Simplify your laptop buying
Entered CNET Catalog: 11/02/2006
SKU: CNETCAAV2007LRTNC01
Manufacturer: CA
Manufacturer description
CA Anti-Virus provides complete protection against viruses, worms and Trojan horse programs. The easy-to-use interface and frequent automatic updates make it effortless to stay protected, and with quick scan times and efficient use of system resources, it won't bog down your PC.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/15/2006
Setup
We downloaded CA Antivirus 2007 in a matter of minutes. We like that during installation, the CA privacy policy won't allow you to accept or deny the EULA until you actually scroll through the text (even if you don't read it, at least you are aware of it). Unlike Norton Antivirus 2007, which only runs on Windows XP, CA Antivirus 2007 runs on Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP. And unlike other $39.95 single-license antivirus programs we've seen this year, the $49.95 CA Antivirus 2007 comes with a three-user license. What's more, CA has decided to offer their CA Anti-spyware 2007 application as a separate $29.95 purchase--while Norton and McAfee VirusScan Plus both include anti-spyware along with antivirus protection.
Do note: should you purchase CA Antivirus 2007 online and use a credit card, CA will automatically renew your annual subscription. You will receive an e-mail before renewal explaining the automatic billing. If you do not want CA to automatically renew your subscription, you need to discontinue the Continue Protection program (details on disabling the program are contained with your online order receipt). Boxed retail versions are also available.
Should you decide to uninstall CA Antivirus 2007, there is unfortunately no uninstall icon in the All Programs directory,. You'll need to use the Control Panel's Add or Remove Program function. Fortunately, unlike Norton and McAfee which both leave unnecessary files and registry keys behind, CA Antivirus 2007 uninstalls completely.
Interface
The CA Antivirus 2007 interface is clean and straightforward. The left-hand navigation icons offer a choice of Overview, Quarantine, Options, and Reports. The Overview screen contains Main Tasks (Scan my Computer, Select files, and Folders to Scan), Status, Top 5 Virus Threats, and Latest Threats (which includes phishing and non-viral threats). Like McAfee and Norton, CA offers a one-button Secure Now, designed to bring your security status up to speed quickly.
In the course of our testing, we sometimes needed to stop a complete system scan. In doing so, we witnessed our security status change from a yellow triangle with exclamation point, warning us that we had not completed a system scan, to green, indicating that we had completed a full scan and that our system was clean. We were able to replicate this error several times. We also discovered that CA Antivirus 2007 will run up to seven days before it will flag you that it's missing the latest antivirus update. We suspect these are minor interface glitches; however, this problem could expose users to unchecked dangers.
Features
CA offers a guarantee that a system protected with CA Antivirus 2007 will be free of damage from computer viruses and worms--or it will pay up to $1,500 for technical service and hardware replacements (see the CA site for specific rules). Frankly, we see this as a marketing ploy and do not expect other antivirus vendors to match CA's offer.
As for technical features, CA Antivirus 2007 offers the same basic features found in competing applications. However, unlike most other antivirus applications hitting the market for 2007, we could find no mention of root kit protection within CA Antivirus 2007--a notable omission, we think.
Performance
CA Antivirus 2007 scored well, although the program placed consistently within the middle of the pack in our CNET Labs real-world application testing. While performing a CA Antivirus scan, the iTunes application took 206 seconds to open, and Sorenson video compression took 335 seconds to open--both scores about average. On single-file scans, CA Antivirus 2007 took 102 seconds (fast), and the program influenced system boot time by 63 seconds (above average). To see how CA Antivirus 2007 stacks up against the competition, see our complete CNET 2007 antivirus performance test scores page.
In terms of protecting your PC, we refer readers to two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the latest test results from CheckVir.com, eTrust Antivirus v7.1 (the predecessor to CA Antivirus) was one of four products to earn their Advanced rating. Our second source of independent antivirus testing, AV-Comparatives.org, did not test eTrust Antivirus v7.1.
