Auslogics Antivirus 15.0.36

Overview

Antivirus software are a must-have in computers, especially for inexperienced to users who are more likely to visit a dangerous website or download malicious content. So let’s take a look at Auslogics Antivirus 2013, an antivirus software that promises to defend your computer from digital threats by protecting it in real-time and scanning it on demand, as well as securing your surfing experience by running your browser in a sandbox so that threats won’t be able to spread in your system even if you encounter them while browsing.

Installation

Launching the installer will open a window with two options. The first asks you if you want to send anonymous usage reports to Auslogics in order to help them improve the program, and the second option allows you to customize the setup instead of performing an installation with the default settings. Those settings include changing installation path and configuring proxy settings. Right after doing so, the installer will download the core files and proceed with the main installation.

Supported operating systems are Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Vista SP2 (32/64-bit), 7 (32/64-bit) and 8 (32/64-bit).

Interface

When installation finishes, the software will launch automatically and ask you to make first-time configurations in a step-by-step wizard. After doing so the antivirus will hide in the background and you can access it via the system tray.

It has a cool interface with a dark 3D theme. At the top you can see a message with the status of your computer and a few buttons for accessing other areas of the program (settings, events, etc.). In the center of the screen you can see 3 boxes: Antivirus, Privacy and Settings. From the first box you can see the last scan’s date and the number of issues that have been picked up as well as perform one of the various scan modes (quick, system, custom, vulnerability and rescue mode). The second box displays information regarding your privacy protection status, plus you can launch the File Shredder from there. The last box shows information on the program’s updates.

Pros

Just like any respectable antivirus software, Auslogics Antivirus 2013 includes a real-time protection module that scans every file that is being accessed, be it a system file, a user file or a cached browser file. This way malware will be gone before they can damage your computer. And despite the fact that its virus database is colossal, viruses with new signatures that aren’t listed can still be stopped thanks to the Active Virus Control feature which analyzes their actions and if suspicious activity is being performed, the program will warn you about it and you can then take action.

When enabled, Auto Pilot Mode will take your decisions for you and act without interrupting you from your work. All actions taken by Auto Pilot serve for your maximum protection and nothing less. Automatic Game Mode and Automatic Laptop Mode are two other features which allow you to play games without interrupting you and minimize battery consumption respectively.

Privacy Control feature stops malicious scripts such as keyloggers and spyware that target on stealing sensitive details like passwords.

A unique and extremely useful feature is Browser Sandbox Mode, where you can browse the net without worrying of any threats slipping into your system. When in Sandbox Mode, no threat that you encounter is going to get in your system; it’s ideal for running suspicious scripts or visiting risky websites.

Rescue Mode will reboot your computer in an environment similar to Safe Mode, where only a few services run and it’s best for cleaning deeply infected systems.

Auslogics Antivirus also has another amazing feature which warns you if there are any important Windows updates available.

Cons

A pause/resume feature should be added to the installer since the downloadable data is quite big (245MB).

Alternatives

One of the best and most known antivirus software is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (paid). Although it has a real-time website and malware protection feature, it is best known for its malware detection and removal capabilities. It is not uncommon for users to install it along with another antivirus software with greater real-time blocking strengths, such as avast! Antivirus (free and paid versions available), SUPERAntiSpyware (free, paid) and ESET NOD32 Antivirus (paid).

Conclusion

Unfortunately, antivirus giants prevent smaller, less-known software from being recognized as equally good malware combatants and virtual bodyguards. Auslogics Antivirus 2013 deserves more publicity than that, and hopefully it will get it soon.