F-Secure sells products based on the product's benefits, not simply on the strength of their name - which makes their recent success as an antivirus and internet security program all the more impressive. They have close to the detection effectiveness of Kaspersky and Symantec, without the resource footprint. Although it doesn't include all the same features that Symantec or Kaspersky do, this simplifies the interface and the entire experience considerably and makes this a very suitable, extremely well-priced
Protection against phishing attempts and spam is not included, nor is full web protection with F-Secure Antivirus - you can purchase F-Secure Internet Security, which is equally lightweight, simple and effective, for around $54.95 for 3 computers for 1 year.
Also, if you're used to the customizable features that many of the bigger-brand antivirus programs offer, be aware that F-Secure has trimmed down and simplified their program. It doesn't include adjustable security levels, the ability to create user profiles, self defense or password protect settings. There is no gamer mode or battery-saver mode included either - but for ordinary users, this won't matter a lick ... and will actually make the program more pleasant to use.
Additional Features
F-Secure includes close to a complete suite of additional protections, including:
Browser and operating system hijack protection
In- and out-bound email and IM protection
Protection from hackers, backdoor attacks, dialers, adware and ActiveX controls
Identity theft protection
Threats detected
Viruses
Worms
Rootkits
Trojans
Malware
Spyware
What Real People Say
CNET user review by Sydnerg:
"I like everything. Working very well, I had no one single case of virus or other malware infection for last 5 years. Honestly I don't find any cons that could be mentioned"
CNET user review by tinibikini:
"Easy to install & use; easy to handle & understand; comprehensive protection; excellent product"
PCWorld user review by KCsoi9cat:
"I haven't had any virus problems for years! I was obviously on someones hit list a few years ago. I was using Norton, so forked out the extra money and bought F-secure...nothing ever since."
Should you buy F-Secure Antivirus?
What's fabulous about F-Secure Antivirus?
Malware detection rate of just under 98% - less than 1% behind the products with the highest scores
Tech support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone
Behavioural detection facilities like Symantec and Kaspersky to help identify new threats; however this doesn't slow the computer down
Simple, easy interface - great for beginners
Very low memory use while scanning
What F-Secure Antivirus features are middle-of-the-road?
Few customizable features
Where does F-Secure Antivirus fail?
Difficult to install on systems that are already infected