Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION] Reviews
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
- Advanced antivirus software with maximum spyware protection to guard against viruses, Trojans, and worms, spyware and adware, rootkits, identity theft and phishing attacks
- Scans files, email, and Internet traffic; protects instant messengers
- Analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities; Disables links to malware sites / phishing sites
- Protects from unknown threats; blocks all types of keyloggers
- Automatic database updates; free technical support
With a new, super-fast and efficient anti-virus engine, Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. You can be confident that your computer and your confidential information are safe as you work and surf the internet. Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. Scans files, email messages and Internet traffic. Click
Rating: 
(out of 124 reviews)
List Price: $ 59.95
Price: $ 25.00
Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
Kaspersky AntiVirus 2009 protects computers and laptops from viruses and other malicious programs. With a new super-fast and efficient anti-virus engine Kaspersky Anti-Virus raises the bar for traditional anti-virus protection from all types of malicious programs. You can be confident that your computer and your confidential information are safe as you work and surf the Internet. Essential Protection Protects from viruses Trojans and worms. Blocks spyware and adware.
Rating: (out of 10 reviews)
List Price: $ 69.99
Price: $ 25.00
Review by PC Nut for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
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Just a reviewer background: I am a new user to the Kaspersky AV series with the 2009 version, so I cannot compare it with previous versions or any license renewal issues. Like many others, I wanted something different than what Norton offered - I felt the last several versions of NAV were too resource heavy and intrusive, even on a 2.0GHz Core Duo (Centrino) XP laptop with 2GB RAM which this program was installed on.
I tried Trend Micro last year, but wasn’t overly impressed with the AV performance and had been using a combination of AVG 8.0 freeware and Lavasoft’s Adaware freeware since reformatting with a clean XP install. So it came down to either Kaspersky or ESET NOD 32 after review reading, and Kaspersky won over because a brick & mortar store with the initials BB had it on sale.
INSTALLATION:
This was less than desirable. I knew that AVG had to be removed prior to installation, and just used the Windows XP removal utility. Once the CD was popped in I was off and running, or so I thought. Immediately it asked a stupid question: “Do you want Windows firewall to block this program?” Well duh, how can I access it otherwise? So after it checked the CD, I was prompted to download the latest updated files from the internet and reboot.
About ten minutes later I was ready to roll and proceed with the install after plugging in my access code, and used the “most users” vs. the “advanced users” installation option. Ooops, another prompt suddenly. KAV detected leftover remnants of AVG 8.0 and pointed me to their webpage for a removal utility called KLeaner.exe. Absolutely nothing happened when I clicked the executable, and after several minutes of frustration trying to run it, I decided to go to Grisoft’s website and hunt around for their removal utility (and hunt around you have to do). For some reason, the .exe file worked from their website. KAV did not prompt me to remove Lavasoft’s Adaware, so I did not (and I haven’t tried to use it).
After running the Grisoft removal utility, I had to reboot again and essentially start all over with the KAV installation process including downloading the latest updates again! Another 10 minutes or so of that and I plugged in the access code and was rolling. I do not know who is in charge of the installation processes with this software, but it is perhaps the worst experience and hassle I had ever had. Heaven help those less tech saavy than me with this program with other AV programs that were loaded at one time.
INTERFACE, EASE OF USE, AND PERFORMANCE:
Overall, the interface is easy to use and information is at your fingertips for running the program. The first time a full system scan was run, it took about 40 minutes on a 120GB 5200RPM laptop hard drive loaded with pictures, home movies, and various MS office files. A faster hard drive would have shaved that down some. Right away there were twelve infections discovered, all tied to MS office applications that AVG did not pick up.
One thing that is ambiguous is that there are no instructions to remove, quarantine, delete, or anything else with these infections found. The interface is not clear here and you have to hunt around with the buttons to find information. However, I feel about as safe as can be with this program, and it does earn high marks from respectable places like ZDNET for AV protection.
There is a very informative 95 page .pdf user manual that comes on the CD. Nearly half of it is used for explaining the different viruses, Trojans, worms, and other threats and vulnerabilities. It also digs deeper into the different settings and more advanced controls, but still does not offer the user more detailed information on how to use said options and what exactly is happening with the program.
