Baidu Antivirus 2015 features all-in-one protection against viruses, malware, surfing security, Anti-Phishing, etc. It also boasts an integrated Firewall, USB protection and much, much more. Moreover, this antivirus software is completely free, giving you the same if not even better protection then its heavy-weight rivals.
Once you open its main window, which is beautifully done by the way, you will find a host of small icons on the upper right-hand side of the window, but more about them later. Now, we will be focusing on the left-hand side where you will see three buttons. Scan, Protection and Toolbox. These make the core of the program.
When you click the Scan button, you will see (hopefully) the message “Your PC is safe!”. If you see a different message I suggest you start a scan of your computer immediately. In the Scan section of the program you can choose between three Scan options. The first one is Quick scan, which you will notice right away because it’s a big green button. It’s a sort of a tool to quickly check whether there's any infection in the part of the system that you are currently using or to check if there're threats that start when your system boots up. When you start Quick scan, you will be pleasantly surprised at the sheer number of items that are being scanned. Let me give you a quick short-list: System memory, Start-up items, System services, System logon configuration, boot sector, etc. There are no less than (read) eleven different items that Quick scan goes through, which even some of the prissiest antivirus software doesn't scan. Besides Quick scan, you also have the Full scan, which is the same thing except it scans ALL the files on your computer, and the Custom Scan that will work with a selected folder.
I must add before I continue, that the speed of the scan, no matter if it’s a Quick Scan or Full Scan is astonishing. Don’t quote me on this but I think it’s the fastest in its field.
Let’s move on to the Protection part of this amazing program. Once you click on the Protection button, you will see a well-designed window featuring a nice animation and some basic information like File Protection, Threats detected etc. on the left. But we’re more into the part on the right. There you can control what protections you want turned on or off. It’s divided into three groups: Computer, Internet and Privacy Protection. Each of these groups has options which you can turn on or off, as I said. For instance, you can turn off Real-time protection, USB protection, Anti-Phishing, Firewall and so on and so forth. There are a total of nine protection options that you can manage here with ease.
And finally, we have the Toolbox section, which is no less important than the other two. It is chock full of nine extremely useful tools. I won’t name all of them but some just stick out and need to be mentioned. First, there is a Sandbox option, which isolates unknown risks. Secondly, Browser Protection, which prevents your homepage from being maliciously changed. Then, you have System Repair, Ad Blocker for your browser, etc. Nicely done, Baidu!
Now, I would just like to add a few words about some of the features that I liked a lot. As I said earlier, the GUI is exquisitely done. Everything is in its place, well organized, and the theme is outstanding. Even if you don’t like it, there are eight more to choose from. Also, I love that is says “Free forever” in the place where you would normally see a Buy button. Also it actively protects your cloud. I have to mention that you have the standard options in the tray if you click on its icon.
I have to admit, I was a little sceptical about antiviruses that are free of charge. Force of habit I guess, but Baidu Antivirus 2015 blew me away. It keeps up with the “Big dogs” and, in my opinion, even transcends them in some areas. Two thumbs up for the Baidu team and its amazing software.
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