McAfee's 2004 security apps
By Robert Vamosi
(September 18, 2003)
Network Associates has announced its new McAfee security line. Though many users did not realize it, for three years, McAfee.com existed as a separate online company. That changed last year, and users will now find the exact same software available via online subscription or for purchase in downloadable or boxed formats. Along with the streamlining of product availability, McAfee has also made all of its new products easier to use. Unfortunately, McAfee determined that not enough of its users took advantage of the bundling of its personal firewall within its VirusScan antivirus app. Users who currently have VirusScan 7.0 can continue to use their bundled firewall when they upgrade to VirusScan 8.0, but new users will have to pay extra for McAfee Personal Firewall Plus or opt instead for the free version of ZoneAlarm.
Security software
Product name
|
Product type
|
Date available
|
Price
|
The scoop
|
McAfee VirusScan 8.0
 |
Antivirus |
September 18, 2003 |
$50
|
Though it doesn't include a firewall anymore, VirusScan 8.0 will detect and remove adware and spyware, as well as malicious worms and scripts. VirusScan will also download the latest signature files every four hours, ensuring that you're protected against recent viral outbreaks. |
 |
VirusScan Professional 8.0
 |
Antivirus |
September 18, 2003 |
$60
|
This version includes all of the features of the regular VirusScan, plus McAfee Shredder, which overwrites deleted files with ones and zeroes so that the information cannot be recovered. There's also an edition of QuickClean Lite to remove temp files and other junk from your hard drive's directory. |
|
McAfee Personal Firewall Plus 5.0
 |
Firewall |
September 18, 2003 |
$40
|
Some of the enhancements in this year's personal firewall offering include better application control so that only trusted instances of Internet Explorer, for example, contact the Internet. There's also better reporting, with a graphical interface for Visual Trace, a feature that allows you to see where an attack originates. In addition, there's an improved connection to McAfee's HackerWatch.org so that you can submit attacks to its worldwide database. |
|
McAfee Internet Security Suite 6.0
 |
Antivirus |
October 17, 2003 |
$70
|
This suite includes all of the security products listed here, plus an online privacy service to filter objectionable Internet content and block pop-up advertising while you surf the Net. |
|
Utility software
Product name
|
Product type
|
Date available
|
Price
|
The scoop
|
McAfee SpamKiller 5.0
 |
Antispam |
September 18, 2003 |
$40
|
New to McAfee's SpamKiller is its acquisition of SpamAssassin for Windows, an app to which we gave our Editors' Choice award early in 2003. SpamKiller 5.0 features more integration with e-mail clients Outlook and Outlook Express. |
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