Support
Overall, we expected better support from a major antivirus vendor like CA. The built-in Help feature within CA Antivirus 2007 opens not within the program but within your default Internet browser, and uses a series of arrows to advance within an expandable list of topics. In general, we found the information cursory--adequate for most needs, but lacking in detail. Also, if you don't have an Internet connection, you won't be able to access Help files. CA's online technical support failed to impress us. Like McAfee, CA isn't consistent with its own naming convention. For example, when we looked at the Top 10 FAQs for CA Antivirus 2007, we found FAQ solutions for eTrust Antivirus 2005 instead. Also, as you drill down the FAQ, the support page opens new windows/tabs within your browser for each layer, creating several useless open windows/tabs. Web support requires you to enter a first and last name, a telephone number, and an e-mail address, as does a request for the online chat service. Live telephone support is available 24/7, but it costs $29.95 per incident.
Conclusion
While CA Antivirus 2007 is an improvement over the previous iterations of eTrust Antivirus, CA still has a ways to go. Designed to work within the larger suite of security applications from CA, CA Internet Security 2007, the CA Antivirus 2007 standalone application unfortunately suffers from minor interface glitches and poor technical support.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
User Rating: 
1/10
SLOWS YOUR COMPUTER.
Pros: Can't think of any!
Cons: Slowed down my computer to a crawl. It's intrusive and the interface is very bare.
User Rating: 
2/10
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT
Pros: None that I can find
Cons: I cant fully explain how frustrated and angry I am with this software, i purchased it at the recomendation of a "expert" at Comp USA where I purchased my computer, the new computer came with NORTON 360 and operated flawlessly until the trial ran out
User Rating: 1/10
Horrendous Customer Service & Business Operations
Pros: Seemed to work fine. After a virus attack a year ago, the person who helped me uploaded CA Virus 2007. It worked fine. I was also never concerned. That is, I was never concerned until my 2007 version ran out, and I downloaded the 2008 version.
Cons: The next day, I received an expiration notice--2 of them. The next day,I get 2 more expiration notices, which became warnings. Mailed company. For short version, I have received zero help. I was double billed. Warnings still occur. gputnam@4aps.com
I have e-mailed this company at least 6 or 7 times. They keep delaying any help. They write back and ask for an Order Number. I downloaded it. I do not find an order number. I send them numbers on my credit card. They say it is not right. They have my name, the date of the purchase, the date of the double billing (the next day after original), my e-mail account, the order numbers that display on my credit card bill, and my phone number.
In fact, the number they insist on receiving from me is a number they generated. It is their number. I searched for an electronic invoice or receipt. None was ever sent, or at least I can find no evidence of it. They do have this number, and they refuse to lift a finger to help me obtain it. The cost of their response times probably adds up to a greater total than the $50+ I spent and the $100+ they billed me for in the 1st place.
To this day, I still receive aggravating warning notices-two of them at a time...every time I use Standby or Shut Down, when I return, I receive these obnoxious reminders about how little they care about customers. And yes, I did uninstall the program, but they still have their hooks in my system, because I still receive these e-mails. What they do when I e-mail them is that they pass it to a different analyst each time. It is like their own little shell game.
I have requested a phone number. I have requested management involvement. I have pleaded for the company president's contact info. I am convinced that she or he would be outraged by this mail-trail. This is horrendous customer service. I will never buy one of their products again. I teach at a community college, and I work as a consultant for some large companies...some Fortune 100 in the past, and likely in the future.
I am going to tell everyone I know not to buy from this company. I am going to use it as a project in classes. I am going to add it to my signature beneath my name, where people add slogans from Einstein and Ghandi. I am just one little guy out here trying to navigate through these cyber wayers. I can only do so much, but if you've read all of this, please do not purchase this product or support this company, and please pass this information along to any family, relatives, friends, peers, or interested parties. If you want more info, my e-mail is above and I'll give it again: gputnam@4aps.com.
