Kaspersky Lab occupies top positions in many ratings of anti-virus software developers. This is out of the question. Among the many programs, there are also free packages. Not so long ago, a new free modification of Kaspersky Free was presented. User and expert reviews were divided. Let's try to evaluate the new program according to the opinions of users and experts (Kaspersky Free 2016 Beta).

Kaspersky Free Antivirus: reviews and first impressions

So, the developer decided to present a new package to the users' judgment. According to its creators themselves, the program has become very "lightweight" and reliable. In addition, the Kaspersky Free package is also approved for free. User reviews, however, indicate that the program gives the impression of shareware, but more on that later.

As for the opinion of experts, they immediately noticed that only two modifications were released for use in Russia and Ukraine. And the name speaks for itself. This is a real beta version, that is, a development created exclusively for testing. So there are more than enough bugs in the program, despite all the assurances from the developers about the reliability.

We should also pay special attention to the main features of Kaspersky Free antivirus. Feedback from security software specialists directly indicates that there are much fewer of them here, in comparison with the same Internet Security package. The main focus is only on protection against penetration of threats and automatic updates. There is no question of any security of the same Internet payments, anti-spyware module, and even technical support at all (these characteristics can be seen on the official website of the developer).

There is one more problem with the Kaspersky Free package. Reviews of the same system administrators indicate the absence of any means of monitoring networks, protection against network attacks, firewall, Internet management, control of changes in the operating system, anti-spam and anti-banner, secure input, protection from data collection , backup modules, virtual safe, password manager, etc. The list of disadvantages can be very long.

On the other hand, there are also pluses. The Kaspersky Free package (expert reviews confirm this), there is a file, mail, web and IM antivirus, an anti-phishing module, as well as the ability to use an on-screen keyboard.

Finally, although the package supports the latest update for Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the top ten have their own restrictions regarding the suspension of protection.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Free: feedback on system requirements

The system requirements are not that high. Typical Windows XP computers require a processor with a clock speed of 1 GHz or higher, plus 512 MB of RAM. For systems with a higher rank, the same type of processor is needed, but for 32-bit systems, 1 GB of free "RAM" is required, for a 64-bit architecture - 2 GB.

For netbooks, the requirements are higher - a 1.66 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM, a screen with a minimum diagonal of 10.1 inches and a resolution of at least 1024 x 600 pixels, and it is completely unclear why the chipset is required

For tablets like the Microsoft Tablet PC, a 1.6 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM are required.

The characteristics of the equipment are rather modest by modern standards. But! Considering the 920 MB free disk space requirement, it's worth considering. In addition, unlike some other similar programs, the antivirus is installed exclusively on the system disk, and it is simply impossible to change its location to a virtual partition.

Package activation problems

As for the activation, the opinions of users say that after installation the program works normally only in Russia and Ukraine. The stated period is 365 days, but this is still impossible to verify. After it expires, the application will lose functionality. But what will happen next? Have to buy antivirus or reactivate? Unknown.

Interestingly, Belarusian users have found a way around the problem. Activation can be done using proxy servers. After that, everything works without problems.

Opinions about the load on the system

As you know, Kaspersky Lab software products are quite “gluttonous”. In the case of Kaspersky Free, an increased load on resources is noted only at the moment of system startup. Not surprisingly, this is when executable files are scanned. But, judging by the posts on the Internet, the further load is practically not felt.

Side effect issues

Now a few words about the negative consequences of installing Kaspersky Free.

Many experienced PC users know perfectly well that antivirus is a must-have program for comfortable work, because it protects against hacking, eliminates dangerous viruses and prevents intruders from gaining access. However, not everyone has the same opinion about Android mobile devices. It seems that they do not need such protection. And this is a delusion. Your phone can also contain important data and contacts that are threatened by viruses on the Internet.

How to provide reliable protection in this case? You should buy a key for a mobile Kaspersky for Android - modern software, which is well known to everyone as a powerful antivirus for a computer. The company also has software products for portable equipment.

Why do you need Kaspersky on a mobile phone?

