IssViews Forum

Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011
REVIEW DATE:07.26.10
by Neil J. Rubenking

I was all prepared to evaluate new antivirus software from Webroot last fall, but the product's release got pushed back—repeatedly. It turns out that the company's new CEO had exhorted the design team to hold off on any new versions until they could come up with something truly stunning. After putting Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011 ($39.99 direct; $49.99 for 3 licenses) through its paces I'm convinced he was right—this application was worth the wait.

The new edition's user interface has been redesigned with a strong emphasis on simplicity. On-screen elements slide into place rather than snapping open a new view. If the product is performing perfectly, the main screen is a serene green with minimal detail. A gray screen with a yellow warning icon indicates the configuration isn't quite optimal—automatic scanning is turned off, for example, or a full scan has never been performed. A real problem—such as having real-time protection components disabled—turns the main screen scary red, but also offers a big "Fix Now" button to correct the error. Yes, other products use same green/yellow/red status scheme, but Webroot has kicked it up a notch, aesthetically speaking.

Automated Protection
You won't find a big "Update Now" button on Webroot's main screen. By default, the app downloads and installs all signature updates automatically, with no user interaction required. Even better, updates to program modules happen in exactly the same way. Simple!

Keeping with the theme of simplicity, Webroot automatically scans your system for malware when the system is idle. There's no need to schedule scans for a particular time. In fact, if you try to schedule a scan, it points out that automatic idle-time scanning makes scheduling unnecessary. Of course, you're free to disable idle-time scanning and schedule scans a daily, weekly or monthly basis.