ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus System (Windows)
Starting at: $30.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Eset NOD32 3.0 offers a new interface, faster scanning, and thorough technical support
The bad: Eset NOD32 3.0 doesn't include firewall protection.
The bottom line: Eset NOD32 3.0 finally gets its interface right and, along with high-rated performance among independent testing labs, deserves consideration on your desktop.
Wow. Eset NOD32 3.0 delivers a easy-to-use version of its award-winning antivirus engine. Finally, ease of use meets best-in-class protection. A second product, Eset NOD32 Smart Security, includes personal firewall, antispam, and antispyware in addition to antivirus protection. Although our performance testing was mixed, NOD32 continues to rank among the best-rated antivirus products by independent antivirus testing labs and ranks near the top of our list alongside our Editors' Choice of Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7
Setup and interface
NOD32 is among the few antivirus products that still supports Windows 2000 and XP as well as Windows Vista.
With version 3, ... Expand full review
Wow. Eset NOD32 3.0 delivers a easy-to-use version of its award-winning antivirus engine. Finally, ease of use meets best-in-class protection. A second product, Eset NOD32 Smart Security, includes personal firewall, antispam, and antispyware in addition to antivirus protection. Although our performance testing was mixed, NOD32 continues to rank among the best-rated antivirus products by independent antivirus testing labs and ranks near the top of our list alongside our Editors' Choice of Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7
Setup and interface
NOD32 is among the few antivirus products that still supports Windows 2000 and XP as well as Windows Vista.
With version 3, Eset finally gets the NOD32 interface right. After years of dealing with the cumbersome AMON (monitors the overall file system), DMON (monitors documents), and EMON (monitors e-mail transactions), we get version 3.0 with a completely intuitive and easy-to-use interface. There are two versions of the interface: standard and advanced. The left-hand column features Protection Status, Computer scan, Update, Setup, Tools (in Advanced mode only), and Help. The right window pane is reserved for the active feature in use. In Advanced mode, across the top is a toolbar to access the more advanced configuration options.
At first glance, the interface is easy for anyone new to antivirus protection. But digging deeper we were happy to find all the advance tweaks that anyone could ask for within reach. Symantec has gone in the opposite direction, making all the tools simply enable and disable, but Eset has left a number of intermediate options available to the more advanced users.
Should you need to remove NOD32 from your computer, there is an uninstall option. After a reboot we found almost no evidence of the product on our machine.
Features
Eset continues to improve on its ThreatSense technology, allowing NOD32 to be proactive, yet use few system resources. We like the fact that during a scan you can either manually toggle the scan to the forefront or push it into the background.
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 4 of 5 users found this review helpful
"The best AV out there!" By stoneysilence
Pros Small, no stress on system, some of the best protection available
Cons Interface isn't the easiest in the world.
Summary This AV has to be the best AV I have ever used. It is excellent for gamers who want a small footprint AV that give excellent protection. They update their AV database as needed (can be up to hourly). Well worth the money.
