Webroot Secure Anywhere AntiVirus Review Review

Full review

Historically, Webroot is a company more associated with anti-spyware than antivirus software, but with its combination of internet security tools, it has built quite a reputation as a quality antivirus software provider. The latest version of its antivirus program lives up to the high standards set by previous versions, without losing any functionality.

Setup

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus installed quickly and easily as a download without any irritating setup problems. You also need your computer to keep running smoothly when you have the antivirus operating (which should be almost all of the time) - we liked that the program runs in the background without slowing down other processes. It’s not the fastest one out there, but it doesn’t cause problems either. Webroot also has another thing in its favor – it uses a minimal amount of disk space; great for packed PCs.

Protection

Internet - Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus has numerous security shield modules offering multiple layers of protection. This includes web browser, network, system, start-up and email attachment scanning protection.

Email – Protection for your email covers both the emails you receive and the emails you send out.

Webroot features a combined attack force of Sophos antivirus protection with Webroot’s Spy Sweeper for anti-spyware capabilities. The two protections offer full coverage for your PC. The advanced protection defends against malicious files before they get a chance to install themselves on your computer and blocks them before they cause a problem. It also stops unknown threats by basing its criteria on suspicious behavior. Viruses, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, worms and rootkits are all covered.

Effectiveness

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus boasts a decent report card with good scores from independent testing labs.

Scans & updates

The Webroot program offers fewer scan options than other software. The default option is a full scan, and there is no option for a quick scan. While we were able to configure a quick scan by customizing the options, it may not be obvious to a beginner. The software scans all drives and can even scan external media like USB drives. You can also individually scan files that concern you. When the software finds viruses or malware they are moved to quarantine where you can decide how to deal with them.

Webroot Antivirus updates itself so you don’t need to stop working to download virus updates. However, it doesn’t update itself quite so regularly as other software (around once a day, on average, which is way below other programs.)

Features

Gamer mode – As with previous versions, Webroot AntiVirus has a feature called 'movie and gamer' mode. This mode pauses scheduled scans and alerts while you are playing a game or watching a movie so that you can enjoy your entertainment without interruptions. The system automatically resets back to regular antivirus mode after a few hours if you forget to turn it on.

Ease of use

We were really impressed by the interface - simple and clear. It's logical, well organized, and great for the novice user. The software utilizes a traffic light system that lets you know how serious the threat is by using green, yellow, and red colors. Webroot is very easy to configure from a dashboard button bar that gives you your settings, support options, and notifications. You can select quick or deep scans or even customize your own scan settings.

Help & support

Telephone - Technical support is available on the following numbers:

US: 1-866-612-4227
UK: 0870 141 7070

Please note that call charges are likely to apply.

Email - Click here to send a message to technical support.

Live chat - Not available.

Twitter - Unknown.

Forum - Webroot has an excellent and thriving community forum. You don't need to have purchased Webroot to become a member. There a place called "Ideas exchange" where yes you guessed it right, you can exchange ideas for improving the software.

Click here to directly access the Antivirus discussion in the community forum.

Knowledge base - Click here to visit the Antivirus knowledge base.

Overall

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a powerful antivirus program. It also has some nice little extras that don't come with other antivirus products. The system is easy to install and has a helpful and clear interface, making it easy to operate. The system takes up less space than its competitors but it doesn’t scan files so quickly and it doesn’t score so highly in independent tests. But Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is still a solid, reliable antivirus solution and a good purchase.