We must not forget that a modern smartphone is in no way inferior in importance and functionality to a personal computer. With it, you can also search for information on the Internet, visit thematic sites, download files and programs. And this is where the main threat lies. Viruses and spyware can:

• steal your personal data (passwords, contacts, access to bank accounts);
• delete any files;
• organize tracking for you;
• cause a breakdown.

By using a mobile antivirus, all of this can be avoided. You will need to install the application and then activate it using the keys for Kaspersky on your Android phone. The program will provide you with full functionality:

• blocking suspicious sites, links and software;
• scanning files in the storage for viruses and spyware;
• blocking access to the camera, memory and other smartphone modules;
• protection of SMS, calls and contacts from surveillance.

The paid version offers advanced functionality, so if you often use your phone for work and store important data on it, then it will not be superfluous to buy.

Where can you buy licensed Kaspersky software for mobile?

The question of buying software for many is quite acute. A lot of people want to get such a product for free. It is possible, for example, you can use journal keys that are published in various print or digital publications. But their validity is very limited: 30-45 days. If you need long-term protection, then it is more profitable to buy a full-fledged key that is valid throughout the year.

Antivirus for Mac OS X- the question is as interesting as viruses for Mac OS X. It is a well-known fact that the number of viruses for Macs is approximately ten to fifteen. In addition, all these viruses are completely safe until an unsuspecting user launches them and enters the password for the account.

But antivirus companies are keen to expand their spheres of presence and influence. If on Windows working without an antivirus looks like, to put it mildly, an unreasonable act, then on Mac OS X it is quite possible to do without an antivirus program. But those who try to sell antivirus software to Mac users use two brilliant reasons.

The first reason is the growing popularity of the Mac as a platform which inevitably causes growing interest in Mac OS X from virus writers... The growing popularity of Macs has been talked about for about 5-6 years (if not more), however, there has not been an exponential growth in the number of viruses for Mac OS X. In general, the argument is difficult to recognize as valid, because it is more of a threat in the long term than a fait accompli.

The second reason is even more interesting - viruses from Mac can get on the PC and shit there in full... It is more difficult to argue against this argument, because viruses may well roam on an infected flash drive or in an email message on any number of Macs, but they can only start in their native Windows. What's more, the presence of Boot Camp on a Mac makes this threat more real. Consequently, it is possible to offer Mac owners the means to eliminate Windows viruses from under Mac OS X.

Today we will talk about one of these tools: Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac released late last year, “This is the leading protection for your Macintosh with a familiar user interface and award-winning technology from Kaspersky Lab.

We had plans to write about the Mac version of Kaspersky immediately after the release, but we decided to wait and see how the program develops. It turned out that it is not developing very actively. However, we didn't really hope for otherwise :)

After installation and activation (here everything is exactly the same as in Windows), you will see the "Mac OS style" design:

The beautiful orange spotlight symbolizes the potential danger that needs to be addressed by upgrading the bases. After that, it will change to a peaceful green light:

The most visible button in Kaspersky's interface is the magnifier, which manages three types of scanning:

Quick check covers only potentially dangerous places, full check wool the whole computer, and "Virus scan" allows you to select objects to check. Note: "Virus Scanning" is the only way to scan any particular object. The Mac version of Kaspersky touches the complete absence of an item for scanning for viruses in the context menu of files and folders.

The antivirus interface is complemented by four small buttons in the upper left corner. The first one opens a report window, in which the results of all checks are collected:

The second button opens the antivirus settings, the third - help, the fourth allows you to contact technical support. Let's talk a little more about the settings. If you have used Kaspersky on Windows, then you will not experience any cognitive dissonance. Everything is organized in the same way, except that the settings tabs are not here on the left, but on top:

You can configure a variety of detailed options for three security levels (maximum speed, maximum protection and default recommended medium) - what to check and what to look for. Please note: the settings on the first tab concern continuous protection, which is always carried out while the antivirus is running. But on the second tab, the same three security levels can be applied to the three types of checks that we talked about above.

