Pros
Uses almost no background memory; no impact on computer speed; lots of settings to tailor to your needs; website ratings in search engine results; quick scans; good detection rates in tests/reviews
Cons
Not the best option if you're not always connected to the internet, as it relies on the cloud to function
Summary
I tried Webroot Secure Anywhere Internet Security after reading a PC Mag article giving it an outstanding review, and I'm glad I did. It offers all the basics and no useless bloatware garbage that so many other anti-viruses bundle nowadays. Most impressively, it uses almost no memory and has by far the least impact on computer speed of any anti-virus software I've ever used (second best would be Norton Security, and the worst would be Bitdefender and McAfee based on memory used and personal speed perception). Webroot offers plenty of settings for power users to play around with. And the web protection, which includes clear web site ratings in search engine results (so you don't click on an infected link) is among the best of any out there. I'm a techie so I tend to try out new stuff because I get asked all the time "what should I use" for various software. So my new top recommendation for anti-virus is Webroot, as long as you're always connected to the internet as it relies upon the cloud to check unknown processes and files. It is fast and offers just the right amount of features, and has excellent detection rates per reviews and lab tests.
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Pros
No appreciable impact on system resources
Excellent heuristics and threat database refreshment
Robust administrative interface
Uncluttered GUI
Very flexible and feature rich user security preferences
Multi-platform protection with single license; each endpoint allowed five additional devices (smartphone, tablet, etc)
Cons
Adding devices requires several "secure" steps, which some could see as a a negative
Summary
Having been a longtime user (1998-2011) of ESET's NOD32, then Kaspersky (2011-2013), I was very reluctant to switch. However, NOD32 became a bloated, resource hog from v4 on. Switching to Kaspersky I noticed issues with resource impact as well. Webroot has been as invisible as any AVM package I've used. My local tests continue to satisfy me. Webroot protects my systems from threats and attacks on a variety of levels. Their Webroot Infrared algo even provides advanced detection of zero-day malware. Very pleased with Webroot.
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Reply by gmc_cowboy on September 10, 2016
I agree, ESET is not what it used to be and is pretty heavy on memory use. I am quite impressed with Webroot. I also like Norton, which is light on resources with good reviews as well, but more expensive.
Pros
Simple to use and fast.
Cons
Does not actually work.
Summary
Just purchased this to help remove some dllhost hijacking malware (I ended up just wiping the disk). Webroot detected nothing. Spyhunter was a little better, finding secondary issues, though not the actual malware itself. Malwarebytes noticed and blocked the port usage. Vipre blocked a few things from running as well. So essentially it is a complete waste of money. Any kickbacks to CNET for their friendly article I wonder?
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Pros
Nice, fast online backup
The lightest AV I've ever used. Absolutely no impact on system performance
Scans entire computer in under two minutes
Cons
I cant figure out how this program works, or how to effectively test it.
The price tag.
Measly two week trial, need more time if i'm going to invest $80.00 in a fairly new, unproven technology.
Summary
Webroot no longer takes part in AV test dot org, Reps say its due to their product not being a traditional AV scanner and therefore should not, and cannot, be tested like traditional AV products..Skeptics say it's due to poor detection rates, whatever the case I like this product and I think Webroot is the wave of the future, just wish I could have it longer, two weeks is not enough to be convinced
Updated on Mar 2, 2014
I tested this product with 122 in the wild viruses on a test machine and Webroot only picked up 84 on an on demand scan, two required permission to access registry (which I denied) and the last one, win32:Delf-SQL TROJ slipped by and rendered my computer completely unusable, forcing me to reformat my hard drive. Its too bad, I really wanted to like this program, but right now it's just not ready for prime-time
On a side note, Avast free detected and quarantined all without incident while Panda Cloud Free missed only three..
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Pros
Seemed to work great at first - removed possible threats and increased performance... but...
Cons
... a couple days after installing, Windows 7 would only reboot in a temporary profile. Tried uninstalling and profile still wouldn't come back. Had to restore operating system to a date before Webroot installation. No more Webroot for me!
