compatibility issues when downloading music files or software I’ve purchased online, etc. Just the FTP files with my web design program. It’s not a huge issue and I’ve never even bothered to contact tech support about it, but it is a bit irritating.

Considering ESET is faster and uses fewer resources than Norton and McAfee (so your computer goes faster), and that it doesn’t cost any more, I definitely recommend it.

Recommended? Yes

Do you have questions about ESET’s products? Just ask!

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