We would recommend that you edit the list of objects for a "quick scan" (of course, if you decide to use Kaspersky :). If every time you comb through everything that is listed there, the check will hardly seem quick to you:

Tab "Threats" in the settings allows you to choose how meticulous Kaspersky will be. If you include "potentially dangerous software" there, then he will find fault with many decent files. Tab "Update" manages the schedule for downloading updates for databases and modules. "Net" you will only need it if you have a proxy. Tab "Reports" manages the storage time of the results of checks. Tab "Service" useful in that it allows you to disable the autostart of Kaspersky. Finally, the tab "View" manages the integration with Growl (I am glad that this feature is provided) and the change of skins of the program.

By default, Kaspersky Anti-Virus settles in the menu bar, never showing an icon in the Dock. The behavior can be changed in the settings, but it makes little sense. Managing the antivirus from the menu bar is already quite convenient: the menu contains almost all the necessary commands.

That's all there is to tell and show. Now about what we were expecting from Kaspersky Lab. Obviously, treating Windows viruses on a Mac so that unfortunate PC users do not suffer is clearly unnecessary altruism. Virus protection should be taken care of by those who are threatened by these viruses. Two points are not clear:

• why the Mac version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus costs exactly the same as the Windows version (1200 rubles), although its benefits are several times less. Years go by, but the situation does not change for the better, however, activating Kaspersky 2013 is a task that can be solved in different and completely legal ways;
• why the product Kaspersky Internet Security has not been released for Mac OS X. The threat to Mac is primarily represented by malicious sites that can steal passwords and credit card details. Banners cause a lot of trouble, and KIS in Windows successfully cuts them out.

In general, if Kaspersky Internet Security was released for Mac OS instead of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, then it would still be possible to think about buying. But in its current form, KAV will suit either blondes who do not know about the resistance of Macs to PC viruses, or paranoid people who do not believe in this resistance. The only thing that is alarming is the possible appearance of viruses for Mac, written by the antivirus vendors themselves (which is also the talk of the town).

You can try Kaspersky for Mac without much damage to your wallet due to a 30-day trial.

What is the difference between the paid and free versions of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android.

Many people think that an antivirus is not needed on Android at all, but we have already considered this issue earlier: there are a lot of different types of malware for this OS, including in official stores like Google Play. That is, an antivirus would not even be in the way. Then the second question arises: which one to choose?

Which mobile antivirus should you choose?

We, of course, will advise ours - Kaspersky Internet Security for Android. As a matter of fact, this is not just an antivirus - it is a whole mobile security complex, which also includes the Anti-Theft module, the ability to create a blacklist of numbers, and much more. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android can be paid or free - how do they differ and which version do you need?

What's in the free version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android

In fact, the free version of Kaspersky Internet Security consists of just the three parts listed above. Firstly, it is an anti-virus engine - exactly the same as in the paid version.

Secondly, this is the Anti-theft module, which allows, in case of loss, to send commands to the phone - block the device and find its coordinates, turn on the siren (what if the device just fell behind the sofa?) Or take a secret picture from the front camera. Also, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android can monitor whether the SIM card has been changed in the phone, and if so, send you the data of the new SIM card.

Thirdly, this is the ability to create a black list of numbers from which you do not want to receive calls or SMS. There is no built-in database like in our Who Calls application: you just enter the numbers manually - and the program remembers them. Further, it will block calls from these numbers and delete SMS messages received from them.

What's added in the paid version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android

The most basic difference between the free and paid versions is the automatic real-time scanning. In the free version, scanning the device for malware must be launched manually - the application periodically reminds you of this. In the paid version, scanning occurs automatically. We downloaded a new file - it will definitely be scanned, and there is no need to worry every time.

The paid version of Kaspersky Internet Security scans the device in real time

The paid version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android has other useful options as well. For example, there is an App Lock function that allows you to protect access to certain applications with a pin code. This is true, for example, in cases where you give your tablet to children and do not want them to inadvertently delete all your contacts or write something absurd to your boss.

The paid version also protects against phishing messages by checking if it is a real SMS from your bank or a fake one. Scammers love other people's bank accounts, so the importance of this feature should not be underestimated.

