Comodo AntiVirus Beta 2.0 - Free Virus Protection
Comodo AntiVirus: A Detailed Review
This article continues our exploration of complimentary anti-virus software, focusing on Comodo AntiVirus. Developed by the creators of the well-regarded Comodo Firewall, we will examine its beta version as it functions within a Windows XP environment, while noting its compatibility with Vista.
It’s important to note that, during testing, this particular utility did not operate correctly on 64-bit versions of Vista.
Installation of Comodo AntiVirus
The process begins with accepting the End User License Agreement (EULA). It’s a question of whether anyone truly dedicates time to reading these agreements.
Following this, a License Activation screen appears. Providing a valid email address is optional; it is not a mandatory step.
Completion of the installation wizard necessitates a system reboot.
Upon restarting, a database of safe user profile files is generated. This database identifies trusted files within the current user’s profile. This functionality aids the HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System) in recognizing unfamiliar executable files and alerting the user when they are executed. The creation of this database requires several minutes to complete.
With the initial setup finalized, the Comodo user interface displays the status of its various components. The virus database is continuously updated in the background.
The duration of full system scans is consistent with other free anti-virus utilities we’ve previously assessed. A progress indicator is provided, allowing users to halt, pause, or resume scans as needed.
Scheduled Scans
This version of Comodo includes scheduled scan functionality. Users can initiate this feature by clicking “Scan Schedule” and then defining a name and description for the scan.
A custom scan can be configured, or a default full system scan can be selected.
Subsequently, the day, time, and frequency of the scan can be specified.
Reporting Features
A prominent feature of Comodo is its reporting capability. Multiple reports are available, categorized by scan type.
Concluding Thoughts
Comodo AntiVirus is a robust security solution, offering a range of features commonly found in commercial products. These include Real-Time protection, email scanning, process monitoring, and a worm blocker.
The software demonstrates a minimal impact on system resources and provides a high degree of customization.
Download Comodo Free Anti-Virus Beta 2.0