McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 performs well with virus detection and removal. It is easy to learn and easy to use.

User Interface: The McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 user interface has not changed since 2007. Its left-hand navigation bar is intuitive and logical. It features two tables of contents: one for basic features and one for more advanced features. Upon detection and/or removal, the application displays a non-intrusive notification in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Scanning: McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 detected but could not remove Websearch adware or XLOADNET.EXE malware even after several reboots and scans. It required reboots in order to attempt to remove Websearch, but after several tries, could not remove it.

Real-Time Protection: McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 gives the advanced user a lot of latitude in configuring settings for real-time protection. For the novice user, most default settings are sufficient.

Upgrades and Updates: User can configure how and when updates and upgrades will be performed.

Value: The price of McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 is $39.99 for a 1-year subscription. A three-user license is $59.99 for one year.

Integrated Support Options: For a major player, technical support is only fair. Free support is limited to the online McAfee Answer Center, and the McAfee Virtual Technician. The Virtual Technician is proprietary application that must be downloaded in order to diagnose problems with McAfee software.

Top Features

• Mcafee SiteAdvisor rates search returns for safety.
• Very good virus detection and removal.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and flags suspicious activity.
• Detects, blocks, and removes spyware including rootkits.
• Includes firewall.
• Easily add machines and manage security for multiple PCs.
• Includes phishing protection.
• System diagnostic tools shred deleted files and defrag hard drive.
• Performs faster and requires fewer system resources than previous versions.
• 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.

Pros

• McAfee SiteAdvisor rates the safety of each search return.
• Automatic continual updates.
• Supports multiple IM applications: Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft Windows Messenger, and Microsoft Messenger.
• Supports Windows 2000 (with SP4).
• Scans links within IM text.
• Integrated firewall.
• Minimal memory usage (40 Mb for all services/drivers.)
• Good integration with Microsoft Internet Explorer.
• Automatically enables Windows Firewall and Automatic Updates.
• West Coast Labs Anti-Virus Level 1, 2 and Trojan certified. [Jan. 2005].

Cons

• User needs to provide name and e-mail address and create an account to get the trial version of the software. Unless you opt out, you will receive e-mail on latest virus threats, McAfee promotions, and McAfee partner special promotions.
• Scans are slow and require a lot of memory.
• Software cannot be set to update hourly.
• Technical Support, if you need it, can get very expensive.
• Does not schedule a weekly or monthly scan automatically (Must be set up manually.)
• Unable to remove Websearch adware.
• To view logging information we had to switch to the Advanced menu and then there was very little explanatory information.

Installation: Installation is easy and fast. However, the user must create an account to get the trial version.

Virus Detection: In our testing, McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 was over-all verygood. It detected and removed most viruses, spyware, and Trojans we threw at it, although it did not detect or remove XLOADNET.EXE or Websearch malware. In most cases, the product did not allow the malware to be installed or copied. SystemGuard worked very well to block registry changes to Internet Explorer.

Phishing and Malicious Web site Protection: McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 provides protection against phishing attacks and malicious Web sites.

Updates: In our testing, we found that updates were performed automatically after installation, and the latest definitions were retrieved seamlessly.

Customer Support: Support other than McAfee’s Knowledge Base and Virtual Technician can be very pricey. Agent-assisted Virus Removal enables you to chat online with a technician who will help you detect and remove viruses at $19.95 per incident. Remote Controlled Virus Removal enables you to chat online with a technician who can take control of your computer over the Web to detect and remove viruses from your computer at $29.95 per incident. Phone support is also available: Agent-assisted Virus Removal, which uses a premium-rate telephone number, enables you to speak with a technician who will help you detect and remove viruses from your computer at $3.95 per minute or $59.95 per incident. Remote Controlled Virus Removal enables you to speak with a technician who will take control of your computer over the Web and detect and remove viruses from your computer at $64.95 per incident.