Plus, there is a module that protects against dangerous websites - it analyzes all the pages you try to visit, and if it is a malicious website, the module does not allow loading it.

Finally, the paid version allows you to hide some of your contacts - if someone gains access to your phone, they will not see them in the list of contacts and calls.

In general, the paid version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android has many additional features compared to the free version.

Switching from the free version to the paid one is easy - it is done right in the application. You can choose a subscription for a year or a month. If you do not renew your subscription, the antivirus will continue to work, but in the free version.

So which version should you choose?

If you are ready to manually start scanning after downloading each new file, you can easily save some money and use the free version of the antivirus - it catches malware just as well, you just have to think about scanning everything again.

If you just want to calmly use your Android device without thinking about potential threats, then the paid version is more suitable for you - it automatically checks the device for malware and is able to protect against phishing sites and messages.

In the name of the free antivirus from Kaspersky Lab -Kaspersky Free- the main rule of the game lies: you can always use the generosity of the developers. Free activation of the program lasts 365 days, then you can simply reinstall the antivirus and use it for another year and so on ad infinitum. Download Free AntivirusKaspersky Free can be found on the Kaspersky Lab website.

Below we will consider the work of Kaspersky Free antivirus in detail: what functionality is offered for free use for a whole year, how to install the program, what can be configured in it, etc.

Free antivirus Kaspersky Free: overview

What does Kaspersky offer for free?

Free does not mean defective in this case. Kaspersky Free is based on the same anti-virus engine as the paid products of Kaspersky Lab. The difference between Kaspersky Free edition is in functionality: this product is designed to provide basic computer protection. However, this is exactly what is needed for the majority of users who use a computer for non-commercial purposes and who have not once crossed the path of vindictive programmers.

The following are available for free use in Kaspersky Free:

• Complete anti-virus module;
• Real-time computer protection;
• Web protection (checking incoming Internet traffic and blocking malicious scripts);
• Checking software messengers to block malicious and phishing links in incoming messages;
• Checking mail;
• Auto-update of anti-virus databases;
• Cloud protection of Kaspersky Security Network.

As you can see, Kaspersky Free offers more than many other free antivirus products. Few of them will offer something more of the classics of the genre - antivirus module and real-time protection. And for sure, rare security software will tinker with spam in ICQ or Skype for free.

Installing Kaspersky Free

The installation process is very simple. We start the installation.

We agree with the developer's license.

The next choice is whether or not to participate in the cloud protection of Kaspersky Security Network. Working with a product like Kaspersky for free, it would be more honest to take part in cloud protection and enable Kaspersky Lab developers to use their experience in dealing with threats. Perhaps this will help someone someday and prevent problems. Helping software developers or not is everyone's personal business.

After installing the program, click "Complete" and put a check mark on the launch.

First launch of Kaspersky Free

At the first start, the program will offer to go through a free registration via e-mail. For the bun in the form of technical support for the antivirus, we will from time to time receive email marketing masterpieces from Kaspersky Lab in the mail. But for now, let's postpone this matter.

Having got into the main window of Kaspersky Free, first of all we will pay attention to the countdown of the license term in the lower right corner.

By clicking on this countdown, we will move to the licensing window, which will contain detailed data on activation, as well as the possibility of moving on to extended protection in the future - functional edition Kaspersky Internet Security.

Updating anti-virus databases

Returning to the main window, the next step is to update the anti-virus databases. Already in the main window of the program, we will see the status of the update module - "The databases have not been updated for a long time"... Let's fix it - press "Update".

And we update the anti-virus databases.

Anti-virus scan

In addition to the update module, in the main window, we will see another one available in the free edition of Kaspersky Free - anti-virus scan.

In the anti-virus scan section, we will find the traditional scanning modes:

• Full scan covering all areas of the computer;

• Quick scan, which checks programs and startup services, objects in system memory;

• Selective scan - scan mode for individual files;

• Checking external devices - the anti-virus scanning mode of storage devices connected to the computer (flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards).

Real-time protection

If threats are detected, Kaspersky Free will notify you in the information window in the lower right corner of the screen and will quarantine the files.

The red color of the program interface will also indicate a security threat.

