

We used our custom OpenOffice benchmark test, which matches 20,000 names and addresses in a spreadsheet, to measure system performance before and after Antivirus Plus 2016 was installed. We installed Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2016 on a Windows 8.1-based Asus X555LA notebook with an Intel Core i3 processor, 6GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive containing 36GB of assorted files. The payoff is one of the best performance scores in the basic-security-software arena. But it does have the company's Photon performance technology, which streamlines operations during malware scans. Performance and System ImpactĪntivirus Plus 2016 lacks Bitdefender's PC Optimizer, which comes with the more expensive Total Security suite and can also be bought as a $60 add-on. But the rescue partition won't work with PCs that use Microsoft's Secure Boot - for those systems, you'll need to download the company's Rescue CD software and burn it to an optical disc or USB stick. If your system is so gunked up with malware that it can barely be used, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2016 has you covered.ĭuring installation, it puts a hidden "rescue" partition on your hard drive that can boot and clean the PC.

Nor does it have the dedicated webcam protection found in mid- and high-range Kaspersky products, which often also include licenses for the best Mac antivirus software and the best Android antivirus apps.īitdefender's file shredder can obliterate any compromising or sensitive material, but doesn't use U.S.

It screens Web links in emails, Web browsers and instant messages, but Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2016 lacks specific protection against potentially unwanted applications, such as adware or browser hijackers.
