BitDefender Free Edition
BitDefender Free Edition is a free anti-virus program developed by the Bucharest-based company, SOFTWIN. The BitDefender Free Edition is currently available for the following operating systems: Windows 95, 98, NT - SP6, Me, 2000, and XP. BitDefender Free Edition can be downloaded from the vendor's website and from various download mirrors.
Features
BitDefender Free Edition has four major protection modules: Virus Scan, Live! Update, Scheduler, and Quarantine. Virus Scan employs scanning engines and methods that are certified by International Computer Security Association or ICSA Labs.
The Live! Update module ensures that the program is constantly upgraded to stay up-to-date on the constantly evolving threats and virus definitions. This module can also repair your BitDefender Free Edition program by automatically downloading and replacing the damaged program files and components.
Like with most anti-virus programs, BitDefender Free Edition allows users to set scanning schedules for their system. The Scheduler module can execute scans in different system locations and folder, making it easier for you to keep your computer safe from viruses and malware.
BitDefender Free Edition also has the Quarantine folder, a security area where infected or suspicious files are moved to prevent potential viruses from spreading into your system. This feature automatically moves suspect files to the "BitDefender Lab" for analysis, healing, or removal.
Installation and Setup
BitDefender Free Edition can be installed via the installation CD or by downloading the program from SOFTWIN's website or from any download mirror. You will be asked to choose among three installation options: Typical, Custom, and Complete.
Typical installation is recommended for most users, while Custom installation is recommended only for advanced users who know which specific components they want to install. Complete installation entails full product installation with all BitDefender modules.
You can also opt to have BitDefender run automatically upon system startup.
User Interface
BitDefender Free Edition's user interface or management console, as the company calls it, is easy to understand and navigate. The centralized management console makes protection options and configuration easily accessible.
The program's update variables, such as Last Update, Automatic Update, Virus Definitions, and Scan Plug-ins, can be found on the left column, while the right column contains each variable's values.
The program's management console is also skin-customizable. You can choose from the skin templates provided by the program or you can also download your preferred skins. Just make sure the skin file has a .tsi extension because this is the only file format that the management console supports.