Resource wise, KAV is hardly noticeable on the CPU and memory. There is a slight delay when accessing web pages (Firefox - or bookmarks in the drop down menu) while running it in the background, and I assume this is the phishing checker. There is no noticeable difference in boot time either, something that NAV was absolutely horrible with. Kudos to KAV here.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:
From start to finish including going through all the rigmarole mentioned above, it was about an hour and a half job to get the laptop up to speed and current. Overall, I would score this program a 7 out of 10. I would have given it higher marks had the KAV team made installation more straight forward and clear, especially with the removal information of previous AV programs. You will need to go to the respective manufacturer website for removal utilities. KAV’s links as of this writing are outdated or something, at least for AVG. In all fairness however, everyone should know that completely removing an AV program can be a hassle without completely wiping out the HDD and re-installing the OS (Norton especially).
Finally, the interface and information tool bars could use some rework. That said, the limited resources this AV program uses makes up for any of the nuances mentioned. Even though it wasn’t used by me, reviews say that Kaspersky’s tech support is pretty good. I will be buying ESOT next for another PC and will report on that as well. In the meantime, those who are tired of NAV’s programs the past few years will not be disappointed with this Kaspersky product.
UPDATE 9/16/2008:
After having KAV for one week, it has performed (mostly) flawlessly and stopped one Trojan from getting through. However, it is apparent it is a little deficient in spyware/adware detection. As mentioned above, I never removed Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware 2008 because there was no prompt to during installation. I decided to download the latest update and run it (after temporarily disabling KAV) due to receiving several Spam emails recently - specifically after I stopped using it - hmmmm. Sure enough there were 9 detections Ad-Aware found that KAV did not pick up on.
The good news here is that you can run Ad-Aware and not conflict with KAV, so long as both are not running simultaneously. It’s a little disappointing to not have a “one stop does all” AV, but considering the price of KAV and the fact that Ad-Aware is free and just as resource friendly, I’ll take having to deal with these two over a single NAV program any day. I found a review site that mentions this deficiency with KAV’s spyware detection:
http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/kaspersky-review.html
I’m surprised CNET/ZDNET didn’t mention it their KAV 2009 reviews.
Review by Geoffry Mills for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
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A little over a month ago, as careful as I usually am, I misclicked somewhere and a trojan keylogger was able to find it’s way into my computer. I had just downloaded the newest Norton internet security and after the keylogger had begun it’s damage I ran several scans, but Norton couldn’t find it. My options were: reformat, pay Norton $100.00 to scan my system remotely from their tech. support, or try another anti-virus. I picked up Kaspersky and followed the install directions (had a bit of a hangup with uninstalling AVG, just need to check with the troubleshooting feature Kaspersky provides). Kaspersky found the trojan in 4 minutes and deleted all versions of it from my computer. I have not had any trouble, and my computer loads faster since installing Kaspersky.
Review by R. Holmes for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
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10-22-2008
I have used Kaspersky Anti-Virus for the past 4 years with great success.
I was leary of buying the 2009 version reading the 4 previous customer comments. But, I did.
I uninstalled the old version 7.0 and rebooted the PC. I then downloaded and ran the AVG removal utility, and rebooted. Then turned off the Firewall.
I then installed Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009. No problems. Installation, updating, and configuration took only 20 minutes.
It was cheaper buying the software thru amazon.com than renewing the 2007 version thru Kaspersky, which would had to be uninstalled anyway, and install the 2009 download. Plus this gives you a C D should you have to reinstall it at a future date.
Richard in Irving, TEXAS
Review by Clay Shooter for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
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I’ve tried pretty much every major retail (and some not retail) versions of anti-virus software. Kaspersky AV is right in the middle of the pack. There were several installation issues and some fairly disappointing software compatibility issues. I wanted to run a different firewall and K-AV is incompatibile with it. The software was installed on a completely fresh windows install and there were installation/compatibility issues. Technical support was able to solve them fairly quickly through some patches and software removal tools. I have some concerns that a novice computer user would not be able to get to the point of a working installation. I had to know a few pretty technical issues to be able to work with the tech support folks.
If I am in the market again for A-V software, I’ll shop around. Don’t believe everything you read on CNET or PCMAG etc. I had better experience with Norton (despite its impact on system performance). Bit Defender is another option that I’d rate at about equal if not slightly better than KAV.
Review by Amazoner for Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2009 [OLD VERSION]
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I had Kaspersky Internet Security Suit 2008 and was pleased by its performance. That is why I have bought Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 (KA2009) on the Kaspersky web site. Here it started.
(1) The product was sold for installation on 3 computers. However, even on second computer, it proclaimed itself one-month trial version.
(2) Kaspersky customer service appeared to be unreachable - they did not answer my three e-mails, their phone number is permanently busy.
