Though it doesn't include a firewall anymore, VirusScan 8.0 will detect and remove
adware and spyware, as well as malicious worms and scripts.McAfee, not to be upstaged by Norton, has made the new version of its VirusScan antivirus program available today--via download. McAfee ViruScan Online costs US$34.95 for a one-year subscription. The boxed edition ships in mid-September.
Like that of industry leader Norton, the new version of McAfee's antivirus offering, VirusScan, will detect and remove spyware and adware. A new autoupdate feature can send your PC the latest antivirus signature files every four hours. Also new are features to stop worms and hostile scripts from running on your PC.
Upside: This new edition includes the tools to detect and remove spyware, the source of many pop-up ads. It also prevents Trojan horses, worms, and malicious scripts from taking root on your PC.
Downside: Despite the recent MSBlast worm, McAfee decided to remove its popular personal firewall from VirusScan. We think this is a mistake. VirusScan users must either purchase the McAfee Personal Firewall Plus (or another brand) separately or wait for the bundled McAfee Internet Security suite due out in mid-September.
Outlook: McAfee has made significant internal progress by combining its online and retail products under the McAfee Security banner. We only wish it would stay on the cutting edge by keeping its antivirus and firewall products combined.
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