VirusKeeper 2011 is an extension of the Multi Virus Cleaner program but, with real time protection. The software boasts an impressive virus database and antispyware scanning capabilities, in addition to regular virus detection. The real time shield scans numerous areas including registry and system file modifications, messenger protection, I/O port monitoring and more. The shield also has predefined settings for game, netbook, and normal mode to conserve power and resources. Finally, the program is used by over 10 million users worldwide ensuring broad publisher support.
The installation went well. The download size was 24.4 megabytes and was updated as recently as March 30th. The only problem is that the installation file is located within a zip file (not quite sure why because it only saves one megabyte). However, once the setup file started the program installed quickly. While the tray icon and the real time shield started, I was unable to run an initial scan. A quick reboot solved this problem and the program worked fine afterwards.
VirusKeeper 2011 is kind of unique in that it has three different scanning types. There is the instant analysis, antivirus file, and the antispyware scan. The instant analysis runs a quick scan utilizing the heuristic and behavioral engine. The analysis checks active processes, web browser integrity, new files, and active processes. This scan completes in about 30 seconds and scans at about 2.6 megabytes per second. The next scanning option is the antivirus scanner which has four scanning options the deep, quick, full, and custom. The quick scanner runs at an impressive 10 to 13 megabytes per second and finished in approximately 10 minutes. Another plus is the scanners responsiveness in that it can be stopped and started almost instantly versus a huge lag time with most free antivirus. Next, is the antispyware scanner which extensively checks the registry for toolbars and other spyware programs. This finished in about 7 minutes and scanned 100,000’s of registry keys. An additional option is the cookie area in which VirusKeeper detects all system cookies, not just internet explorer but with all browsers. A user has the option to delete any offending cookie.
There are also several tools available to diagnosis problems with one’s computer. The ProcessWatch displays running process, loaded drivers, and services etc. The only problem is that the trusted database is pretty limited and labeled notepad.exe as unknown. The services and loaded drivers functions also didn’t work on the test system. I like the NetWatch which shows which programs are actively connected to a network and by what specific ports. The “more details” tab shows a lot of information about a process including loaded modules and their location, what windows the program is actively using (extremely handy for malware detection i.e. shows the keyscrambler protection inside of Firefox which could have easily been a keylogger), security privileges , cpu time and virtual memory usage, and more. This is by far the best feature of VirusKeeper 2011. Next, there is the Program Report which lists all startup programs (could be more in-depth). Finally, there are scheduling options and a password protection option.
Resource usage is kind of mixed. I say this because it depends on how many windows are open at a given moment. With the program completely idle and just the tray icon, it uses approximately 20 megabytes of RAM which is better than most free antivirus. When scanning, VirusKeeper 2011 can use upwards of 200 megabytes of RAM and approximately 15 percent CPU power. However, I am really pleased that the real time shield barely affected system operation and boot times.
Some things to improve in future versions, could be one scan that integrates all three scanning options for simplicity. Fewer menus and wait times when launching scanners would also be helpful. The inclusion of cloud integration and a more effective trusted database. Finally, a resizable window could help users with smaller screens.