(3) The product backdates the installation date, diminishing this way proclaimed one-year term of use. However, this is minor with respect to first two points.
Is its performance worth efforts? No. In distinction of 2008 product, the KA2009 appears to be totally paranoidal. Even with relaxed settings it is annoying beyond the limits. Needless alarms defy the purpose of buying it - it eats your time instead of saving it.
I do not recomment buying it. I had to buy another antivirus to cover computers originally supposed to be covered by two remaining KA2009 licenses (which I cannot use - see above). Panda Antivirus appeared to be a good, fast and friendly product with good customer service. I recommend Panda (Staples sells it) instead of KA2009.
Review by Tony Stoltzfus, Master Coach & Trainer. Coach22.com for Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
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I love Kapersky because it is so much less obtrusive than norton anti-virus, the omnivorous system resources hog. I used to own five copies of Norton for all of my computers, and dumped them all for this. If you have multiple computers, the three user version is a deal. I also like that I can get at more of the settings — Norton’s user interface hides everything in frustrating ways for the power user.
Review by Whodatguy for Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
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Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition was used for my portable and home computers. Was easy to install for a non IT guy just follow the suggested install process, register, and viola! I removed Norton and replaced it with this. Norton did not live up to their product history.
Review by MustangManSn95(302) for Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
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Use KAV 2007 in the past and never had a problem with it, so when it came time to upgrade I knew it would have to be KAV 2009. Uninstalled Avast Pro and KAV installed with zero problems. Entered in the key and it updated right away and scanned for about 2 days (lots of files on my PC). Also uninstalled Norton from the wife’s lap top and installed KAV again with zero problems, it scanned her HP w/Vista premium in a couple of hours. Runs smooth and updates every hour. Fells good to know you are safe from viruses. Great program and for $30+/- for 3 users it an awesome deal.
Review by Cousin Vinny for Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
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I have a 5-year old notebook with XP Home and 1.2G RAM along with both Mozilla FireFox and Internet Explorer running wireless on a home network. I originally had Norton along with Ad-Aware SE at first, then Trend Micro’s PC-cillin along with Spyware Doctor, Then Trend Micro’s PC-cillin all by itself for anti-virus and spyware protection.
Norton behaved like a complete resource hog and IMO, good riddance to it but Ad-Aware was actually very good. PC-cillin performed much better than Norton but with Spyware Doctor, they consumed a lot of resources, so much so that it was almost impossible to refresh a page while either program was doing a quick scan. But, I managed. Then, I uninstalled Spyware Doctor altogether and ran just the PC-cillin with its version of spyware protection turned on. Perhaps not a comprehensive as Spyware Doctor but adequate nonetheless. In view of the upcoming need to commit to a renewal, I figured I’d look at Kaspersky’s anti-virus software package because it gets such high ratings.
I downloaded a trial version of Kaspersky before committing to spending the $40 and after all was said and done and the first scan was completed, I could no longer get onto the internet. No matter what features I turned off or on, the best I could achieve were partial pages that never fully loaded. The status bar was always “waiting”. This held true for both browsers.
I then “paused the anti-virus protection” and every page loaded quickly and fully. So, figuring it was an unfriendly software setting, I resumed the protection and proceeded to try turning features on and off but after almost 1-1/2 hours of fooling around, I uninstalled it completely and installed a downloaded TRIAL version of AVG. Viola! Absolutely no problems whatsoever. Pages snap in quickly and transitions from one site to the next are fast and uneventful. No problems to report.
Now, given the overall ratings and tremendous popularity of Kaspersky, I have no doubt that my notebook, software, configuration, etc. was in conflict with whatever the anti-virus software was doing or trying to do. But rather than fool around and try jumping through hoops to get it to work, using a different flavor of anti-virus and anti-spyware software is faster and easier.
You may want to download the trial version of Kaspersky first BUT be forewarned that Kaspersky’s installation will NOT proceed - by design - unless and until you completely uninstall your current anti-virus software. With Trend Micro, you are then prohibited from re-installing it even if you had a current subscription with months left. The original activation code is no longer valid upon uninstall or so says the uninstall screen. You apparently would have to buy it once again to receive a new activation code.
I suggest that you make absolutely sure you have already downloaded one or two other TRIAL flavors of other reputable AV software just in case Kaspersky ends up not working.
Review by J. Resnik for Kaspersky Antivirus 2009 - 3 User Edition
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You can download the 2010 version from the internet(trial) and then when you get this use the key code for up to 3 computor’s and still have the 2010. Cheeper then buying the new one.