This is the only way we can fight people/businesses we can't see or visit. Thanks!
User Rating: 1/10
if signed on with roadrunner, do not download.
Pros: none, none
Cons: back to dialup, will not allow to send email attachments
User Rating: 
3/10
Questionable ability
Pros: Easy to update
Cons: Questionable ability to stop trojans and viruses
User Rating: 2/10
Can't uninstall.
Pros: Installed OK, but want to change.
Cons: Conflicts with ZoneAlarm installation. CA won't uninstall.
PLEASE, how do I get rid of CA?
User Rating: 3/10
Easy to use, but slow
Pros: Simple, easy-to-use interface.
Cons: Slow on real-time and on-demand scanning
User Rating: 1/10
Awful Awful Awful
Pros: If you have nothing nice to say...
Cons: Customer service!
User Rating: 3/10
A failed product
Pros: says it will work
Cons: plants imbedded files hard to remove
User Rating: 3/10
Tough to download, impossible to update---forget it
Pros: Firewall seems to work well
Cons: Too complicated format
User Rating: 
9/10
Wow, a AV program that does what it says!
Pros: Hyper-light on system ressources, detects almost all viruses
Cons: No firewall, but I would turn it off anyway
User Rating: 
10/10
Really great product
Pros: easy to install
Cons: users who click next without reading whats on the screen
Todays PC user don't read about the products first before they buy it and install. (They think they are techies.) Real techies read up on the products and then deicde to purchase it. Dream Techies just run to walmart and buy it off the shelf and think it will work with everything. If you want real AV protection get this product, if not fight with the rest.
User Rating: 1/10
CA anti virus is bad software
Pros: CA anti virus software destroys equipment
Cons: CA anti virus software destroys data files
User Rating: 1/10
Terrible conflicts brought computer to halt.
Pros: Nothing comes to mind
Cons: Had to uninstall CA Internet Security Suite and reload OS to get computer to work
User Rating: 2/10
A cruel joke
Pros: it looks pretty
Cons: everything else
User Rating: 2/10
It use to be OK before they upgraded!
Pros: Simple interface, very reliable anti virus protection.
Cons: Technical support is abysmal, especially for a product you pay for!
Doesn't matter what preference you have selected, it still dials up. Those on broadband won't care, but having your PC dial up on your phone line, and only discovering 6 hours later, is a bit of a problem!
Their support was initially good, receiving an answer within next day. But after carrying out their full instructions, the problem was still there. A repeat email to their support was left unanswered (Despite chasing up twice).
I resolved by uninstalling, and installing AVG free of charge - works perfectly! Does CA have any idea how pissed off a customer has to be before leaving them after 5 years!!
Stephen - Northern Ireland
User Rating: 2/10
don't waste your time or money
Pros: free if you can get it
Cons: Hard to use
even after entering url still had problems finding the URL that CA would except. Deleted CA and swithed to Nortons with no problems
User Rating: 
8/10
No virus in 5 years
Pros: Plays well with others programs
Cons: None...as long as I continue to have good results
User Rating: 1/10
IT CRASHED TWO MACINES!!!
Pros: With the rebate, it was almost free.
Cons: Has many software conflicts.
I followed the directions and loaded everything as directed. My work software is huge and takes a whole day with tech support. After rebooting many times I finally reached the "blue screen" of a crash. After three days of trying to work out the problem with Systemax, Ca and Alamode Software tech support and multiple uninstalls and installs from the disk and the web download and reverting the macine to previous versions I uninstalled it for the last time.
The machine that I was upgrading from already had E-Trust running on it for a year with no problem. As directed I uninstalled the previous version and installed CA and it caused a crash without delay. Eventually uninstalling the CA again after 10 or 20 hrs. with tech support .