Summary
Not worth the price. Basically, the old "bait and switch."
I believe most viruses on PCs are created by the hacks at virus protection companies. Any knucklehead can create a Windows virus. I recommend sticking with Mac, but if you can't, find a virus protection other than Webroot.
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Pros
1) Super fast so you can run it each time you log off the internet. 2) Very dynamic interface -- a lot of choices under advanced settings 3) pretty much self-explanatory 4) Quick access to guide
Cons
1) Goes from 35% checked to 70% checked in a split second. Seems to check different sections during each run. 2) Webroot URL application rates my own Bravenet ad-free websites low scores. These are self-written websites and mostly just wordy articles, so what's unsafe? Must be because I'm a free-lance writer, not a corporation. 3) Support is kind of flimsy. 4) Doesn't have very good uninstall options. 5) When it warns against a page and you allow it to shut down, it closes all the other webpages.
Summary
I've only had Webroot for a few months. It is okay, I'm not sure it is catching everything, but it hasn't deleted anything important yet. I don't understand all the terminology too well.
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Pros
Fast Scanning
Sometimes Detects
Unobtrusive
Cons
Didn't do its job for me. Now reaping
Detects infected USB Flash as Clean
Summary
I purchased Webroot secure anywhere, and recently have been infected with a virus which corrupted all my Microsoft word .doc files. The virus adds the extension festaazulcorrupta onto every doc or docx or xls file. Webroot didn't detect it. Also there is another virus which came onto my SD card which add 2 folders titled:
Hot Fotos
My Musik (2013)
When i right click and scan the SD card, its still being found as clean. This was very disappointing. When i bought it, it was rated as #1 by Cnet. Now I'm upset. Should just stick with Norton since its been around for long. Now busy downloading alternatives
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Pros
None at all
Cons
Webroot deletes files created by other software. There is no warning and no explanation. All you know is that software you have had for years suddenly starts going wrong and it can take you ages to figure out that its this crappy thing that's messing you up.
If you have not yet downloaded, don't. If you've got the trial, bin it and get something else. If you've already parted with your money, you can partially salvage the situation by....
Click on Identity Protection
Click on the cog wheel to the right of Identity Protection
Click on the Application Protection Tab
Locate all your favourite software and click the Allow buttons
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Pros
Just no problems. Have been using for about two months. There is little to change from the default installation.
Its ability to stop Malware is only know three ways: Initial scan, any problems later, and reports from quality lab tests. So far it has passed all three.
Cons
None, I'm a happy camper.
Summary
I'm a happy camper.
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Pros
Very light on system resources, fast scans on basic computers, stays up to date with cloud resources, it actually works for people with basic needs.
Cons
I have been using Webroot for 2 years now. I installed it on every machine I own. Did have a problem with brothers computer when it installed but I'm pretty sure it's because he had a lot of garbage he downloaded of the internet.
Summary
Webroot is a really good solution for people with integrity on the internet. If you are not downloading stuff you shouldn't be downloading, Webroot will make sure you stay protected at all times. I'm not sure why people are saying it's pricey, I picked it up the first time for around 40 dollars. The second time I picked it up at Best Buy as their deal of the day for 10 dollars. You just have to know how to shop. The end.
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Reply by Eddys-Classics on December 2, 2013
To: Choog8. Webroot was known as a spyware detecting company. This was the reason why many had purchased this previously, known as SpySweeper and was entitled as this for a reson: in order to be used in conjunction with an anti-virus program and for the very same reasons that you indicated to Scanner, this should not do. This is why Webroot suceeded. They now want to get onto the anti-virus bandwagon and they will fail.
The most purest sites: The spiritual - all forms, The Bible, education, charity, sales and banking - IS WHERE THE MOST DAMAGE IS DONE! So your statement to Scanner is very accusatory, presumptuous and inflammatory without knowing the person.
"Webroot is a really good solution for people with integrity on the internet. If you are not downloading stuff you shouldn't be downloading..."
Are you serious? Anything can happen to anyone. Ironically, the purer the site the greater the danger!
This is a very unfair and silly statement.
Good day.
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