The preset settings of Kaspersky Free provide for launching a search in the rootkit system after detecting and neutralizing viruses.

Quarantine and other additional tools

Additional tools of free Kaspersky Free

we will see little. This is a monthly report on the work of the antivirus, a section for switching to paid versions of Kaspersky products, a section for enabling and disabling cloud protection of Kaspersky Security Network, as well as quarantine.

It is in the additional tools that the quarantine is hidden, where you will need to go to restore controlled files that the antivirus may mistakenly regard as dangerous. You can also visit the quarantine to remove detected threats, if these are unnecessary files.

Kaspersky Free settings

Access to the settings is realized by the button in the lower left corner of the main window.

Antivirus is preinstalled already optimally configured. As you can see in the first tab "Are common", Kaspersky Free is configured to start automatically together with Windows and provides for quarantine before removing detected files.

In the second tab "Protection" if necessary, we can temporarily abandon some of the Kaspersky Free protection modules.

Next tab "Performance"- a rare occurrence, even in antivirus, at least in any other program. However, if we are talking about products from Kaspersky Lab, which are famous for the gluttony of computer system resources, such a setting tab is very useful. It provides pre-installed options:

• Refusal from scheduled antivirus scans for laptops in power saving mode;
• Performing scheduled scans while the computer is idle;
• Low priority for the use of system resources during Windows startup;
• Automatic launch of a rootkit search after malware is detected.

It is not preinstalled, but it is possible for manual installation to give the priority of the use of system resources to other computer programs with a high load on the processor or hard disk. This option can be used on older or low-powered devices.

In the tab "Examination" instead of the predefined automatic selection of Kaspersky Free actions upon detection of threats, we can set one specific one for all cases in a row - only informing about the threat, only treatment, disinfection and, in extreme cases, removal or removal in each case. The preset automatic selection is the best option, and it is hardly worth changing these specific settings for users with little computer experience. But you can refuse to check external connected devices. If flash drives, SD cards or other storage media are connected only to proven other devices, why be distracted every time by refusing to scan. If you intend to work in a dangerous environment - visiting sites with a questionable reputation, installing and testing third-party software, you can move the security level slider from recommended to high.

In the last tab "Additionally" we will find partitions with other program settings.

We will consider some of them in a separate order.

Adding files to exclusions Kaspersky Free

In order for the antivirus to leave alone and not terrorize the controlled file, which is mistakenly considered malicious, this file must be added to the exclusions. In the settings tab "Additionally" select a section Threats and Exceptions.

By clicking the option "Configure Exceptions", in the appeared window of exceptions at the bottom we press the button "Add".

In the first field, using the browse button, specify the path to the file. This file will not participate in anti-virus scanning in the future, nor will it be pulled by other Kaspersky Free modules, the checkboxes of which are pre-installed in the column "Components of protection"... Press the button "Add" at the bottom of the window.

By the same principle, you can add executable program files to the list of exclusions by clicking in the section " Threats and Exceptions " option "Specify trusted programs".

Storing quarantined objects

By default, Kaspersky Free provides a monthly storage period for files in quarantine. You can change this period in the settings tab "Additionally" by selecting the section "Reports and Quarantine".

In addition to choosing a more or less long period for storing objects in quarantine, we can configure its cleaning not in time, but as it is filled with data. To do this, uncheck the option for storing objects by time and select the option to limit the quarantine size by specifying the allowable size in MB in the field.

Refusal to animate the interface

Where animation of the software interface is certainly useless, it is the case with antiviruses, and especially with Kaspersky Lab's antiviruses. On weak devices, it is better to abandon effects for the sake of performance. In the settings tab "Additionally" select a section "View" and remove the preset animation checkboxes.

Suspending protection for Kaspersky Free

In case the vigilance of the protection modules needs to be temporarily put to sleep, for example, in order to install questionable software without obstacles, Kaspersky Free provides a convenient tool for suspending protection. In the context menu on the Kaspersky Free icon in the system tray, click "Suspend protection" and select one of the options offered - suspend for a certain time, indefinitely, or until the first reboot.