Three days later I got a phone call from a guy named Carl, said that he was a marketing exec. for CA located in NY. He said that the support log from my tech support sessions landed on his desk and that he was very sorry all of the trouble and asked what he could do to make things better. I told him the a refund would be good. He transfered me to a woman who conferenced us to Tiger direct to get a return authorization # . I sent the disk back, and as yet I have not heard back.
Their software sucks but their customer relations seem to be trying to deal with and a lousy product that will not fill the bill. I view this whole thing as a learning experience. Life goes on....
User Rating: 2/10
Don't Buy it.
Pros: Works ok when it will install
Cons: Often hangs up during installation. No support
User Rating: 2/10
The worst tech support
Pros: I can't think of any
Cons: Tech support, interfer with gmail, outlook, explorer
User Rating: 2/10
Not Much Protection.
Pros: It's free for the first year.
Cons: It fails to detect viruses on real-time scanning; Once a virus is detected using the on-demand scan, the program doesn't delete it like it's supposed to.
User Rating: 2/10
terrible tech support
Pros: is there any pros?
Cons: not user friendly
very bad support
User Rating: 3/10
Poor support, doesn't work for Restricted Users
Pros: Good price, good scan engine, reasonably good user interface
Cons: Poor support, doesn't work for Restricted Users
Logging in as a non-administrator user is important to reduce the exposure you have against virus infection. In fact, it's possible that logging in as a non-administrator user and not having antivirus protection may be just as good as or better than logging in as an administrator but having antivirus protection.
Nevertheless, it's still a better idea (either way) to have antivirus software, but I would not choose this one.
Customer support is poor, both online (out-of-date FAQs referring to older products) and via phone (in Australia, at least).
Go elsewhere for quality virus protection.
User Rating: 
4/10
Installation roulette
Pros: Anti-virus and anti-spam work well
Cons: Support, Firewall and installation are nightmares
First thing they DONT tell you is it will not install on XP Tablet. It took me 4 months of "free" support to figure that out.
Support via email is a joke. Many times I submitted a problem (2 problems, 10 submissions) and received a form email back saying how important my issue was and would I please send them some info. The email address they provide gets immediately rejected. I tried variants of it but even if it wasnt rejected outright the message was ignored (no response). I was able to actually use the "chat" support which is where I learned about the XP Tablet not being supported.
I initially installed the whole suite on the desktop and after solving a few problems it ran but I found the firewall way to agressive in that it prohibited almost everything. Trying to change settings and even turn it off had no effect. I eventually uninstalled the whole suite and re-installed only the antivirus and antispam, with which I am largely satisfied.
The problem with the desktop was that there were certain residuals from previous anti-virus packages including Symantic and Panda that prevented installing it. The installation and support were of no help but I parsed my way thru the registry and directories removing anything that smacked of either old anti-virus and CA finally loaded. This seems to be a problem with a lot of these companies. They dont clean things up properly when being uninstalled, the new ones dont tolerate anyone elses stuff, and they dont tell you what the problem is. I wish the so called pros that review these things would catch stuff like this since it is obvious that the software companies dont care what little guys like customers think ot this would be a non-issue.
Since January I aquired a used PC running Windows98 to replace a similar PC I had that died. After a month of use I updated the OS to XP Home using the XP upgrade path rather than a clean build because I had already installed a number of apps and files. That part went fine. I have since been trying to install CA 2007 (my 3rd license) without success. CA seems to be finding former Norton anti-virus residuals somewhere even though I have cleaned everything out from the files, registrys, etc. related to Symmantec.
My overall opinion is still the same. IF you can install the anti-virus part, it works well enough, but installing it is a frustrating experience beyond any I have experienced with any other software...and support is still a joke.
User Rating: 1/10
Impossible (nearly) to get rid of
Pros: Nice product, but....
Cons: Cannot be uninstalled with editing dozens of registry settings
I will never again trust these bozos
User Rating: 9/10
Effective Product
Pros: Effective with virus prevention. Virus definition database significantly improved over past product. Low resource usage.
Cons: The addition of rootkit would improve the product.
