Bit-defender free edition questions and comments

Do you use Firefox or Chrome as your main browser? If so - you can install this browser add on:

Bitdefender TrafficLight - Free Add-on for Secure Web Browsing

I've been using it in Cyberfox since it was first released.

   Note

BBitdefender TrafficLight adds a strong and non-intrusive layer of security to your browsing experienceTrafficLight is taking the security-while-browsing concept where it belongs: in the browser. This extension will add a strong layer of security over your browsing experience without inducing speed penalties or system resource consumption. Part of the processing is done in the cloud with some intelligent small engines that make various checks on pages you're visiting enabling you to have top notch antiphishing and antimalware protection.

Features:

Real Time: TrafficLight scans the pages you visit for malware and phishing attempts each and every time you access them to avoid the threat of legitimate but recently compromised websites.

Precise: TrafficLight won't block an entire website if just some pages within are malicious. Only the potentially harmful elements are blocked, leaving you free to view the rest of the site if you so choose.

Unintrusive: TrafficLight does not add a toolbar to your already-cluttered browser interface. Its interface remains invisible until your input is needed or it's called up with a simple mouse gesture.

Search Results: TrafficLight flags malware and fraudulent websites in search results. It also detects suspicious links on your Facebook wall and Twitter feed, and blocks them.

Tracker Revealer: Trackers are code snippets included in web site pages to track and analyze your browsing behavior. TrafficLight quickly identifies and lists them.

We're eager to hear any form of feedback from our users so for that we've enabled a feedback form within the interface that will deliver your message straight to the team developing the product.

BD-Free got the AV of the Year award for 2014; However, it was chosen because Kaspersky couldn't be awarded two years in a row (comparison rules). I don't care for BD because of the "Cloud" interface. It adds burdensome traffic that, for me, is in short supply. I want an AV that will stand on its own ON my PC. I don't particularly like software that needs to "phone home" or rely on third party files unless I direct it for things like updates. It's so I can choose when it happens instead of in the middle of invoices or database updates. :)

carwiz said:

BD-Free got the AV of the Year award for 2014; However, it was chosen because Kaspersky couldn't be awarded two years in a row (comparison rules). I don't care for BD because of the "Cloud" interface. It adds burdensome traffic that, for me, is in short supply. I want an AV that will stand on its own ON my PC. I don't particularly like software that needs to "phone home" or rely on third party files unless I direct it for things like updates. It's so I can choose when it happens instead of in the middle of invoices or database updates. :)

I'm curious as to what AV / security would you recommend? I too am looking for a change in protection.

I don't like recommending AV software because it's hard to keep my personal prejudices and paranoia out of the process. It's like asking what is the best oil for a car or who has the best smart phone OS? You'll get different answers from everyone. I personally don't trust AV software from several foreign countries even though they rank in the top five. And it has nothing to do with the political standing of the countries but rather past malware/crapware actions or attacks from within those countries. Perhaps that's why those AV companies are good at what they do. :) But I just can't bring myself to trust the software.

I happen to prefer the Microsoft solution but as I said, it's a personal choice based on MY USE of the PC. Users that rely on a lot of free off-the-web software to "enhance their PC experience" or that click on any web link or free game presented to them will be more prone to attacks and malware and may need a stronger defense. This stronger defense comes at a cost though; Usually in PC performance. It's just a simple fact of the modern environment. There's cases now that show malware coming from smart phones and being loaded to a PC when users try to synch songs or files. It's a rudimentary attempt but it sits in wait until the phone is used with a PC. You also have OEM PC manufacturers installing ad malware simply to enhance their margin on budget PCs. Who can you trust?

The best advice I can offer is to review how you use your PC and select an AV that comes close to your needs. Keep in mind that NO AV is 100% effective so it's often wise to run standalone scans from other suppliers like MBAM and Emsisoft Emergency Kit. (There's others too.) It's also important to keep Windows and Microsoft software updated. It's known that Windows 7 alone is 83.5% effective in resisting malware attacks. Any AV that adds to that is a bonus.