Anti-Virus software is in some ways like a car alarm or like a flu shot. You don’t know the details about how they work, but know what they do, if not how they do it. And you must trust the experts when they tell you that one works well. How does Protector Plus 2009 stand up?
Introduction
Protector Plus from Proland Software is an anti-virus program built for all manner of Windows desktop and server computers. Proland also seems to still support Netware. I don’t see notice of Windows 7 compatibility currently on their site, but considering all the other Windows versions supported we can be fairly sure they will be quick to support Windows 7. For now, we have to assume that support and compatibility stop with Windows Vista.
Features (3 out of 5)
At some point anti-virus software either begins to all look the same in description, or each product trying to differentiate itself attempts to stand out with unique features that solve some particularly defined problems. Most of the time it is a race to implement the latest AV technology and get to market. Other than mentioning the use of heuristics, Protector Plus doesn’t go overboard with buzzwords or attempts to “out-number” the competition with the number of signatures detected.
Install and Ease of Use (3 out of 5)
I tested Protector Plus on XP Professional. The program appears to have been aimed more at business users than the home market, which is to be expected when considering their product line. Much of the bells & whistles and super-friendly interface styling found in the competition isn’t here. Then again, if you just want malware detection this may be the sort of thing you’re looking for.
Price (3 out of 5)
Protector Plus for Windows desktop platforms including Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000,Windows Me and Windows 98 sells for $29.95 for a single-user license. While this is a reasonable price, we must consider that there are some solid anti-virus offerings that are free, as well as some in this same price range from the top players in the field. With price competition so tight these days, I have to rate Protector Plus as simply average.
Overall (3 out of 5)
Protector Plus is an average offering in anti-virus protection. Protector Plus has Windows Server, Ms. Exchange, and even Netware offerings as well, although at much higher prices. Protector Plus Console is a network management tool to distribute and update Protector Plus on Microsoft Windows Domains. Other products include SpamChoke, an anti-spam filter, and a Windows vulnerability scanner. Proland software is based in Bangalore, India.
